Video & Transcript Research : 'Rodney Scott'
Page 43 of 170
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- With me to testify in support of the bill is Scott Gilman, the director of Berkeley's Department of Health
- My name is Scott Gilman. I am the director of housing community services at Berkeley.
- I'm Serena Scott, on behalf of the League of California Cities, in support.
- Good afternoon, Serena Scott, on behalf of the League of California Cities, in support. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, and no opposition testified. SB 902 would allow electronic signatures for child care and development services paperwork while preserving paper options; supporters said it would reduce burdens on families and providers, and the bill passed to the Assembly Education Committee 4-0.
The committee also heard SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate California’s food assistance efforts, and SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule. Supporters of SB 1025 said the state’s food system is fragmented and needs a coordinated strategy; SB 1030 supporters argued the rule is outdated, redundant, and rooted in racist and sexist assumptions. Both bills received no opposition testimony and were approved on 4-0 votes, with SB 1025 sent to the Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee and SB 1030 to Appropriations.
The committee then approved SB 1077, which would require CDSS to create a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns, including a public webpage and planning for state-funded benefits; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1194 would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand immigration legal services in underserved areas, and supporters emphasized the need for legal representation in rural and Central Valley communities; it passed 4-1 to Judiciary. SB 1201 would seek federal waivers to protect veterans from CalFresh time limits, require referrals to county veterans service officers, and adjust treatment of job-search expenses; it passed unanimously 6-0 to Military and Veterans Affairs. The consent calendar, including SB 557 and SB 1051, also passed unanimously. After all items were heard, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- You are recognized to present the nomination of Scott Parman to the Oklahoma Arts Council.
- It's my honor to present to you Scott Parman. You might recognize the last name.
- Scott is the co-founder and president of Intrepid Financial Services.
- And so, with that, Madam Chair, I would just ask if Scott could address the committee.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Would you like to Justin Scott. OK. Chair will call Justin Scott.
- Scott, um, you and I also had the opportunity to visit at that stakeholder meeting with different agencies
- Scott. Thank you. Is there anyone else who who wishes to testify on for or against SB 2949?
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Tamisha Scott. Thank you very much. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senators. Tamisha Scott?
- Scott, I think you're representing yourself, or are you representing somebody?
- Tamisia Scott, a school owner of a private small school down in Fort Lauderdale, lead administrator,
Summary:
The Committee on Health Policy met with a quorum and considered three bills. Senate Bill 526 on nursing education programs, sponsored by Senator Harrell, would tighten oversight of nursing schools by requiring admission criteria, exit exams, remediation plans, annual reporting, on-site inspections, and stronger action against programs with poor NCLEX results or adverse actions in other jurisdictions. After testimony from the sponsor and several committee questions, a late-filed amendment restored a two-year probation period instead of one year, and the bill was reported favorably.
Senate Bill 714, also by Senator Harrell, would create a voluntary non-opioid advance directive allowing patients to document a wish not to receive opioids, including when incapacitated, with the form developed by the Department of Health and potentially included in electronic medical records. The sponsor said it would not prevent treatment discussions and would provide liability protection for providers who lack actual knowledge of the directive in emergencies. The bill drew no opposition in the meeting and was reported favorably.
Senate Bill 170, sponsored by Senator Burton, would add nursing home quality and transparency measures, including consumer satisfaction surveys, patient safety culture surveys, electronic health record requirements, reporting to the Florida Health Information Exchange, a $10,000 fine for failure to submit required financial data, and reporting on Medicaid quality payments. An amendment clarified the fine’s application to both facilities and home offices. Testimony from AARP and the Florida Health Care Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably after discussion about implementation and costs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, you're going to have Scott go first, then after you're done, or you want to go to Phil?
- "Scott Isaacson, welcome to the Human Services Committee. Can you state your name for the record?"
- My name is Scott Isaacson. Can you hear me okay?" "I can. Yes, everybody hear him? Very good."
- <01:01:32.839>
isacon additional testimony Scott isacon additional testimony Scott isacon - this opportunity my name is Scott this opportunity my name is Scott Isaacson<01:01:49.720>
and
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/25/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott, Chair Ling's follow-up kind of addressed the issues that I was going to address, but I'm just
- <00:14:47.120>
chair <00:14:47.680>Ling's Hy thank you chair Scott chair Ling's Hy - Chair Scott, would you like to offer your A2 amendment to House File 360? Yes. Thank you, Mr.
- Chair Scott, your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- All right, seeing no further discussion, Chair Scott renews her motion that House File 360, as amended
Keywords:
corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, trusts, Uniform Trust Code, probate, estate planning, trust protector, directed trust, investment trust advisor, distribution trust advisor, excluded fiduciary, decanting, power of appointment, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, uneconomic trust, rule against perpetuities
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Three - Tuesday, May 5th
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gentleman from Scott. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have an amendment.
- The gentleman from Scott has moved for the adoption of House Amendment Number 14.
- Is that the gentleman from Scott? It is. Yes.
- "Is that the gentleman from Scott?" "It is." "Gentleman from Scott, do you yield?" "Yes, sir."
- Does the gentleman from Scott yield?" "Yes, sir. Proceed, please." "Hey, gentlemen.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 01/28/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Jean Scott. Do you have that in front of you?
- Scott that he was farming school trust land.
- Scott that he was farming school trust land.
- Scott that he was farming school trust land.
- Scott that he was farming school trust land.
Summary:
The committee heard Senate File 59, authored by Senator Green, which would require counties to locate and restore original public land survey monuments and related boundary markers. Green argued that newer GIS/GPS-based surveys have sometimes shifted long-established property lines, creating disputes for landowners, counties, and state agencies. He described examples involving his own property and constituents, including a case where a neighbor allegedly lost access to a well and septic system after a new survey and another where a landowner was told he was farming school trust land based on a newer plat reference.
Testimony in support came from Allan Roger Olen, who said a newer survey changed his family’s property lines and created a dispute over land, a building permit, and ownership of well and septic systems. Senator Green also said county plat books are not legally binding and that the bill is intended to force counties to find original monuments before more disputes arise. Committee members raised concerns from the Association of Minnesota Counties about the bill’s timeline, funding, and requirement that counties employ a land surveyor. Green responded that counties had already been told to hire surveyors in some disputes, acknowledged the funding concerns, and said he would look for funding sources while emphasizing protection of property rights.
A committee member who teaches surveying explained that adverse possession is a real legal doctrine in Minnesota and noted that restoring all monuments would cost far more than the $10 million already appropriated, estimating the total need at about $300 million. Phil Reigns of the Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors testified that the Public Land Survey System underlies Minnesota’s land tenure system, that the original monuments were set mostly between 1850 and 1908, and that surveyors aim to restore them as accurately as possible using historical records and modern tools. He said the work is expensive because many counties lack staff surveyors and must hire consultants.
Members discussed whether the bill would create boundary conflicts or authorize counties to alter lines, and Green said his intent was to restore original monuments and avoid litigation. Co-Chair Lang moved that Senate File 59, as amended, be recommended to pass and re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary. The motion prevailed on a voice vote. Afterward, the committee began receiving an overview from the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 42 (3-9-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The second part of the bill, the committee substitute, I will yield to the lady from Scott to explain
- that portion. >> Clerk, note the lady from Scott. >> Thank you, Mr.
- <00:23:13.480>
to <00:23:13.600>explain <00:23:14.000>that the lady from Scott - to explain that the lady from Scott to explain that portion. portion. portion.
- >> Clerk, note the lady from Scott. >> Clerk, note the lady from Scott.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 12th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I recognize the member from Anoka, Representative Scott. Thank you, Mr.
- Scott moves to amend the Zalesnikar amendment to House Bill Number 2435, the second that Grossman has
- I recognize the member from Minoka, Representative Scott. Thank you, Mr.
- Representative Scott. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- I recognize the member from Minoka, Representative Scott. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 14th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair calls Scott Stewart.
- The chair calls up Bob Scott.
- So you registered as Bob Scott on behalf of yourself, and you're testifying for the bill.
- Please, Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Bob Scott.
- That is what Trustee Scott spoke to and what Jaime spoke to as well.
Bills:
HB245, HB700, HB2783, HB3526, HB3900, HB4061, HB4124, HB4166, HB4395, HB4534, HB4609, HB4641, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HJR175, HB245
Keywords:
military service, retirement, law enforcement, custodial officer, Employees Retirement System, commercial financing, brokers, registration, disclosures, finance, consumer protection, fees, deferred compensation, automatic participation, county employees, payroll deductions, retirement plans, fiscal transparency, local government, bond issuance
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Scott Sher from New Hampshire Beer Distributors and Mike Summers.
- >
the <00:50:08.599>president <00:50:08.799>of <00:50:08.920>New Brett Scott - he's the president of New Brett Scott he's the president of New Hampshire<00:50:09.280>
Vapors - c><00:50:50.119>
thank <00:50:50.319>you <00:50:50.680>Brett <00:50:50.920>Scott - please yes M there thank you Brett Scott please yes M there thank you Brett Scott New<00:50:52.000
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State & Local Government (2-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Scott Maiden of Senate District 29. J.D. Cheney with the Kentucky League of Cities.
- If they'd all come up at the same time: Jenna Scott, Jean Roor, and Mark Adler.
- My name is Jenna Scott.
- <00:21:31.120>
name <00:21:31.320>is <00:21:31.480>Jenna <00:21:31.840>Scott - of the committee my name is Jenna Scott of the committee my name is Jenna Scott um<00:21:32.600>
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:12
SB 4 (Sen. Mays Bledsoe): 01:34
SB 58 (Sen. Webb): 04:53
SB 117 (Sen. Madon): 07:40
SB 121 (Sen. Wheeler): 10:52
SB 237 (Sen. Howell): 13:09
SB 71 (Sen. Boswell): 18:54
SB 174 (Sen. Nunn): 38:18
SB 176 (Sen. Nunn): 40:54
SB 183 (Sen. Nunn): 42:31
Adjournment: 49:51, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, which would create a risk-based AI governance framework for state government and address AI-generated misinformation in campaigns and elections. The sponsor said the bill came from the AI task force and is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible use of AI while distinguishing between internal and external systems. The committee took a roll call vote and reported the bill out 7-0.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 58, sponsored by Sen. Webb, which would allow Kentucky Retirement System benefits to be designated to a Special Needs Trust for a beneficiary. Webb said the bill would help families of special-needs children preserve benefits for supplemental needs such as adaptive equipment, technology, and medical or dental care not covered by government programs. He said retirement systems had provided no-impact letters, and the bill passed 7-0.
Members also approved Senate Bill 117, which would let cities adjust incentive payments for training by appointed and elected city officials and remove the statutory minimum from ordinance requirements, and Senate Bill 121, which would authorize county judges to contract with rescue groups to deal with wild horse herds in rural areas. SB 117 passed 10-0 and SB 121 passed 10-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 71, as amended by a committee substitute, dealing with local library board appointments. Sen. Boswell said the bill was a compromise but that he preferred removing KDLA from the process entirely; library representatives opposed the committee substitute and said they wanted KDLA out of the selection process. Several senators expressed conditional support but said they wanted further changes, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill out after a roll call vote with 10 yeas and 1 pass, with members noting they expected further floor amendments.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (1-21-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Over 100,000 commuters, including 7,800 from Jefferson, 8,100 from Scott, and 4,300 from Woodford.
- you pointed out, it's not just important to our constituents in Fayette County, but I also represent Scott
- And I think you said 8,400 people in Scott County.
- I can tell you which ones they are: Boone County, Cumberland County, Fayette, Jefferson, Marshall, Scott
- I can tell you which ones they are: Boone County, Cumberland County, Fayette, Jefferson, Marshall, Scott
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:08
Infrastructure Grant Program 00:00:45
SB 76 Discussion 00:25:50
SB 76 Vote 00:31:55, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions.
After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part I) May 7th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- At one time, we were just fighting to keep Baylor, Scott & White, Brenham, open and delivering services
- So, I've had the opportunity to work at the hospital in Brenham with Baylor Scott & White.
- But in a scenario like Brenham or Baylor Scott & White, it is very much a part of College Station or
- Scott Lundy: And I think I have room for one more, which would be in order here.
- My name is Scott Lundy.
Bills:
HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744, HB18, HB37, HB116
Keywords:
rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott Talbot? No? Steve Ruschenberger? Steve Ruschenberger. Welcome, Steve.
- Scott Talbot? Scott online now? Yes, sir, I am. Welcome, Scott. Nice to be here. All right.
- My name is Scott Talbot.
Summary:
The Special Commission on the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card heard extensive testimony from credit union, banking, retail, restaurant, and payments-industry representatives about proposals to limit interchange fees, especially on the tax and tip portions of transactions. Several witnesses opposed state-level restrictions, arguing they would create a patchwork of rules, burden state-chartered institutions, raise compliance complexity, and ultimately reduce resources for fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit. Others, including retail and merchant advocates, said swipe fees are a significant and growing cost for small businesses and that states should consider reforms such as limiting fees on taxes and tips, allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs more closely.
Witnesses also discussed recent legal and regulatory developments, including Illinois’s interchange-fee law, OCC and NCUA interim rules, and the ongoing Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement. Industry representatives said the Illinois law has been delayed and is likely preempted for most transactions, while merchant advocates argued the state efforts and court rulings show that networks and banks do not set fees competitively. The proposed antitrust settlement was described by some as a meaningful but limited merchant victory, with temporary fee reductions and expanded surcharge/steering rights, while others said it still falls short of structural reform.
The commission members pressed witnesses on the practical effects of fees, the cost of cash, whether merchants can pass costs through, and whether small businesses are actually seeing benefits from the current system. Members repeatedly emphasized the need for a fair middle ground that protects both small businesses and the payment system. No substantive votes or policy actions were taken beyond accepting testimony, and the meeting ended with adjournment after all scheduled witnesses had spoken.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Kevin Hayes, in support; Chief of Police Scott Kirkpatrick, in support; Gary Bennett, Louisiana Sheriff's
- We have Scott Kirkpatrick here in support. We have Rudy Seminoe here and would like to speak.
- Scott Kirkpatrick, Patrick, and support. Yeah, we have cards.
- Scott Kirkpatrick in support, does not wish to speak.
- Scott Kirkpatrick is here in support. Kevin Hayes is here in support.
Keywords:
survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, firefighters, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, health insurance, provider agreements, contracting actions, participating facilities, network status, survivors benefits
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Kevin Hayes, in support, Chief of Police; Scott Kirkpatrick, in support; Gary Bennett, Louisiana Sheriff's
- We have Scott Kirkpatrick here in support. We have Rudy Seminoe here and would like to speak.
- Scott Kirkpatrick, Patrick, and support. Scott Kirkpatrick, Patrick, in support.
- Scott Kirkpatrick here in support. Kevin Hayes here in support. Catherine Levitis here in support.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met on May 18, 2026, with eight members present and began by noting the state’s projected REC budget deficit and the need to consider fiscal impacts carefully. The committee first advanced HB 12, which extends the $250,000 surviving spouse benefit to reserve officers killed in the line of duty. Members noted the bill is prospective and that it draws from the same capped fund as other related bills, but it was reported favorable without opposition. The committee also adopted an amendment and reported HB 874 favorable as amended; the bill allows colleges, technical schools, the Louisiana Bar Association, and additional credentials to be added to LA Wallet, with the amendment changing mandatory language to permissive language. HB 951 was then reported favorable, creating an employer-facing workforce unit within Louisiana Works, to be funded through repurposed state and federal funds and existing staff, with a floor amendment expected to rename the unit. The committee also reported HB 979 favorable with amendments after reducing the proposed increase in survivor benefits because members learned several bills were drawing from the same $5 million fund, and HB 1193 favorable as amended, after striking a section that would have extended IDIQ authority to supply contracts for CPR.
The committee then heard HB 909, which would require commercial payers to cover behavioral health crisis services. Representative Spell and LDH officials said the measure is intended to support crisis response centers and steer patients away from emergency rooms when appropriate, and they testified that it should be cost-neutral or absorbed within existing funding. Despite concerns raised by Senator Andrews about premiums, the bill was reported favorable after discussion of its potential savings and a possible pilot in Acadiana. HB 222, requiring Medicaid to cover dental procedures when needed to complete another medically covered procedure, was also reported favorable; LDH said it would absorb the cost within its existing budget and draw down federal matching funds. HB 291, which prevents health plans from penalizing hospitals when an out-of-network physician is involved in an otherwise covered hospital service, generated extensive debate over a disputed fiscal note and the No Surprises Act. OGB officials said any network “leakage” could cost the plan money, while supporters argued the policy is preventative and that the fiscal estimates were speculative. The committee adopted amendment 3941 to exempt OGB from the bill, then reported HB 291 favorable as amended.
Later, the committee took up HB 145, which expands the authority of the law enforcement and firefighter survivor benefit board to cover extraordinary medical and dental expenses. Because members learned it also draws from the same fund as HB 12 and HB 979, an amendment reduced the amount from $50,000 to $25,000, and the bill was reported favorable as amended. HB 430, a local bill for Lafayette to continue paying health insurance costs for surviving families of fallen officers until Medicare eligibility, was reported favorable. Finally, HB 821, which establishes the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools within the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement Administration and transfers related duties from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, was introduced and discussed as a move with a one-time general fund expenditure already included in HB 1. The committee then adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 29th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Will Hall, Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy; Scott Kirkpatrick, on behalf of the Chiefs of Police
- Will Hall, Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy, Scott Kropatch.
- Will Hall, Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy, Scott Kirkpatrick, on behalf of the Chiefs of Police
- Burkett, our district attorney with the 7th Judicial District, in opposition, not wishing to speak; Scott
- in support not wishing to speak by Tom Costanza with the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, Scott
Keywords:
sports wagering, gambling, elections, local control, revenue generation, inmates, housing, corrections, Department of Public Safety, local jurisdiction, criminal justice, juvenile justice, jury trial, felony offenses, crime of violence, sex offenses, correctional facilities, in-custody deaths, medical oversight, independent investigations
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred HB 517. It then took up several Senate bills focused largely on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, child protection, and criminal procedure. SB 118 by Sen. Boudreaux required substance use disorder screening for misdemeanor DUI offenders; supporters, including the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, said early screening could identify underlying addiction and reduce repeat offenses, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 125 increased wrongful conviction compensation from 10 to 15 years and raised the cap to $600,000; supporters emphasized the hardship faced by people who spent decades wrongfully imprisoned, and it was also reported favorably. SB 294 allowed gaming operators to reallocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite opposition from the Louisiana Family Forum.
The committee also advanced several bills aimed at child sexual exploitation and worship protections. SB 87 clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity in trafficking laws so prosecutors could more easily charge adults who solicit or pay for sexual images of children online; prosecutors said the current language was too narrow, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 93 set minimum bond amounts for certain child sexual abuse material offenses, and an amendment by Chair Villio added broader bail restrictions and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm-related offenses; the amended bill was reported favorably. SB 98 expanded the definition of educator to include school resource officers and security guards for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it was reported favorably. SB 306 created the crime of obstructing freedom of worship; after an amendment reducing a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500, supporters argued it was needed to deter disruptions at churches, while the ACLU raised concerns about overbreadth and redundancy, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. SB 277, allowing certain statewide officials with POST-qualified handguns to carry in the State Capitol, was also reported favorably. SB 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence and sex-offender registration for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity; supporters said it would reduce demand, and it was reported favorably as amended.
Two House bills drew significant discussion but were not advanced. HB 333 would have required the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home parish or offense location; the author argued it would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, prosecutors, and DOC said the proposal was not practical given bed space, security, and facility-location constraints, and no motion was made, so it remained in committee. HB 828 would have created an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate inmate deaths and report to the legislative auditor; the author said it would improve transparency, but prosecutors and corrections officials warned it could interfere with criminal investigations and duplicate existing coroner and law-enforcement processes. The author asked for and received voluntary deferral. HB 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish election on sports wagering, also received opposition and no motion, so it stayed in committee. The meeting ended with adjournment after all listed measures were handled.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 17th, 2026 at 08:07 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we're going to go to Scott Lopez. Scott, go ahead please.
- Okay, Scott, we'll try one more time, and then we can come back to you.
- Scott Lopez, go ahead please. Can you hear me? Yes, we can.
- My name is Scott Lopez.
Keywords:
general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion