Transcript Highlights:

• and and search, you getting approval and and search, you know, know, know, people people people applying
• > I Fukunaga and Representative Lee, and I Fukunaga and Representative Lee, and I think<00:36:
• And I think that we have a rich and<00:38:51.480> deep<00:38:52.000> um and deep um and
• <00:56:05.000> sure participate and and try and make sure participate and and try and make
• and bills and you know what I mean? and bills and you know what I mean?

Bills: SCR180

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the nurses and Lord, at hospitals and the nurses and the<00:01:21.439> doctors.
• and recovery and we bringing us rescue and recovery and we continue<00:01:34.880> to<00:01:35.040
• placed by title and sponsor only and placed by title and sponsor only and placed upon<00:18:24.080
• And with and with that, uh, session.
• To banking and 44 451, 452, and 462.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:45 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:20 Report of Committees 07:05 Orders of the Day 08:23 HB 214 08:33 HB 416 12:26 HB 281 16:20 HB 134 18:13 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 21:08 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 37:01 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 39:15 ConC/Rules Report 42:29 Floor Amendments 44:27 Correction to Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 46:14 Adjournment 46:40, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, heard an invocation focused on recovery from a recent storm, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was established with 94 members present, absent members were excused, and the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal was approved, and the clerk reported a Senate message transmitting Senate Joint Resolution 23 for concurrence. The chamber then received second-reading reports on a wide range of bills covering pharmacist reimbursements, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, solid waste, highway markings, fiduciary bonds, motor vehicle titles, hearing aid coverage, eating disorder coverage, public safety, pedestrians, cigar bars, backyard chickens, and county law libraries. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including measures on elections, local government, state-operated mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, electric generating unit decommissioning costs, reemployment of retired police officers, and the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House passed several bills unanimously by roll call, including House Bill 214 on a program to help disabled veterans obtain and install home wheelchair ramps, House Bill 416 on educator preparation and early assessments, House Bill 281 on streamlining food donations by churches and nonprofits for shelters and disaster victims, and House Bill 134 on sexual assault nurse examiners, creating a statewide coordinator, registry, and regional access plan. In each case, sponsors explained the bills and members voiced support; floor amendment 1 to House Bill 416 was adopted before passage. Clinchers were applied after passage of the bills. The House also adopted House Resolution 33 recognizing cancer patients, survivors, and families and designating January 29, 2026 as Suits and Sneakers Day, and adopted House Resolution 43 recognizing the economic and cultural partnership between Kentucky and Japan. Members offered additional citations honoring Newport Central Catholic High School and the YMCA, and the chamber observed a moment of silence for Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig after a citation honoring his service and legacy. Announcements included committee meetings after adjournment, birthday wishes, and the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, including measures on kindergarten, bridges, revenue, retirement benefits, concealed deadly weapons, local taxes, motor vehicles, fiscal reporting, SNAP, families and children, vision testing, and a balanced budget amendment application.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed lease is for 16,140 square feet of office space and 95 reserved paid parking spaces at a
• The proposed lease is for 16,140 square feet of office space and 95 reserved paid parking spaces at a
• This project is seeking assistance for further development of the park with a 25-acre site and a spec
• <00:45:32.960> a<00:45:33.119> spec the park with a 25 acre site and a spec the park
• <00:46:13.839> match<00:46:14.160> for Park and the required local match for Park and

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.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvja9daCy9E, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEET START 00:00 ROLL CALL 00:13 DISCUSSION WITH THE EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET WORKER’S CLAIMS DIVISION, SHELBY LEWIS, LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR, SCOTT WILHOIT, COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPT. OF WORKER’S CLAIMS, AND DALE HAMLIN, ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL ON AN OVERVIEW OF WORKER’S CLAIMS, GENERAL STATISTICS, EMPLOYERS, BENEFITS DETERMINATIONS, FUNDING, AND 2023 APPROPRIATIONS 01:02 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 47:29, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• to affiliated and non-affiliated providers to health and human services.
• and can in connection with certificated and uncertificated securities to business and commerce.
• Title issued by and records kept by the Parks and Wildlife Department to Water Agriculture and Rural
• and human services.
• The business and.

Bills: SJR36, SJR3, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB5, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, SJR55, SCR18, SCR19, SCR22, SB27, SB29, SB35, SB1151, SB1152, SB1153, SB1154, SB1155, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1160, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1168, SB1169, SB1170, SB1171, SB1172, SB1173, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176, SB1177, SB1178, SB1179, SB1180, SB1181, SB1182, SB1183, SB1184, SB1185, SB1186, SB1187, SB1188, SB1189, SB1190, SB1191, SB1192, SB1193, SB1194, SB1195, SB1196, SB1197, SB1198, SB1199, SB1200, SB1201, SB1202, SB1203, SB1204, SB1205, SB1206, SB1207, SB1208, SB1209, SB1210, SB1211, SB1212, SB1213, SB1214, SB1215, SB1216, SB1217, SB1218, SB1219, SB1220, SB1221, SB1222, SB1223, SB1224, SB1225, SB1226, SB1227, SB1228, SB1229, SB1230, SB1231, SB1232, SB1233, SB1234, SB1235, SB1236, SB1237, SB1238, SB1239, SB1240, SB1241, SB1242, SB1243, SB1244, SB1245, SB1246, SB1247, SB1248, SB1249, SB1250, SB1251, SB1252, SB1253, SB1254, SB1255, SB1256, SB1257, SB1258, SB1259, SB1260, SB1261, SB1262, SB1263, SB1264, SB1265, SB1266, SB1267, SB1268, SB1269, SB1270, SB1271, SB1272, SB1273, SB1274, SB1275, SB1276, SB1277, SB1278, SB1279, SB1280, SB1281, SB1282, SB1283, SB1284, SB1285, SB1286, SB1287, SB1288, SB1289, SB1290, SB1291, SB1292, SB1293, SB1294, SB1295, SB1296, SB1297, SB1298, SB1299, SB1300, SB1301, SB1302, SB1303, SB1304, SB1305, SB1306, SB1307, SB1308, SB1309, SB1310, SB1311, SB1312, SB1313, SB1314, SB1315, SB1316, SB1317, SB1318, SB1319, SB1320, SB1321, SB1322, SB1323, SB1324, SB1325, SB1326, SB1327, SB1328, SB1329, SB1330, SB1331, SB1332, SB1333, SB1334, SB1335, SB1336, SB1337, SB1338, SB1339, SB1340, SB1341, SB1342, SB1343, SB1344, SB1345, SB1621, SJR57

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• You and Claire and your staff have done a lot of work, and I'm pretty... ...appreciate all of that and
• And you're not. And let me tell you why.
• And you go on and you find, you fund the next grant.
• Not only will we look and see the cures and treatments and the lives saved, or the futures protected
• And also our friends at TORCH and TALA Texas, Living Association and LeadingAge for joining us on this

Bills: SB623, SB1266, SB1310, SB1373, SB1580, SB1952, SB2032, SB2269, SB2544, SB2653, SB2796

Keywords: pharmacist, vaccine administration, COVID-19, exclusive authority, healthcare, Medicaid, provider enrollment, credentialing, administrative burden, Texas Health and Human Services, senior retirement communities, emergency response, residential safety, contract provisions, health and safety regulations, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just a separate body politic, and they can enter into contracts. Just one, this is the same.
• You look at the wording language of the issue. ...and they can enter into contracts.
• The public improvement chapter of the general law, Title 19, Chapter 31, and it just incorporates the
• It's really the 1% assessment that's new for the local and private authority in particular.

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 30 March, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The discussion focused on a bill concerning a district or body politic’s authority to own property, enter into contracts, and incorporate a district under existing public improvement law. A senator questioned the bill’s references to DMV and the general law, and staff explained that most of the bill simply incorporates authority already found in Title 19, Chapter 31, with the main new element being a 1% assessment for local and private authority purposes. Members noted the bill had just been received that morning and was unfamiliar to some of them. An amendment was offered to strike lines 161 through 170, which staff said was a conforming change to make a repealer work properly. The committee adopted the amendment, then voted that the title was sufficient to pass as amended. The bill was reported out of committee, with no opposition recorded.

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 27 March, 2026; 11:15 AM, 925, all

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 26 March, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several local and appropriations-related bills. House Bill 4110 would create a reserve/trust fund arrangement tied to health-related financing and state account management, with discussion focused on how the money would be deposited and used. House Bill 4111 concerned Hancock County and the Hancock County Tourism Bureau, with testimony indicating the county did not want the bureau dissolved and instead wanted it retained. House Bill 4113 would direct funds to the Gulf Coast Tourism Commission, and House Bill 4115 involved a local matter in Hattiesburg related to a 30-year municipal issue. The committee also considered House Bill 4130, which related to Yazoo City and an industrial development project, and House Bill 4134, which would authorize Mississippi Industrial Development Authority action involving an airport-related project in Lowndes County. House Bill 4135 addressed Waynesboro and a municipal low-income housing or development issue. Throughout the discussion, members repeatedly invited questions and indicated the bills were being advanced without objection. No substantive opposition was recorded in the transcript, and the exchanges were brief and procedural. The overall action was to move the bills forward after limited explanation of each measure's local purpose and funding or governance implications.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and we appreciate your willingness to serve, and you are a reappointment like you said.
• Terry and I served together.
• I am a reappointment as well and have enjoyed serving at the will and pleasure and under the General
• and have enjoyed serving at the will and and have enjoyed serving at the will and pleasure<00:04
• to serve and to serve and everything<00:04:23.360> checked<00:04:23.720> out.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 25 March, 2026; 11:45 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee considered several reappointments and appointments to transportation-related boards. Jerry Waldrop of Hattiesburg, associated with Pam Auto Group, appeared in person for a reappointment and was confirmed after staff noted his oath and statement of economic interest were in compliance. James Morris Richards of Ridgeland appeared by Zoom for reappointment to the Commercial Transportation Appeals Board; he described his long career with KLLM Transport, including serving as president and CEO and overseeing a large refrigerated trucking operation, and his reappointment was also approved. The committee then heard from Curtis Leon Auber Jr. of Hattiesburg for a reappointment. He said he is originally from Pascagoula, attended the University of Southern Mississippi and MC Law, worked at Entergy, served with the Public Service Commission and as chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under President Bush, and is now a partner at Brunini. Members said his paperwork was in order and thanked him for his service. For each nominee, the committee moved to advise and consent, took voice votes with no opposition noted, and approved the appointments. The meeting concluded with a motion to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's got a four-year and parks.
• This is Noxubee County authorizing a 2% tax on rentals and for the promotion of tourism, parks, and recreation
• This is the 2% taxes on the rooms rentals of hotels for parks, recreation, and tourism.
• This is the tax on restaurant food for the purpose of parks and recreation and tourism.
• for the promotion of tourism and for the promotion of tourism and recreation. recreation. recreation

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 24 March, 2026; 10:45 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a long list of local and special-purpose bills, mostly involving county or municipal utility districts, repealers on local taxes, and small local appropriations. Early actions included House Bill 2210 for Bolivar County, creating a utility district in Choctaw for sewer operations and maintenance, and Senate Bill 3408, which by committee substitute renamed the Yazoo economic partnership to the Yazoo Economic Alliance and clarified its economic and industrial development powers. Members asked whether the Yazoo entity already existed and whether it could own property; the sponsor said it was already in statute and the change was primarily a name update with added flexibility to share and contribute funds to projects. Both bills passed without opposition. The committee also approved Senate Bill 3409 for Lowndes County, authorizing the Mississippi Industrial Fire and Rescue District to serve as the site of a megasite around the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Authority. Other local measures passed included House Bill 1599 extending Brandon’s prepared-food sales tax repealer for tourism and parks, House Bill 1811 for Noxubee County extending justice court assessment repealers for county capital improvements, and several Humphreys County bills authorizing one-time contributions to the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation and the Belzoni Humphreys Development Foundation. Additional bills extended or renewed local tourism, parks, and recreation taxes in Belzoni, Oakland, Ripley, Southaven, and Fulton, and authorized or extended local court-cost assessments in Prentiss County. Later, the committee approved House Bill 1870 for Bolivar County, creating a sewer district and allowing the county to operate it, noting it duplicated the earlier Senate bill at the senator’s request. It also passed House Bill 1887 authorizing a $5,000 contribution to the Benevolent Protection of the Elks World Hill Lodge, House Bill 4000 for Grenada allowing construction, acquisition, and maintenance of wastewater collection and treatment systems, and House Bill 4112 for Tupelo restoring funds for the Northeast Mississippi Regional Wastewater District after an unintended consequence of a prior grocery tax change. Finally, Senate Bill 3410 was added off-agenda to authorize Brandon and the West Rankin utility system to enter into an agreement with a local operator for use of treated water for industrial purposes; a member asked who would approve the contract, and the sponsor said the board and city would approve it. All measures discussed were reported out or passed, generally by unanimous or voice vote, with no recorded opposition.

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 17 March, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Universities and Colleges - Room 216, 12 March, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 216, 11 March, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will go ahead and explain the bill.
• And we do have another hospital that is waiting at the door to come in.
• to file uh Chapter 9 for bankruptcy so that someone else could come in and take them over.
• And we do have another hospital that is waiting at the door to come in.
• Rise and report. Yes. Good shot.

Keywords: Local and Private - Room 210, 4 March, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 3230, which would authorize the board of trustees of Greenwood Laflur Hospital to petition for relief from debt and financial obligations, including filing Chapter 9 bankruptcy. The sponsor explained that the measure was being moved quickly because the hospital needed Chapter 9 authority so another hospital could take over operations, and described the bill as largely a formality. No additional questions or testimony were recorded. A motion was made for a do pass recommendation, and the committee voted in favor without opposition. The motion carried, and the committee rose and reported the bill onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• universities, and looking at workforce and CTE.
• uh and commercial and um residential uh uh and commercial and um uh<00:04:39.840> it<00:04:40.000
• if you know, we sell 22 acres today and if you know, we sell 22 acres today and as<00:05:18.960>
• Um and so there's already a a MDA.
• and verification standards, and they would have to include reporting to oversight bodies with this.

Keywords: Universities and Colleges - Room 216, 3 March, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first considered a strike-all related to the Mississippi Upskill Grant Program and a K-12 bridge bill tied to CTE and special purpose schools. Members discussed the alignment of workforce and career-technical education from pre-K through higher education. Senator Hopson moved to add a reverse repealer, which was adopted, and the strike-all was then passed as amended and forwarded to appropriations. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1488, which would authorize the University of Southern Mississippi to sell or enter into a long-term lease for university property in Hattiesburg. Senator Johnson explained that the roughly 600-acre tract, gifted in the 1920s and formerly used as a golf course, has a master plan for redevelopment; the bill would streamline the sale process while preserving requirements such as two appraisals and IHL approval. After questions about the acreage and safeguards, the bill was passed as amended and sent to appropriations. Members also approved a strike-all addressing financial literacy requirements for colleges and universities, including added content on mortgages and real estate, and then passed House Bill 1495, a companion to Senate Bill 2238, allowing Mississippi State University and the Oktibbeha County school district to co-mingle funds by mutual agreement for their partnership school/high school project. Finally, House Bill 1582 on community college energy performance contracts was discussed at length; the chair said it needed further vetting by the public property committee, so the committee added a reverse repealer and passed the bill as amended. The meeting ended with a rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then traveling southeast and east along County Road 413 and continuing through the point at which County
• My motion would take him up and<00:01:34.640> block. and block. and block.
• c><00:02:24.560> section<00:02:25.040> one And it tells you in section one And it tells
• County Road 124 and County Road 413. County Road 124 and County Road 413.
• and I have no objections to to me and and I have no objections to any<00:05:25.120> of<00:05:

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 25 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several Mississippi highway designation bills. House Bill 223 would name a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 537 in Jones County the Sergeant John Howard Tanner Memorial Highway, effective July 1, 2026. House Bill 342 would designate two segments in Edwa County: Highway 370 as the Roger Campbell Memorial Highway and Highway 363 as the Jacob Edward Kent Memorial Highway, also effective July 1, 2026. House Bill 655 would create the Davis Lake Road Scenic Byway in Chickasaw County, covering about 12.32 miles along County Roads 124, 413, and 134 to Mississippi Highway 41. House Bill 1402 would name about one mile of Highway 49 North in Yazoo County the Colonel Donald Barry Memorial Highway, effective July 1, 2026. Members asked whether the affected senators were in favor of the bills, and the chair responded that the senators were not in the districts involved or had not objected. Senator Barrett said he had no objections to the measures but asked for clarification on the mileage and route descriptions, particularly for House Bills 342 and 655. The chair and staff confirmed the routes and noted that the scenic byway bill covered 12.32 miles. After discussion, a motion was made that the title was sufficient and the bills should do pass. The committee approved the motion, and the measures were recorded for the rise report.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; And I I appreciate that and I appreciate >> And I I appreciate that and I appreciate you<00:10
• colleagues and their fellow Mississippians. get out and cut trees and try to remove get out and cut
• <00:20:10.559> uh Military Park and with uh Natchas uh Military Park and with uh Natchas uh
• Senator Parks, I don't have a question, but I do have a comment at the time and also a motion.
• <00:25:12.720> and<00:25:13.039> because and I so appreciate that and and because and

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Keywords: Universities and Colleges - Room 210, 3 February, 2026; 5:15 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The transcript is extremely brief and contains only a few transitional remarks, including a reference to the “Brien report” and a short acknowledgment response. No substantive discussion of any bill, policy issue, testimony, motion, or vote is included in the excerpt. Because the exchange is so limited, it is not possible to identify the meeting topic or any legislative action taken from this transcript alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• article, and the terms thereof shall be maintained confidential by all parties to such agreement, and
• /c><00:02:35.440> the likeness, and image. and it lays out the likeness, and image. and it lays
• use and and lays out how it can be used. use and and lays out how it can be used.
• and I will take any questions. and I will take any questions.
• It also looks at bathrooms and different things like that. Curfews and dormitories.

Keywords: Universities and Colleges - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard an explanation of a bill dealing with confidentiality of certain contracts between students, the university, and personnel reviewing those contracts. The measure would require those agreements and their terms to be kept confidential except as otherwise provided by law or court order, and it would set out damages and remedies for unauthorized disclosure, including by agents. The committee then moved title sufficient and do pass, with committee substitute, and the motion carried. Senator Blackman presented SB 2046, a bill that would create a property right in an individual’s name, likeness, and voice, including rules for transfer, contract, inheritance, penalties for misuse, and First Amendment protections. Senator Leno offered a reverse repealer amendment, which was adopted, and the committee then voted title sufficient, do pass, committee substitute. The committee next discussed SB 2208, creating the Mississippi Public University Governance Study Commission to review system-level governance, accountability, oversight, and coordination among public institutions of higher learning. The sponsor said the commission would study other states, including Florida and Tennessee, report by December 1, and dissolve January 1 of the following year, with support from the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review. After questions about comparable models and the goals of the study, the committee voted title sufficient, do pass. Finally, the committee considered SB 2342, the Safe Dormitories Act, which would require public institutions of higher learning and community colleges to report on dormitory safety policies, including coeducational and single-sex housing arrangements, bathrooms, curfews, and age requirements. Members questioned whether the report could already be requested without codifying it and asked about a fiscal note; the sponsor said there was no fiscal note. Senator Deleno moved to table the bill, and the motion carried. The committee then took up a final measure simply bringing forth IHL code sections, with the sponsor saying the committee was still working with the College Board on related factors; the committee voted title sufficient, do pass, and then rose and reported.