Transcript Highlights:

• :17.519><c> the</c><00:32:17.760><c> second</c><00:32:17.919><c> semester</c><00:32:18.320><c> of</c>
• I guess<00:32:19.519><c> what</c><00:32:19.679><c> I'm</c><00:32:20.000><c> I'm</c><00:32:20.320><c>
• ><c> is</c><00:32:22.159><c> maybe</c><00:32:22.399><c> the</c><00:32:22.640><c> dropout</c><00:32:23.039
• You any idea<00:32:26.240><c> on</c><00:32:26.399><c> that</c><00:32:27.519><c> in</c><00:32:27.760><
• </c><00:32:28.640><c> I</c><00:32:28.799><c> mean,</c><00:32:28.960><c> I</c><00:32:29.120><c> know</

Bills: HB0023 , HB0024 , HB0025

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:32:15.679><c> would</c><00:32:15.919><c> say</c><00:32:16.240><c> that</c><00:32:16.440><c> there
• </c><00:32:16.600><c> are</c><00:32:16.960><c> lots</c><00:32:17.200><c> of</c> sure I would say that
• ><c> um</c><00:32:19.679><c> Sports</c><00:32:20.120><c> who</c><00:32:20.320><c> have</c><00:32:20.559
• :22.480><c> um</c><00:32:22.639><c> they</c><00:32:22.960><c> very</c><00:32:23.559><c> very</c><00:32
• 28.519><c> we</c><00:32:28.679><c> see</c><00:32:29.480><c> the</c><00:32:29.720><c> unfair</c><00:32

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:05.760><c> that</c><03:32:06.000><c> you</c><03:32:06.239><c> do</c><03:32:06.479><c> monitor</c>
• but not<03:32:07.520><c> incidences</c><03:32:08.160><c> but</c><03:32:08.399><c> overall</c><03:32:
• </c><03:32:12.319><c> uh</c><03:32:12.399><c> our</c><03:32:12.720><c> monitoring</c><03:32:13.279><c
• 32:18.319><c> call</c><03:32:18.560><c> air</c><03:32:19.200><c> uh</c><03:32:19.680><c> criteria</c>
• <03:32:22.000><c> you</c><03:32:22.160><c> know</c><03:32:22.319><c> the</c><03:32:22.640><c> federal

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:32:02.960><c> Minnesota</c><00:32:03.760><c> boy</c><00:32:04.159><c> they</c><00:32:04.279><c> got
• ><c> can</c><00:32:06.880><c> happen</c><00:32:07.279><c> that</c><00:32:07.440><c> way</c><00:32:08.200
• ><c> do</c><00:32:15.799><c> you</c><00:32:16.000><c> know</c><00:32:16.399><c> if</c><00:32:16.679><
• ><c> uh</c><01:32:04.159><c> and</c><01:32:04.520><c> and</c><01:32:04.800><c> and</c><01:32:05.000><
• c> I</c><01:32:05.199><c> think</c><01:32:05.600><c> if</c><01:32:05.719><c> you</c><01:32:05.880><c>

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> the</c><00:32:20.320><c> private</c><00:32:20.640><c> seeking</c><00:32:20.880><c> motive</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:25.039><c> to</c><00:32:25.200><c> not</c><00:32:25.440><c> contract.
• </c><00:32:27.840><c> Thank</c><00:32:28.000><c> you</c><00:32:28.080><c> for</c><00:32:28.320><c> sharing
• </c><00:32:29.279><c> Thank</c><00:32:29.440><c> you</c><00:32:29.600><c> chair.</c> Thank you.
• Did<00:32:31.519><c> you</c><00:32:32.159><c> want</c><00:32:32.399><c> to</c><00:32:32.840><c> answer

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety heard several resolutions, including HCR 944/HR 90 to request a gubernatorial proclamation designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025; HCR 205/HR 197 urging Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite a permanent replacement for the Kulani Hakoi Bridge; and HCR 164/HR 159 urging counties to maintain an electronically accessible list of hurricane refuge shelters. No one testified on the first two measures. On the hurricane shelter resolution, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent and requested a wording change from “special needs” to “access and functional needs.” The committee then heard HCR 70, which asks the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to expand personal and professional development programs to include community service programs. Director Tommy Johnson said DCR supports the intent and described existing community service work lines at Kulani, the women’s correctional facility, and Wawa, including tasks such as pothole repair, tree trimming, and school grounds work. In response to questions, he said participation depends on inmate eligibility, volunteer status, and whether the work would interfere with programming; inmates must have no serious misconducts in the prior year and no escape attempts. He also explained that some work lines are tied to security classifications and facility type. The committee spent the most time on HCR 153/HR 148, which requests DCR to incrementally reduce the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities. The ACLU of Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, arguing that private prisons are unsafe and that Hawaii should bring incarcerated people home. The ACLU cited federal findings and actions against private prison contractors, conditions at the Saguaro facility in Arizona, and the need for in-state rehabilitation and oversight. Director Johnson also supported the measure in principle but said population levels, security classifications, and available in-state facilities limit how quickly people can be returned. He said DCR provides annual reports on inmates eligible to return and suggested more frequent reporting could be considered. Committee members discussed benchmarks, quarterly reporting, parole, and reintegration services, and the ACLU argued that other states have reduced or phased out private prison use through sentencing reform, parole changes, and reintegration programs. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President. So the bill passes.
• Lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President.
• Lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President.
• The Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President.
• Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 32. Yay, zero nays, Mr. President.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Co-sponsors Now,<00:32:01.760><c> please</c> [clears throat] Mr.
• Sheel, please open the<00:32:46.640><c> machine</c><00:32:47.039><c> and</c><00:32:47.279><c> members
• </c><00:32:47.760><c> proceed</c><00:32:48.159><c> to</c><00:32:48.320><c> vote.
• Representative<00:32:50.080><c> Lindseay,</c><00:32:50.640><c> how</c><00:32:50.799><c> do</c><00:32:
• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:32:53.279><c> Lindsay</c><00:32:53.679><c> votes</c><00:32:54.000><c> yes.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal from February 17, 2026, and then moved into third reading. Members passed several bills on final passage: HB 1013, concerning landlord use of ratio utility billing systems; HB 1064, modifying the youthful offender system; HB 1076, making transportation-related statutory changes; HB 1067, allowing use of the diseased livestock indemnity fund to address livestock health threats; HB 1042, concerning dry needling by occupational therapists; and HB 1025, exempting auctioneers from certain requirements of the Colorado Charitable Solicitations Act. Vote totals were recorded for each, with HB 1042 and HB 1025 passing unanimously and the others passing by varying margins, including HB 1067 at 58-1 and HB 1076 at 40-19. Co-sponsors were then invited to add their names to the adopted bills. During announcements, members highlighted upcoming committee hearings and events. Judiciary, Education, Health and Human Services, Transportation/Housing/Local Government, Finance, Statutory Revision, and Capital Development committees all announced meetings and bill agendas. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups, including Adams 12 Stargate, Emily Griffith Technical College, and Slavens Elementary fourth graders, as well as a Chaparral High School AP government class. There were also announcements about the Aerospace and Defense Caucus, Aerospace Day at the Capitol, and a Colorado Housing Coalition reception. Several members made brief remarks honoring people and observances, including a detailed tribute to Barbara Shannon Banister for her civil rights and community leadership in Aurora, and a statement marking the first day of Ramadan and encouraging members to visit local mosques and participate in iftar events. At the end of the session, the majority leader moved to lay over the balance of the calendar until February 19, 2026, and the House agreed without objection. The House then stood in recess until later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.000><c> which</c><00:32:02.320><c> takes</c><00:32:02.680><c> that</c><00:32:02.960><c> language<
• and would<00:32:03.880><c> put</c><00:32:04.080><c> it</c><00:32:04.200><c> into</c><00:32:04.640><c
• > the</c> would put it into the would put it into the supplemental<00:32:06.400><c> finance</c><00:32
• :06.960><c> bill</c><00:32:07.200><c> so</c><00:32:07.360><c> we'll</c><00:32:07.880><c> take</c> supplemental
• 32:08.440><c> table</c><00:32:09.240><c> House</c><00:32:09.560><c> file</c><00:32:09.960><c> 2433</c

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Burch, who was<02:32:06.399><c> our</c><02:32:06.640><c> chairman</c><02:32:06.960><c> for</c><02:32:
• 02:32:12.800><c> good</c><02:32:12.960><c> for</c><02:32:13.120><c> the</c><02:32:13.359><c> tribe</c
• And<02:32:16.800><c> that</c><02:32:17.040><c> truth</c><02:32:17.280><c> guides</c><02:32:17.600><c>
• The<02:32:20.720><c> Southern</c><02:32:21.120><c> Indian</c><02:32:21.439><c> Tribe</c><02:32:21.760
• tens</c><02:32:51.520><c> of</c><02:32:51.680><c> millions</c><02:32:52.000><c> of</c><02:32:52.160>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><00:32:02.559><c> just</c><00:32:02.720><c> say</c><00:32:02.880><c> like</c><00:32:03.279
• ><c> initial</c><00:32:05.919><c> results</c><00:32:06.240><c> as</c><00:32:06.399><c> far</c><00:32:
• of body<00:32:08.720><c> fat</c><00:32:09.039><c> percentage</c><00:32:09.440><c> and</c><00:32:10.080
• Um,<00:32:12.720><c> I</c><00:32:12.960><c> I'm</c><00:32:13.279><c> curious</c><00:32:13.679><c> about
• and</c><00:32:22.399><c> I'm</c><00:32:22.720><c> saying</c><00:32:22.880><c> this</c><00:32:23.120><

Keywords: This meeting was pulled from back ups and uploaded in it's entirety due to technical issues., 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” work from Kentucky Hospital Association and Kentucky Department of Agriculture leaders, including Jim Muser, Holly Harris, and Commissioner Jonathan Shell. The chair framed the discussion around personal wellness, injury prevention, and the broader goal of improving health through better sleep, nutrition, and activity, then asked the presenters to describe current initiatives and any policy changes needed. The witnesses described a partnership linking hospitals and Kentucky farmers to improve health outcomes while supporting rural agriculture. They said the effort has moved beyond the pilot stage and now includes more than 40 hospitals statewide, with programs such as healthier hospital cafeterias, grab-and-go options, farmers markets at hospital sites, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and medically tailored meals or groceries for patients with chronic conditions. ARH was highlighted as a leading model, with local food procurement, employee wellness efforts, and measurable outcome pilots, including a Russell County Hospital project focused on diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They also emphasized barriers to scaling the model, including fragmented short-term funding, lack of reimbursement for food-as-medicine programs, and burdensome procurement and testing requirements that can make it difficult for small farmers to participate. The presenters said hospitals are using their own funds or temporary grants to sustain programs and argued that policy changes are needed to simplify sourcing, expand reimbursement pathways, and support clinical measurement of outcomes. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:32:42.240><c> with</c><00:32:42.399><c> that,</c><00:32:42.559><c> we'll</c><00:32:42.799><c> go
• <c> talk</c><00:32:44.880><c> a</c><00:32:45.120><c> little</c><00:32:45.200><c> bit</c><00:32:45.360
• </c><00:32:47.919><c> works</c><00:32:48.159><c> in</c><00:32:48.399><c> the</c><00:32:48.559><c> state
• In<00:32:52.480><c> order</c><00:32:52.640><c> to</c><00:32:52.799><c> be</c><00:32:52.960><c> considered
• > and</c><00:32:55.279><c> most</c><00:32:55.519><c> forms</c><00:32:55.760><c> of</c><00:32:55.919><

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > Bill</c><00:32:04.480><c> 154</c><00:32:05.440><c> is</c><00:32:05.679><c> a</c><00:32:05.919><c> bill
• the</c><00:32:11.840><c> election</c><00:32:12.240><c> integrity</c><00:32:12.880><c> of</c><00:32:13.039
• ><c> bill</c><00:32:47.600><c> will</c><00:32:47.840><c> strike</c><00:32:48.159><c> those</c><00:32:
• come to<00:32:51.120><c> vote</c><00:32:51.440><c> in</c><00:32:51.760><c> Kentucky</c><00:32:52.159
• Across<00:32:57.760><c> the</c><00:32:58.080><c> state</c><00:32:58.720><c> and</c><00:32:59.039><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:32:00.399><c> concern</c><00:32:00.799><c> is</c><00:32:01.440><c> not</c> staff.
• ><c> uh</c><00:32:03.600><c> or</c><00:32:04.000><c> a</c><00:32:04.240><c> tissue</c><00:32:04.559><
• :20.880><c> explain</c><00:32:21.200><c> and</c><00:32:21.519><c> show</c><00:32:21.919><c> uh</c><00
• the</c><00:32:23.600><c> sorts</c><00:32:23.840><c> of</c><00:32:24.000><c> infectious</c><00:32:24.480
• 00:32:35.440><c> is</c><00:32:35.519><c> a</c><00:32:35.760><c> worker</c><00:32:36.080><c> safety</c

Bills: HF1531 , HF4017 , HF3399 , HF4146 , HF4019 , HF3677

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: crossbow, crossbow hunting, archery season, deer hunting, bear hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, common carp, rough fish, game and fish, wildlife management, hunting license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, sunset clause, expiration removal, archery equipment, outdoor recreation, infectious waste, pathological waste

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:02.880><c> from</c><00:32:03.120><c> 12</c><00:32:03.399><c> to</c><00:32:03.559><c> 18</c
• </c><00:32:21.880><c> quite</c><00:32:22.080><c> a</c><00:32:22.200><c> bit</c><00:32:22.519><c> of</
• c><00:32:27.559><c> people</c><00:32:27.919><c> will</c><00:32:28.080><c> take</c><00:32:28.200><c> a
• </c><00:32:29.440><c> any</c><00:32:29.720><c> other</c><00:32:30.279><c> questions</c><00:32:31.279>
• :32.600><c> turn</c><00:32:32.919><c> to</c><00:32:33.279><c> your</c><00:32:34.279><c> um</c><00:32:

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:32:00.640><c> if</c><00:32:00.800><c> you</c><00:32:01.160><c> want</c><00:32:01.520><c> a</c>
• :32:03.080><c> this</c><00:32:03.280><c> room</c><00:32:03.560><c> needs</c><00:32:03.840><c> to</c><
• ><00:32:10.360><c> on</c><00:32:10.920><c> behind</c><00:32:11.320><c> the</c><00:32:11.400><c> scenes
• </c><00:32:52.840><c> And</c><00:32:52.960><c> the</c><00:32:53.040><c> parents</c><00:32:53.480><c>
• :32:54.760><c> with</c><00:32:55.040><c> this</c><00:32:55.960><c> were</c><00:32:56.120><c> turned</

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 29 was heard in committee as a proposal to suspend adoption of the revised social studies standards, push implementation to 2030-31, repeal the requirement to embed ethnic studies across all standards, and cancel related appropriations. The bill sponsor argued Minnesota schools should focus on basic academic achievement and that ethnic studies requirements add burdens and distract from reading, math, and science. The chair moved the bill to the Committee on Education Finance after opening the hearing and then took extensive public testimony. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of HF 29, including Katherine Kersten, Deanna Moose, Kendall Qualls, Hillary Swanson, and Diane Smith, argued the ethnic studies framework is ideological, overly focused on race, insufficiently transparent, and costly in professional development time; several said it would divide students or burden teachers. Some supporters also claimed the standards or framework promote activism, critical race theory, or racial stratification. Opponents, including Mark Westfall, Crystal Johnson, Jim Grathwol, Marcus Penny, Claude Sigman, and Courtney Major, said the standards are inclusive, research-based, and designed to help students understand multiple perspectives, civic life, and the contributions of diverse Minnesotans. They emphasized that ethnic studies can improve engagement, critical thinking, and representation, and that teachers should be trusted to implement the standards. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal action noted was the chair’s motion to re-refer House File 29 to the Committee on Education Finance.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.600><c> every</c><00:32:02.960><c> year</c><00:32:03.919><c> so</c><00:32:04.279><c> for</c><00:32
• 00:32:20.200><c> of</c><00:32:20.600><c> those</c><00:32:21.200><c> from</c><00:32:21.399><c> a</c> responses
• :32:10.960><c> initiative</c><01:32:11.920><c> uh</c><01:32:12.040><c> that</c><01:32:12.159><c> I</c
• to</c><01:32:12.520><c> highlight</c><01:32:13.000><c> is</c><01:32:13.119><c> our</c><01:32:13.360>
• will<01:32:18.960><c> create</c><01:32:19.199><c> a</c><01:32:19.320><c> unified</c><01:32:19.880><c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:31.279><c> I</c><00:32:31.440><c> I</c><00:32:31.760><c> don't</c><00:32:32.080><c> I</c><
• ><c> does</c><00:32:36.720><c> not</c><00:32:37.200><c> tie</c><00:32:37.519><c> it</c><00:32:37.760>
• <00:32:40.080><c> to</c><00:32:40.320><c> fund</c><00:32:40.640><c> it.
• But<00:32:41.919><c> I</c><00:32:42.240><c> do</c><00:32:42.720><c> understand</c><00:32:43.200><c> the
• /c><00:32:53.440><c> know</c><00:32:53.519><c> how</c><00:32:54.000><c> much</c><00:32:54.240><c> this

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:03.120><c> the</c><00:32:03.360><c> deletion</c><00:32:03.760><c> of</c><00:32:04.000><c>
• Um<00:32:10.799><c> I</c><00:32:11.039><c> just</c><00:32:11.200><c> want</c><00:32:11.360><c> to</c>
• principles<00:32:19.360><c> of</c><00:32:19.600><c> healthc</c><00:32:19.840><c> care</c><00:32:20.080
• health<00:32:30.240><c> services</c><00:32:30.640><c> for</c><00:32:30.960><c> all</c><00:32:31.200>
• Systemic<00:32:33.120><c> barriers</c><00:32:33.760><c> such</c><00:32:33.919><c> as</c><00:32:34.159

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> an</c><00:32:43.279><c> ideal</c><00:32:43.840><c> opportunity</c><00:32:44.799><c> to</c><00:32
• Um the study that<00:32:52.559><c> was</c><00:32:52.720><c> done</c><00:32:53.360><c> made</c><00:32:
• </c><01:32:05.760><c> If</c><01:32:05.920><c> the</c><01:32:06.159><c> water</c><01:32:06.320><c> is<
• ><c> use</c><01:32:37.600><c> byproduct</c><01:32:38.400><c> water</c><01:32:39.600><c> as</c><01:32:
• .<01:32:43.520><c> Uh</c><01:32:43.920><c> under</c><01:32:44.159><c> 41</c><01:32:44.880><c> statute

Committee: Joint Select Water Committee

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Secretary, close the machine. 32 yeas, 0 nays; the bill finally passed. 13-8-0 nays.
• Secretary will close the machine. 32 yeas. ...Are you through voting?
• There are 32 yeas and zero nays, and the bill is finally passed.
• 32 yeas and zero nays, and the Senate concurs in the House amendments.
• There are 32 yeas and zero nays, and the bill is finally passed.

Bills: SR130 , SR131 , SR132 , SR133 , SCR74 , SCR12 , HB582 , HB221 , HCR74 , HCR58 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB712 , SCR3 , SB54 , SB72 , SB129 , SB164 , SB232 , SB287 , SB322 , SB374 , SB375 , SB386 , SB409 , SB447 , SB458 , SB78 , SB112 , SB124 , SB125 , SB174 , SB190 , SB201 , SB208 , SB236 , SB273 , SB307 , SB347 , SB357 , SB385 , SB387 , SB393 , SB401 , SB415 , SB426 , SB435 , SB487 , SB488 , SB523 , SB222 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB480 , SB514 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB362 , HB363 , HB368 , HB377 , HB380 , HB382 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB431 , HB441 , HB466 , HB503 , HB533 , HB559 , HB575 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB655 , HB664 , HB685 , HB692 , HB707 , HB715 , HB732 , HB738 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB807 , HB822 , HB856 , HB860 , HB868 , HB887 , HB888 , HB905 , HB908 , HB961 , HB980 , HB990 , HB992 , HB999 , HB1000 , HB1010 , HB1146 , HB1157 , HB1233 , HB1243 , HB54 , HB137 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB321 , HB396 , HB512 , HB552 , HB578 , HB638 , HB663 , HB708 , HB717 , HB718 , HB1009 , HB1082 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1198 , HB1246 , HB27 , HB143 , HB205 , HB259 , HB267 , HB288 , HB308 , HB403 , HB405 , HB414 , HB417 , HB478 , HB546 , HB548 , HB555 , HB557 , HB609 , HB670 , HB672 , HB740 , HB779 , HB786 , HB796 , HB812 , HB848 , HB915 , HB917 , HB921 , HB930 , HB933 , HB1095 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1129 , HB1154 , HB1166 , HB1187 , HB1195 , HB1230 , HB316 , HB511 , HB514 , HB799 , HB1039 , HB17 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB211 , HB226 , HB271 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB571 , HB723 , HB726 , HB750 , HB759 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1036 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB782 , SB149

Keywords: E. Joseph Savoie, Dr. Savoie, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, UL Lafayette, higher education, Louisiana Board of Regents, commissioner of higher education, president emeritus, Carnegie R1, research university, student financial aid, needs-based aid, community and technical college system, teacher education, hurricane Katrina, hurricane Rita, retirement resolution, commendation, senate resolution, public service

Summary: The Senate convened with 29 members present, opened with prayer by Oren Connor, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a musical performance by the Chuck Wagon Gang. The chamber also recognized several guests and observances, including birthdays for Senators Seabaugh, Fesi, and Price, White Coat Wednesday participants, Tourism Day, the Louisiana Oil Marketers Association, Chenault International Airport’s 40th anniversary, and visiting fair queens from Washington and Tangipahoa parishes. The Senate dispensed with reading the journal and received numerous House and Senate messages, committee reports, and resolutions. Several Senate resolutions were taken up and adopted, including commendations for Isaac Herzenberg, condolences for Kathleen Sessomson and former Senator Louis Lambert Jr., recognition of White Coat Wednesday and Tourism Day, and a study resolution on transfer-on-death and payable-on-death accounts. The Senate also adopted a conference committee report on House Bill 782, which concerned vapor and alternative nicotine products and was described as giving the state more tools to combat illegal vapes. A number of Senate bills returned from the House with amendments were either concurred in or rejected, including SB 54, SB 72, SB 129, SB 164, SB 232, SB 287, SB 374, SB 375, SB 386, SB 409, SB 112, SB 124, SB 125, SB 174, SB 190, SB 207, SB 236, SB 307, SB 357, SB 385, SB 387, SB 458, SB 477, SB 590, SB 593, SB 618, SB 655, SB 692, SB 707, SB 732, SB 738, SB 748, SB 776, SB 807, SB 860, SB 868, SB 887, SB 888, SB 905, and SB 961, with votes generally passing by wide margins. The chamber also considered several House bills on final passage. Among those approved were measures on local security districts, budget review authority, school activity access for virtual students, electronic bid forms, brake equipment and trailer safety, construction management at risk contracts, temporary registration plates, the Louisiana Maritime Academy name change, OMV fee and ID issues, ferry operations, group purchasing for local governments, the Green Envelope Program for drivers with disabilities, OMV field office fees, LED fee updates, port development priorities, workforce instructor capacity, and a campus disciplinary process bill tied to hazing prevention. Some House bills were passed after amendments, while others were passed over or rejected for later conference, including bills on virtual school participation, historic preservation, civil service, suicide prevention, local government training, and economic development districts. The Senate also rejected House amendments on SB 78 and SB 208, and rejected amendments on SB 387, sending those matters toward further negotiation.