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ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But we adopted the state of Idaho. That's another thing. On some of that.
- It's really about what our state needs and what our state does.
- Again, Representative Erickson, if you can state your name and who you represent, the podium is yours
- And then in the last year or so, there's been push across the United States.
- And so Indiana, Texas, Arizona, Mississippi have all done stuff like this.
Summary:
The Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from February 17 and February 23. It then introduced RS 33-496, a proposal from Rep. Steve Tanner prompted by the death of a 12-day-old infant in Nampa. Tanner said the measure is intended to protect newborns and infants up to age one when mandatory reporters identify high-risk parental histories, requiring the Department of Health and Welfare to verify reports within 12 hours and prioritize the case; he said the fiscal impact should be negligible.
The committee heard House Bill 497 from Rep. Marco Erickson, the annual controlled substances scheduling bill, but voted to hold it in committee. Erickson said the bill updates Idaho’s drug schedules and reflects state-specific decisions rather than automatic federal conformity. During discussion, Rep. Beiswenger questioned the inclusion of ibogaine in Schedule I, citing research and possible medical benefits for PTSD and depression; Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses representative Oren Duffin said ibogaine was scheduled in 1972, the board does not revisit substances retroactively, and any change would need to come from the legislature.
The committee then considered RS 33-450, the replacement bill for HB 497, and voted to introduce it and send it to the second reading calendar with a due pass recommendation. Beiswenger reiterated concerns about ibogaine, while other members said they would support future legislation if research warranted changes. The meeting ended with adjournment and a reminder about vendors and a prison industries gift display in the rotunda.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- But we adopted the state of Idaho. That's another thing. On some of that.
- It's really about what our state needs and what our state does.
- And then in the last year or so, there's been push across the United States.
- You know, Texas has put in a $50 million research grant into funding ibogaine research on it.
- And so Indiana, Texas, Arizona, and Mississippi have all done stuff like this.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Why can't this program just be run by the state police?
- Missouri State Highway Patrol reports theft is a widespread issue across the state.
- Missouri State Trooper.
- you know, it's blue states, red states, whatever, have adopted it.
- And so you have all the best that when these states, and, you know, it's blue states, red states, whatever
Committee:
House Insurance
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- that program to the state of Florida and the Cape.
- Yeah, yes, that what you just saw, state separation, right?
- And so that's all direct investment here in the state somewhere.
- You know, we at the state are the only state that treats bases official mode of transportation.
- It's available to the rest of the state.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/05/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the state today. the state today.
- to our state, Mr. Chair. Um I would to our state, Mr. Chair.
- </c> cities of our state. cities of our state.
- </c> that we had in the state of Minnesota. that we had in the state of Minnesota.
- </c> state of Minnesota. state of Minnesota.
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- income to the state.
- Louisan and I work in another state, am I subject to... "Work in another state.
- If that state, Texas or wherever, had withholdings, then it sounds like I would have to file proving
- A gentleman, I can't do anything about the tax laws in the State of Texas or any of those.
- worked in the State of Missouri.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee first took up Senate Bill 1032, which would provide a $2,400 tax deduction related to the birth or adoption of a child. Vice Chair Davis offered a committee amendment to broaden eligibility by changing the trigger from “gives birth or adopts” to “attains legal parentage,” which would include birth, gestational carrier surrogacy, adoption, and legal parent-child relationships by operation of law. Members discussed that the deduction amount would remain the same and that it could be claimed only once per child. The committee adopted the amendment and then adopted a substitute incorporating it, but the substitute failed on a tied roll call vote of 4-4, so the bill did not advance.
The committee then heard House Bill 3294, sponsored by Representative Mayhew, which would eliminate the need for active-duty military personnel who are exempt from Missouri income tax to file a state return just to receive a refund of withheld taxes. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce paperwork for service members and lower administrative costs for the Department of Revenue, while still leaving federal filing requirements unchanged. Members asked about residency rules, whether the bill applied to retirees or only active duty, and how withholding would work for service members stationed in or out of Missouri.
No vote was taken on House Bill 3294 during the hearing. The chair closed the hearing after final comments, noting it was likely the committee’s last hearing of the session, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Pizzo: THEY ARE NOT. 31 OTHER STATES DO.
- IT DOES EXIST IN STATES LIKE TEXAS AND UTAH AND IDAHO. IT'S NOT A BLUE OR RED STATE ISSUE.
- FLORIDA IS A CONSEQUENTIAL STATE WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.
- I WOULD ADVOCATE FOR THAT IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA THE SAME AS TEXAS, UTAH AND IDAHO. >> Sen.
- NO STATE OF THE NOAH STATE OF SCIENCE FACTS ON RADIO MODIFICATION AND YOU GO DOWN THIS RABBIT HOLE AND
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the state of Minnesota. the state of Minnesota.
- </c> shoot in the state. shoot in the state.
- This bill, Senate File 5101, is modeled after what the state of Texas does, but we put a little bit of
- </c><01:21:59.760><c> of</c><01:22:00.000><c> Texas</c> is modeled after what the state of Texas is modeled
- after what the state of Texas does,<01:22:01.280><c> but</c><01:22:01.600><c> we</c><01:22:01.720><c
Committee:
Senate Taxes
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/24/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- of Minnesota. okay yes please uh state your name and okay yes please uh state your name and your<00:
- </c> to pass and be referred to the state to pass and be referred to the state government<00:32:20.120
- > assumption that the state supreme court assumption that the state supreme court is is is nonpartisan
- </c> conflict of interest in its stated conflict of interest in its stated method<00:53:12.920><c> of
- </c> in or out of our state in or out of our state government<00:53:56.079><c> this</c><00:53:56.200>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He's doing it in other states as well. So I oppose SJR 12.
- California is part of the United States.
- We know that California is an ag powerhouse in the United States.
- So if any of those appeal to you, they're grown here, and our state producers...
- Welcome, and thank you for joining us in the State Senate.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and later welcomed officials from the city of Lindsay. The chamber then moved through confirmations for Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission; all three appointments were confirmed after roll calls. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of bills and resolutions without objection.
On the floor, senators debated Senate Joint Resolution 12 opposing federal offshore oil and gas leasing off California. Supporters argued offshore drilling would threaten coastal environments and public participation, while opponents said California’s energy shortages and affordability problems require more in-state production. The resolution passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99 declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day, with broad praise for the state’s agricultural industry and concerns raised about water, farmland loss, and farmworker treatment.
Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 100 designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to highlight child sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and survivor support. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman, honoring their service and community impact. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and notice that the Senate would reconvene on April 27, 2026.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Under CDLs, it's a federal regulation, so every state pretty much follows that.
- Under CDLs, it's a federal regulation, so every state pretty much follows that.
- He was a United States Marine.
- And after he turned out, he went to work for the Secretary of State.
- And I also know a little bit about state employees, present and retired, and most...
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on Monday, April 27, and took up a series of Senate bills and resolutions, most of them memorial highway designations or prestige license plate measures. The committee first adopted amendments and reported Senate Bill 122, which directs the Department of Transportation and Development to plan, maintain, and report on bridge conditions statewide, with a focus on proactive bridge maintenance and public reporting. Members also reported favorably SCR 6 supporting an LNG facility at Port Fourchon, SCR 18 directing a study of commercial driver licensing privileges compared with neighboring states, and SB 50 naming the Bayou DeLarge Basque Bridge as the Elwood T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge.
The committee then approved several memorial and honorary measures, including SB 70 for Officer Mark Brock Memorial Highway, SB 96 creating a Fallen Heroes prestige license plate, SB 460 naming a highway for Hayden Lane Mangum, SB 24 designating Interstate 49 as the Senator J. Bennett Johnston Jr. Memorial Highway, SB 101 naming highways for Daniel Edward Didillo and Bill Blue Evans, SB 160 naming the Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway, SB 418 naming the Dick and Jacques Schuford Memorial Highway, SB 114 creating a prestige plate for the Foundation for Moral Law, SB 103 and SB 159 naming Franklin Parish highways, SB 412 naming a portion of Highway 13 for Roy Chaffin, SB 182 naming a highway for Mayor Billy Cobb, SB 104 naming the Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway, and SB 2 naming the Falcons Band Highway. Most of these items were reported favorably without objection after brief testimony from authors, family members, or supporters.
One measure drew more discussion: SB 19, which changes the name and design of the state employee retired prestige license plate and redirects proceeds to a private nonprofit associated with retired state employees. Representative Schlegelhorn objected, but after testimony that the organization is a tax-exempt nonprofit funding scholarships and that no money had previously gone to LASERS from the plate, the committee adopted a motion to report the bill favorably by a 13-1 vote. The committee also adopted amendments to HCR 69, which urges DOTD to improve Interstate 12 in Livingston Parish with attention to drainage, flood risk, and evacuation resilience, and then reported it favorably. HCR 63, creating a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel can operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without civilian licenses, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after the agenda was cleared and a motion to adjourn was made.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- We as a state, we have grants to farmers just to make sure they keep farmland as farmland, not to use
- Municipalities and cities and states are going to be relying on these options in other states, and we
- And it sets a model that other states can follow.
- And it sets a model that other states can follow.
- How that funding request would come in would come into the state, to the treasurer's office.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on H. 3256, a bill stemming from the Massachusetts Cranberry Revitalization Task Force that would remove Chapter 61A barriers for certain renewable energy projects on non-producing agricultural land. Supporters said the bill would let farmers separate adjacent land from Chapter 61A without a municipal right of first refusal, avoid rollback and advance tax penalties, and use small solar or other renewable projects to generate supplemental income while keeping the farm in operation. Testimony emphasized that the proposal is intended to be “farm-first,” limited to marginal or accessory land, and could also produce local tax revenue for municipalities. Some members raised concerns about whether the bill should be limited to solar, the appropriate project size, impacts on other agricultural sectors, and whether future sales or conversion back to other uses should trigger local rights of first refusal. Witnesses said the bill had been reported favorably in a prior session and noted that similar projects typically involve 20-year leases with extensions.
The committee also took testimony on S. 2009, which would authorize regional transportation ballot initiatives. MAPC and Transportation for Mass argued that the bill would give municipalities and groups of municipalities a flexible tool to raise local revenue for transportation projects such as transit, roads, bridges, bikeways, and pedestrian infrastructure, with sunset provisions so the revenue ends when the project ends. They said the measure would not raise taxes on its own, but would allow local voters to decide whether to adopt a revenue source, and pointed to examples from other states where similar initiatives funded major transit and infrastructure projects. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony was also heard on S. 1922, which would create a Massachusetts fund allowing voluntary taxpayer donations to the UN Least Developed Countries Fund or related 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting climate-vulnerable communities. Climate Reality Project representatives said the bill would let Massachusetts residents support climate resilience projects in the world’s poorest countries at no cost to the Commonwealth, and could serve as a model for other states. Senators questioned how recipient countries and nonprofits would be selected, what safeguards would exist regarding countries such as Yemen, and how taxpayers would know where donations would go; witnesses said the fund would be administered through the UN system and that they would provide more clarification. Rep. Michelle Ciccolo also testified on H. 3051, seeking a one-year deferral of the higher interest rate that applies when deferred property taxes become due after the death of a senior or veteran, saying the current jump to 16% can burden heirs and discourage use of the deferral program. The hearing concluded without any votes or committee actions.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue and Fiscal Affairs May 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But precedent set in other states with very similar legislation, including Texas, I think, was...
- Precedent set in another state with very similar legislation, including Texas, I think, was pretty recent
- Please state your name and feel free to present. Thank you.
- Please state your name and feel free to present. Good morning.
- I'm Lindsay Savoy with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 28, 2026, approved the May 19 minutes, and then considered three third-party convenience fee schedules for online payments. The first was for the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, presented by Rebecca Dupree with Louisiana Interactive; members confirmed the online payment option would be voluntary and approved the fee schedule without objection. The second was for the Department of Health’s Safe Drinking Water Program, presented by Karen Benjamin, and generated extended discussion about a $2.50 flat fee plus a 2.5% card-processing charge, especially whether that charge would violate recently passed Senate Bill 254 regarding debit card surcharges. Senators Mizell, Lambert, and Luneau questioned the structure, and department representatives said they believed the fee was not a surcharge and that ACH payments would avoid the percentage charge; the committee approved the fee schedule but urged the department to review it for compliance with SB 254.
The third fee schedule was for the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, presented by Lindsay Savoy and Garrett Lee, covering online payments for the conveyance program and the Fire Emergency Training Academy. Senators again raised concerns about the 2.5% card charge in light of SB 254, and the presenters said they intended to comply with the new law and would discuss the issue further. The committee approved this fee schedule as well, with a similar reminder to consider the bill’s impact going forward. The meeting then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- United States Air Force.
- </c> recognizes the gentleman from Texas, Mr. recognizes the gentleman from Texas, Mr.
- </c> States of America.
- </c> from the great state of Florida. from the great state of Florida.
- </c> biological women in the United States. biological women in the United States.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 62 Jun 29th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The House will now join the Troop 56 Boy Scouts in saluting the flag of the United States of America.
- this opportunity to introduce, to the right of the rostrum, guests of the Chair from all the way from Texas
- From all the way from Texas, Tom and Janelle, welcome to the House of Representatives.
Summary:
The House opened with a salute to the flag and welcomed Troop 56 Boy Scouts from Cambridge, including guests earning a citizenship merit badge. The chamber then took up several procedural matters, including adopting Rules Committee resolutions and extending the Committee on Revenue’s reporting deadline to January 24, 2027. The House also concurred in a Senate petition allowing the South Deerfield Fire District to continue employing fire department member Stephen Kulowski.
On legislation, the House advanced Senate Bill 3142, which removes the term “hearing impaired” from the general laws, ordering it to a third reading. The House also passed to enactment a group of bills covering local and personnel matters, including Bridgewater charter language changes to make it gender-neutral, Boston police age waivers for two officers, a Berkeley selectmen membership increase, and sick leave banks for Sharon Manning and Stephanie Vieira. The chamber later concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 4805 on Plainville’s charter and House Bill 5053 on Orange’s charter, and passed House Bill 5035 on Grafton’s senior tax exemption to be engrossed.
The Committee on Ways and Means reported House Bill 5534, a fiscal year 2027 interim appropriations bill totaling $7.703 billion, and the House fast-tracked it through second and third reading. After recesses and renewed motions, the bill was passed to be engrossed and then enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This property is in what is called Midtown Santa Fe, where the state owns property, and we have been
- And there's just been this one parcel that has been owned by the state.
- misdemeanors at eight times less the rate of uniform police officers in those respective states.
- And please state if you are in support or opposition. Thank you.
- And please state if you are in support or opposition. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Joint Resolution 7, a land swap between the City of Santa Fe and the state involving a parcel in Midtown Santa Fe, the former College of Santa Fe campus area. The sponsor said the transaction would not involve any money and was intended to help advance redevelopment of the Midtown area. There was no public testimony, and the committee moved a due pass recommendation with no opposition.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 261, which updates 2024 law restricting firearms at polling places by narrowing exemptions. The bill would generally make polling places firearm-free, while still allowing firearms for law enforcement requested by election officials to maintain order or respond to emergencies, for officers whose offices are in the same facility, and for people inside private vehicles. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, said firearms can intimidate voters and poll workers and should not be present at polling sites. Opponents from the Zia Rifle and Pistol Club, NRA, and New Mexico Business Coalition argued the bill removes protections for law-abiding concealed carry holders and off-duty officers, and that concealed carry is not inherently intimidating.
Committee members questioned how the ban would be enforced, how concealed carry would be identified, and whether polling places would be left vulnerable in the event of an attack. The Secretary of State’s representative said stationing uniformed officers at polling places would violate federal law, that poll workers are trained in de-escalation, and that the bill is intended to create a clear, uniform rule for election workers. Before the discussion concluded, the sponsor had to leave for another committee, and the chair announced the bill would be rolled to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- City State University.
- In collaboration with North Dakota State University, Bismarck State College, Valley City State University
- She is currently a nursing student at Bismarck State College. state college.
- That we're a state entity and, you know, either part of DPI or funded through the state.
- So we are a state, like some other small and Midwest states, that are kind of vendor-reliant.
Summary:
The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families.
Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions.
Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- for under state law.
- for under state law.
- of other states.
- of other states.
- We have state compacts for youth moving among the state.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call.
Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call.
Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- bans, some so aggressive that they allowed states such as Texas and Louisiana to reach across their
- bans, some so aggressive that they allowed states such as Texas and Louisiana to reach across their
- for state facilities.
- If it was stated the way the state does it, it would probably be a little bit better, but there's also
- incur, because the state isn't the state.
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Apr 13th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, simple bill, all we're doing is following some neighboring states like Texas.
- Members, simple bill, all we're doing is following some neighboring states like Texas and Florida.
- It does not need to be piecemeal state by state.
- to state.
- with other states.
Summary:
The committee began by deferring six bills en bloc, then took up House Bill 1103, which would exempt certain industrial facility construction or improvement projects—especially aerospace-related facilities—from some local permitting requirements. Supporters said the goal was to reduce red tape and help Louisiana compete with states like Texas and Florida for aerospace investment, while members raised concerns about safety, home rule authority, and whether fewer permits could reduce oversight. The bill was reported favorably.
Members then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1212, which would require utilities to assess large electric transformers for vulnerability to electromagnetic threats and report findings to GOSEP, with a public version of the report. The sponsor and a retired Marine officer argued the bill was a limited “scoping” measure to identify vulnerabilities to solar storms or EMP attacks and estimate hardening costs; they said the current federal standard is too low and that protection technology exists. Committee members and utility representatives questioned whether the bill duplicated existing federal/NERC requirements, whether the information could create security risks if disclosed, whether the PSC had already studied the issue, and whether the costs would be passed to ratepayers. The PSC said it had previously opened a docket and studied EMP/physical security issues but never issued a final recommendation. After discussion, the sponsor agreed to defer the bill, and the committee deferred HB 1212.
The committee then reported several technical or narrower bills favorably: House Bill 241 updated bank records disclosure citations and replaced a reference to the defunct Office of Thrift Supervision with the CFPB; House Bill 1091 shifted local fire departments to direct reporting into the federal emergency response system; and House Bill 1027 extended existing liability protection for real estate agents to licensed appraisers regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance in one- and two-family homes. Finally, House Bill 1096, dealing with electrical cooperative bylaws and board authority versus member approval, was introduced with testimony from cooperative representatives explaining it was intended to restore member control or allow cooperatives to opt out of the 2012 change that had expanded board authority. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 1096.