Transcript Highlights:

• Section C through F create civil enforcement mechanisms.
• action. ...create civil enforcement mechanisms.
• Section 4 has emergency election procedures.
• Section 4 has emergency election procedures.
• It often comes up in civil rights contexts.

Bills: SB264 , SB261 , SB264 , SB261

Committees: Senate Senate Rules , Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Keywords: election integrity, voter coercion, public safety, emergency procedures, polling place security, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms

Transcript Highlights:

• Constitution's Amendment No. 5 procedure to rein in runaway federal government.
• Service Commission and the Civil Service Commission of the City of New Orleans to develop a plan for
• transfer of employees to the board to the State Civil Service, becomes House Bill 441 and lies over.
• House Bill 970 by Representative Mena, child custody, competing custody orders, and procedures.
• House Bill 970 by Representative Mena, child custody, competing custody orders, and procedures.

Bills: HR39 , HR40 , HR41 , HCR19 , HCR20 , HCR21 , HB2 , HB3 , HB15 , HB441 , HB976 , HB977 , HB978 , HB979 , HB980 , HB981 , HB982 , HR19 , HR20 , HR21 , HR22 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR28 , HR29 , HR30 , HR31 , HR32 , HR33 , HR34 , HR35 , HR36 , HR37 , HR38 , HCR15 , HCR16 , HCR17 , HCR18 , SCR10 , HB115 , HB208 , HB465 , HB964 , HB965 , HB966 , HB967 , HB968 , HB969 , HB970 , HB971 , HB972 , HB973 , HB974 , HB975 , HB474 , HB487 , HB503 , HB606 , HB633 , HB707 , HB720 , HB728 , HB733 , HB846 , HB852 , HB856 , HB868 , HB875 , HB78 , HB112 , HB148 , HB149 , HB190 , HB221 , HB346 , HB354 , HB355 , HB356 , HB358 , HB384 , HB427 , HB657 , HB675 , HB716 , HB207 , HB300 , HB331 , HB428 , HB464 , HB587 , HB618 , HB629 , HB801 , HB853 , HB891 , HB901

Summary: The House opened with procedural motions, receipt of enrollment and committee reports, and several personal privilege recognitions for visiting groups and commemorative observances. Members welcomed Irish dignitaries, the Convention of States, the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association, nurse practitioners, professional surveyors, a birthday recognition for a member’s daughter, an America 250 concert announcement, and a youth leadership group. The chamber also introduced a number of resolutions and bills, including major fiscal measures such as HB 2 (capital outlay) and HB 3 (bond authorization), along with local and policy bills covering retirement, utilities, law enforcement, education, and public safety. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, including observances for HBCU Day, Opportunity and Action Day, and commendations and condolences for individuals and organizations. The House then considered numerous second-reading bills and committee reports, including measures on income tax check-offs, traffic signal penalties, utility terrain vehicles, personal delivery devices, tax underpayment penalties, road dedications, and motor vehicle regulations. In floor action, HB 78 passed 96-0 to expand the jurisdiction of the Bogalusa city court. HB 190 passed 97-0 to create a Civil Code standard of care for software and computer programs, and HB 427 passed 99-0 to clarify online child-protection provisions and replace “sexually explicit” with the statutory “material harmful to minors” definition. HB 675 passed 100-0 after an amendment removing a middle name from the honoree, and HB 716 passed 99-0 to rename the Chalmette Ferry Terminal for Michael C. Ginnart Jr. The chamber also approved several memorial highway and bridge designations, including HB 346 for Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway, HB 355 for Veterans Park Memorial Highway, HB 356 for the Everett Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, and HB 358 for a memorial highway honoring Charles Bordelon. Other bills were returned to the calendar or temporarily deferred, including HB 112, HB 148, HB 149, HB 221, HB 354, and HB 657. The House also announced committee meetings for the next day, received additional committee reports, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you read the Civil Practice Remedies Code, the Civil Code, and the Texas rules of evidence, what it
• In the civil trial practice, I mean, in our rules of procedure, "remediator" means...
• So, what about procedure? That would be the same thing, sir, CBT code and procedure.
• Yes, the judge... has discretion under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure as to how a trial is conducted
• Rule 15 of the Rules of Civil Procedure contends that discovery abuse, for example, was sanctionable.

Bills: SB30 , SB517 , SB1313 , SB1314 , SB1316 , SB1541 , SB1698 , SB1845 , SB1860 , SB2420 , SB2429

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is information they can already access in other civil enforcement proceedings.
• Civil enforcement proceedings.
• The Civil Prosecutors Coalition is proud to sponsor AB 2001. The coalition is...
• Bringing the use of this information into civil proceedings that often lack the procedural protections
• Sensitive information in civil enforcement proceedings.

Summary: The Senate Public Safety Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 647, which would clarify last year’s RV disposal pilot program for Los Angeles and Alameda counties so local agencies can remove abandoned, inoperable RVs more efficiently. Supporters, including a representative for Mayor Karen Bass, said the bill is needed to address public health, fire, sewage, and neighborhood safety hazards. Opponents argued the measure would be used to remove occupied RVs without adequate housing or service referrals and would harm vehicle residents. The committee later approved AB 647 on a do-pass motion to the Appropriations Committee. The committee also considered AB 1656, which would give judges discretion to delay human trafficking cases when the assigned prosecutor has another trial, preliminary hearing, or motion to suppress, with amendments limiting the continuance to one time and no more than 10 days. Supporters said the bill would help preserve vertical prosecution and trauma-informed continuity for survivors; opponents raised speedy-trial and due process concerns. After discussion about balancing victim continuity and constitutional rights, the committee passed AB 1656 as amended to the floor. AB 1917, a bill to require prosecutors to file a motion before reinstating charges dismissed at preliminary hearing, also drew support from public defenders and defense groups and opposition from district attorneys, who argued the bill used the wrong procedural mechanism. The author agreed to explore moving the process into the existing 995 framework, and the committee passed AB 1917 as amended to Appropriations. AB 2636 would require courts to consider possession of a loaded firearm when deciding whether a juvenile qualifies for deferred entry of judgment. Supporters, including probation and police chiefs, said the bill would add accountability for serious gun-related conduct while preserving rehabilitation options; opponents said it would reduce access to effective youth diversion and disproportionately affect Black and brown youth. The committee passed the bill to the floor. AB 1632, which would replace notarization with a penalty-of-perjury statement for 602 trespass authorization letters, was supported by cities and law enforcement as a way to reduce bureaucracy and help address trespass and vacant-property hazards, while opponents warned of abuse and Fourth Amendment concerns. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill to the floor. The hearing then moved on to AB 1974, a voluntary firearm safe-storage bill, with the author introducing the measure and witnesses from Pierce’s Pledge expected to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• MassDOT did not follow its own procedures when executing the plan.
• Spanning multiple plazas, it should have followed its procedures at a minimum.
• The procedures anticipated all requests for clarification, The procedures anticipated all requests for
• Follow procedures. Write them tough, but then follow them.
• But I do think the specter of being unethical is in question here, which is civil and potential civil

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Senate Bill 1177 prohibits the use of public monies to fund a medical procedure for the
• It simply establishes that taxpayer dollars may not be used to fund gender transition procedures.
• to agree to provide or pay for a gender detransition procedure.
• Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1094 establishes civil liability for a physician...
• It's just a matter of civil justice for people who were gravely wronged by a misled medical system.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then took up a large agenda of health-related bills. SB 1214, the Arizona Stem Cell Therapy Act, drew extensive testimony from supporters who said it would create guardrails for regenerative medicine, protect patients, and encourage biotech investment, while opponents argued it was tied to abortion politics and imposed harsh penalties. The bill passed on a 4-3 vote. SB 1194, which would prohibit health professionals and institutions from denying care based on vaccination status, also passed 4-3 after testimony from supporters framing it as an access-to-care and religious-freedom measure and opponents warning it would interfere with private practice policies and parental choice. SB 1814, creating a study committee on substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight, passed unanimously 7-0. SB 1602, increasing stipends for kinship foster parents, passed as amended 7-0, and SB 1603, expanding child-only cash assistance eligibility, also passed as amended 7-0. The committee then considered several bills focused on gender-related care and public funding. SB 1177, which bars public monies from funding gender transition procedures and makes intentional violations a felony, passed 4-3 amid testimony that it protects taxpayers and counterarguments that it is discriminatory and unsupported by evidence. SB 1014, requiring insurance coverage for detransition procedures when transition care is covered and directing data reporting on transition and detransition, passed 4-3 after supporters said it would help detransitioners and collect needed data, while opponents argued it would chill providers and target transgender patients. SB 1094, creating civil liability for physicians who perform irreversible gender reassignment surgery on minors, was heard with testimony from supporters citing malpractice concerns and detransitioner harms and from opponents saying it would create a hostile environment for providers and treat trans patients differently; the transcript cuts off before the vote is shown. SB 1752, which classifies commercial harvesting or sale of mescaline as a felony while preserving bona fide religious use defenses, passed unanimously 7-0. Later, SB 1628, requiring insurers to report claims-denial and prior-authorization data and DIFI to publish standardized reports, passed unanimously 7-0 after supporters emphasized transparency and opponents called it redundant to federal reporting. SB 1629, requiring AHCCCS managed care organizations to give advance notice and network-adequacy documentation before terminating high-volume providers without cause, also passed 7-0; supporters said it would prevent patients from losing access to behavioral health care, while health plans and Access said existing oversight already covers much of this and warned the bill could slow necessary network changes. Throughout the meeting, the committee repeatedly adopted motions for due-pass recommendations and, where applicable, amendments, with several bills passing on party-line or near-party-line votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The civil penalty contained in the settlement is $2,500.
• The civil penalty contained in the settlement is $9,250.
• The civil penalty contained in the settlement is $1,000.
• Their failure to properly follow those instructions is their own procedural oversight, not a lack of
• Their failure to properly follow those instructions is their own procedural oversight, not a lack of

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on February 26, 2026, and first approved the January minutes and received revenue reports showing year-over-year gains in several sectors, including riverboats, racetrack slots, video gaming devices, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports. Staff also reported on fourth-quarter 2025 employment and procurement compliance for riverboat and racetrack licensees, noting several properties that missed employment or procurement targets, while others were fully compliant. Under casino gaming issues, the board approved annual certificates of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel and Live Casino and Hotel. It also approved two petitions finding Alpha North Partners Fund, Inc. and Alpha North Asset Management to be institutional investors in connection with Jackpot Digital’s pending manufacturer and supplier applications. Under video gaming issues, the board approved a transfer of membership interest in Bonus Casino, LLC. The board then approved a series of proposed settlements involving late filings, permit lapses, and ownership-notification violations, including matters involving American Amusements, McKinley’s Pub, Whispering Pines Plaza and Casino, Ms. Mamie’s Rain Casino, Pablo’s Truck Stop Casino, Clearly Tavern and Sports Bar, and Golden Lantern, with civil penalties ranging from $750 to $9,250. In the final agenda items, the board granted reconsideration for Burritos Grill LLC after finding a good-faith but misdirected hearing request, but denied reconsideration for Toby’s Dead, Inc., doing business as The Gemini, concluding that the licensee missed the hearing deadline and that no sufficient grounds for rehearing were shown. The board then adjourned and announced its next meeting for March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties lack clear procedures for 5150 designation and training.
• communications would not be disclosed outside of the complaint procedure.
• SB 942 creates a civil detainee bill of rights so that people detained in private civil detention facilities
• And again, there's extensive procedures, both state and local.
• I think the civil penalty does seem.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 16, which would require county behavioral health directors to create clear pathways for clinicians to be authorized to initiate 5150 involuntary holds. The author and supporters argued the bill would reduce reliance on law enforcement and create more consistent crisis response standards statewide, while county behavioral health directors opposed it as an unfunded mandate that could increase law enforcement involvement and create implementation burdens. Members raised questions about county costs and funding, but the author emphasized the bill’s role in building a more clinical response system. SB 561 would require public guardians to acknowledge conservatorship referrals, make determinations within a reasonable time, and provide status updates on request. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays that leave vulnerable adults in limbo, while the opposition from public guardian representatives was removed after amendments. SB 381 drew extensive public testimony in support; it would allow California-born adoptees, and descendants of deceased adoptees, access to original birth certificates, with a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of dignity, identity, and health, and there was no formal opposition on the record. The committee also discussed SB 880, which would give tenants and prospective owner-occupants notice and a first opportunity to make an offer when institutional investors sell certain homes. Supporters said it would expand homeownership opportunities and preserve neighborhood stability, while opponents warned about conflicts with federal law, bundled-sale restrictions, and impacts on build-to-rent and affordable housing projects. Members and the author discussed possible amendments to address those concerns. SB 1238 would impose a duty of care and additional transparency requirements on HOA managers and boards; supporters said it would protect homeowners from mismanagement, while the main opposition argued the duty should remain contractual and could increase litigation. Finally, SB 423 would require disclosure of emergency-service records related to private detention facilities, and SB 28 would make changes to the CARE Court process, including a statewide ombudsperson and expanded oversight; both drew support and opposition, with concerns focused on transparency, privacy, implementation, and the balance between treatment and coercion. SB 574, discussed at the end, would require disclosure and human oversight for AI use in courts and legal practice and create a complaint process for ADR providers, with the State Bar noting requested amendments related to complaint handling and confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 623 by Reynolds relating to creating a criminal procedure for the Department of Justice.
• So the related procedures and provisions are.
• Concealed handguns on the premises referred the committee on judiciary and civil jurisprudence.
• To play a civil penalty for the fine imposed by the Texas Ethics Commission referred to the Committee
• HB 701 by Bernal relating to the appointment of an attorney ad validum and ad micus attorney in civil

Transcript Highlights:

• when Delaware law enforcement agencies and the Department of Correction may participate in federal civil
• immigration enforcement by addressing two federal immigration procedures that are not judicial warrants
• Addressing two federal immigration procedures that are not judicial warrants: civil immigration warrants
• It's important to distinguish that, in contrast to judicial warrants, both civil immigration warrants
• that Delaware's law enforcement and correctional resources should not be used to carry out federal civil

Bills: HJR11 , HB59 , HB418 , HB342 , HB408 , HB409 , HB133 , HB134 , HB414 , HB355

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard presentations on several bills. House Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute 1 for House Bill 145 would restrict government use of reverse keyword searches, generally prohibiting reverse keyword court orders and voluntary requests, with a narrow exception for Class A violent felony investigations and rules on notice, deletion, and inadmissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368, with House Amendment 1, would limit Delaware law enforcement and the Department of Correction’s participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, especially regarding civil immigration warrants and detainers, while preserving exceptions for serious offenses and valid judicial processes; the Department of Correction said it had no operational or fiscal impact and supported the exclusions, and an ACLU-affiliated witness testified in support. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 427 would allow certain 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in hunting and target practice without direct adult supervision if they have parental permission, hunter education, and a valid Delaware hunting license. House Bill 355, the “Speak Your Truth Act,” would expand anti-SLAPP-style protections for survivors of sexual assault, discrimination, and harassment by raising the burden in defamation suits and allowing attorney’s fees and damages; advocates from the National Women’s Defense League and the Speak Your Truth movement supported it. House Bill 134 would increase penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders and lengthen animal ownership bans. The committee also heard House Bill 133, as amended, which would create a hardship waiver process allowing courts to waive fines and fees for defendants who cannot afford them, while preserving restitution and exempting certain traffic-related penalties and victim compensation assessments. The administration said the bill is intended to address uncollectable debt and noted millions in outstanding fines and fees, while local government and police representatives raised concerns about lost revenue, administrative burden, and consistency; the Fines and Fees Justice Center supported the measure. Committee members asked about how the waiver funding would affect local governments, volunteer fire companies, and related fees, and the administration said the $5 million budgeted this year would cover the waiver costs and be treated as an annual expense going forward. No committee votes were taken during the excerpted discussion, but the chair indicated that bills ready for action would be circulated for signature or moved to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the problem here is the lack of transparency, the waiver of the Administrative Procedures Act, is
• the lack of transparency, the waiver of the Administrative Procedures Act.
• On the Administrative Procedures Act, they did go through this.
• On the Administrative Procedures Act, they did go through this process. It was not approved.
• The civil rights movement taught us that progress is never freely given.

Summary: The Senate first took up two budget-related transportation trailer bills. AB 107 was described as a budget junior bill making technical corrections, updating federal appropriations by about $15 million, and exempting certain Proposition 4 appropriations from the Administrative Procedures Act to speed spending; Senator Niello objected to the transparency implications, but the bill passed 28-10. AB 117 then authorized a $590 million state loan from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to provide operating support to Bay Area transit agencies, with repayment secured by transit assistance revenues and interest; supporters called it an emergency bridge to prevent major service cuts at BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain, while critics questioned ridership recovery, governance, and accountability. The measure passed 28-9 after extensive debate, with several senators emphasizing both Bay Area urgency and the need for broader statewide transit funding and reform. The Senate then confirmed two California Air Resources Board appointees. Linda Hopkins, Sonoma County supervisor and air district chair, was confirmed after brief support from Senator Becker highlighting her rural North Bay perspective. Patricia Locke Dawson, Riverside mayor and South Bay air district representative, was also confirmed, with Senator Becker again praising her academic and practical background. Both confirmations passed on largely party-line votes with broad support from the majority and opposition from a small group of Republicans. The chamber next considered SCR 89, a resolution by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas condemning federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under President Trump. Supporters from both parties and multiple caucuses framed DEI as essential to civil rights, education, workforce development, national defense, and inclusion for marginalized communities, while the author argued California must resist federal rollbacks. The resolution passed after a lengthy debate and roll call, with several senators also using the discussion to share personal experiences with educational access and discrimination. Finally, the Senate took up SCR 78, authored by Senator Cabaldon, commemorating the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and warning against repeating such abuses. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, citing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the resilience and military service of Japanese Americans, and the importance of museums and historic sites such as Manzanar and the Japanese American National Museum. The resolution was presented as both remembrance and a caution against fear-driven policies and erosion of due process.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm trying to look for a version, because mine has something to do with civil procedure.
• It's just the title is incorrect as it came over from the House, where it says civil procedure.
• So it is in civil procedure, as was pointed out by our sharp-eyed staff, Title 12.
• What this is, Title 12, is civil procedure, and then it's down in a chapter related to evidence, evidence
• They pay it as part of their general procedure.

Bills: HB1082 , HB1638 , HB3040 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3298 , HB3587 , HB3996 , HB4113 , HB4140 , HB4226 , HB4236 , HB4301 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB4352 , SB1082

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up a long series of House bills, hearing brief author presentations and mostly no opposition. Early measures advanced included HB 3040, HB 414, HB 1638, HB 3298, HB 4113, HB 1082, HB 4301, and HB 3269. These bills addressed topics such as firearm theft penalties, county jail public trust eligibility for funding, child interviews in family law cases, voter registration eligibility for convicted felons, a presumption of joint custody, enforcement of VA loan amendatory-clause protections, and electronic transmission of arrest warrants. The committee also advanced HB 3587 on court-ordered outpatient treatment after several questions about how it relates to mental health and criminal proceedings, HB 4226 on judge disqualification procedures, HB 4324 on district attorney authority to adjust sentences, HB 4339 on notice timing in summary administration, and HB 3278 on Open Meeting Act enforcement through consent orders. HB 3996, requiring the indigent defense system to pay for evidence and experts in capital cases, also passed after a motion to restore title. HB 4236, the Uniform Commercial Receivership Act, and HB 4352, the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, were likewise advanced. One bill drew more extended discussion: HB 4342, which allows prior instances of domestic violence abuse to be admitted as evidence in court proceedings. Senators questioned why propensity evidence would be allowed in domestic violence cases but not property crimes; the author and chair explained it was intended to give the court a fuller picture in domestic violence matters and noted disclosure requirements. The committee also clarified that the bill’s title had a scrivener’s error. HB 4342 ultimately advanced on a 6-1 vote, while the other measures reported in the transcript passed unanimously or with no recorded opposition. The meeting concluded with the chair noting upcoming Judiciary meetings and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• municipality referred to the Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, HB 304 by GAN relating to the procedure
• HB 425 by BC relating to the redesignation of voters for polling places and related procedures referred
• HB 467 by Bell of Kaufman relating to the procedure.
• HB 491 by Thompson relating to certain civil penalties collected for violations of laws regulating, uh
• , massage therapy referred to the Committee on Licensing Administrative Procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• The person is under intervention court and only with three violations of the procedures and requirements
• the criminal side and then there's the the criminal side and then there's the the<00:20:30.159><c> civil
• side of the domestic abuse the civil side of the domestic abuse protection<00:20:33.360><c> order.
• So law enforcement will be writing these civil violations. Is that what I understand?
• today, so he little medical procedures today, so he is<00:32:45.279><c> unable</c><00:32:45.679><c>

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B

Transcript Highlights:

• So, figuring out procedures internally.
• </c> that regard cuz that's like a civil that regard cuz that's like a civil type<00:23:56.400><c> of
• </c> offer civil remedies to survivors. offer civil remedies to survivors.
• We've seen that civil remedies work.
• Civil actions also attorney's fees.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• Referred to Civil Law.
• Referred to Civil Law.
• I have no liability on the civil side for me.
• This is a technical fix to include in the citation more recent Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure articles
• What it does is it removes present law references to a Code of Civil Procedure article that no longer

Bills: HR165 , HR166 , HR167 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , HR159 , HR160 , HR161 , HR162 , HR163 , HR164 , HCR60 , HCR61 , HCR62 , HCR63 , HCR64 , SCR23 , SCR32 , SB105 , SB125 , SB304 , SB430 , SB438 , SB442 , SB522 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB573 , HB741 , HB1242 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB241 , HB244 , HB306 , HB345 , HB366 , HB446 , HB511 , HB514 , HB655 , HB730 , HB743 , HB1027 , HB1037 , HB1043 , HB1082 , HB1091 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1230 , HB1237 , HB1238 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB51 , HB58 , HB140 , HB750 , HB911 , HB982 , HB1010 , HB151 , HB180 , HB192 , HB193 , HB310 , HB635 , HB690 , HB961 , HB1003 , HB1146 , HB864 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB615 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB9 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1113 , HB1234 , HB1236

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the pledge, adopted the journal, and granted several members leave. The chamber also recognized visiting groups and honored individuals and organizations, including Livingston Parish Day at the Capitol, the Denham Springs High School robotics team, Principal Justin Wax, and the Louisiana Primary Care Association. Multiple House and Senate resolutions were introduced, adopted, or referred, including commendations, memorials, and study requests on topics such as TOPS, workforce outcomes, health issues, and transportation. In regular order, the House considered and passed several measures. HB 27, a constitutional amendment on applying state monies to retirement system unfunded liabilities, passed 87-0. HB 71, extending civil liability protection to licensed armed private security officers when use of force is deemed justified, drew extensive debate over training standards, criminal versus civil liability, and the role of prosecutors and law enforcement before passing 70-28. HB 214, a constitutional amendment on ad valorem tax exemptions for certain property, passed 82-10. HB 241, a technical correction to bank records disclosure law, passed 91-0. HB 244, clarifying constitutional convention ballot language and delegate/vote requirements, passed 77-16. The House also passed HB 345 to add port rail infrastructure to the Class 2 and Class 3 Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program, HB 446 to change when local bond and tax elections may be held, HB 511 to create a grant program for pursuit intervention safety technology after the death of Sgt. Grant Candies, HB 514 to expand the ad valorem tax exemption for seniors age 65 and older, and HB 65 to allow DOTD more contracting options for ferry operation and maintenance. HB 730, which would bar use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to levy fees or taxes, prompted lengthy discussion about aviation safety, privacy, airport revenue, and alleged misuse of tracking data before the bill was presented for final action near the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• CS FOR SB 48 ON JUDICIAL PROCEDURES BY SENATOR GARCIA.
• THEY CALL IT, THE ALTERNATIVE SALES PROCEDURE.
• THIS BILL I THINK ALSO CREATES A CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION.
• THIS PROCEDURE IS LIKE PROCEDURES IN EXISTING LAW FOR THE REMOVAL OF AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON FROM A RESIDENTIAL
• IT REMOVES THE CIVIL WAR AND DOESN'T REQUIRE AND EXONERATE OR WAIVE THEIR CIVIL REMEDIES THAT PROVIDES

Transcript Highlights:

• procedure with regards branch in civil procedure with regards branch in civil procedure with regards
• civil or or or what went got and we went civil or or or what went got and we went civil or or or what
• law both both criminal and civil law both both criminal and civil law procedures and and training and
• because different standards for civil because different standards for civil because civil doesn't have
• within that position only procedures within that position only procedures within agencies and procedures

Bills: HCR 21 , HCR 22 , HCR 23 , HCR 24 , HCR 25 , HCR 26 , HCR 27 , HCR 31 , HCR 41 , HCR 42 , HCR 43 , HCR 44 , HCR 45 , HCR 52 , HCR 53 , HCR 66 , HCR 67 , HCR 73 , HR 8 , HR 10 , HR 13 , HR 20 , HR 21 , HR 50 , HR 59 , HR 61 , HR 71 , HR 74 , HR 79 , HR 84 , HR 86 , HR 90 , HR 91 , HR 102 , HR 103 , HR 107 , HR 113 , HR 125 , HR 126 , HR 132 , HR 142 , HR 145 , HR 149 , HR 150 , HR 152 , HR 167 , HR 179 , HR 181 , HR 183 , HR 186 , HR 192 , HR 196 , HR 199 , HR 207 , HR 211 , HR 212 , HR 213 , HR 216 , HR 249 , HR 256 , HR 259 , HR 261 , HR 263 , HR 272 , HR 281 , HR 285 , HR 294 , HR 295 , HR 300 , HR 305 , HR 311 , HR 313 , HR 315 , HR 316 , HR 323 , HR 331 , HR 339 , HR 340 , HR 346 , HR 349 , HR 352 , HR 357 , HR 358 , HR 360 , HR 363 , HR 374 , HR 377 , HCR 20 , HCR 28 , HCR 30 , HCR 32 , HCR 49 , HR 14 , HR 15 , HR 19 , HR 23 , HR 24 , HR 25 , HR 26 , HR 27 , HR 29 , HR 47 , HR 48 , HR 55 , HR 56 , HR 66 , HR 85 , HR 92 , HR 93 , HR 95 , HR 96 , HR 140 , HR 155 , HR 164 , HR 204 , HR 241 , HR 242 , HR 250 , HR 253 , HR 260 , HR 262 , HR 265 , HR 279 , HR 310 , HR 312 , HR 328 , HR 332 , HR 359 , HR 362 , HR 367

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, you're trying to do things with the civil and the criminal law procedural aspects, but you will
• There's nothing to disagree with here procedurally; that's what happens. here procedurally, that's what
• But the first amendment I offer is on the civil side of this.
• The first amendment I offer is on the civil side of this.
• I know that's a procedure that should be handled like that.

Bills: HB43 , SB81 , SB178 , SB138 , SB89 , SB183 , HB27 , HB188 , HB199 , HB190 , SB117 , HB43 , HB27

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• liability procedures for violations.
• Madam Witt, members, as amended by the Committee on Government, House Bill 2660 outlines the procedures
• Madam Witt members, as amended by the committee on government, House Bill 2660 outlines the procedures
• Madam Whip, members, House Bill 2953 limits the maximum civil penalty that the Arizona State Board of
• Madam Whip, members, House Bill 2136 creates new statutory offenses for civil terrorism and subversion

Summary: The meeting was a rapid review of a very large bill package, with the chair repeatedly asking staff to keep descriptions high level and many bills placed on third-read consent or consent calendars. A major theme was artificial intelligence: bills would require minors to be told when they are interacting with AI, allow AI-assisted divorce arbitration by consent, create an AI education program, privilege certain AI communications, and require K-12 instruction on ethical and practical AI use. Other education measures addressed school district superintendents, health instruction, anti-Semitism prohibitions, fetal development standards, and school safety, including a bill allowing concealed firearms on school grounds under specified conditions. Several health and public safety bills were also discussed. These included funding and oversight measures for childhood cancer research, nursing care complaint timelines, firefighter cancer data collection, limits on pharmacy penalties, and a bill making it a felony to administer abortion-inducing drugs without consent. Members also heard bills on overtime wage enforcement, domestic violence evidence standards in parenting cases, probation limits for dangerous crimes against children, and a measure expanding manslaughter liability to online encouragement of teen suicide. One sponsor strongly opposed a provisional medical licensing bill for foreign-trained applicants, while other sponsors emphasized rural health access, nurse anesthetist reimbursement parity, and the need for a dental board member who is an oral surgeon. A large portion of the meeting focused on water, land, energy, and state agency oversight. Bills would streamline or change rules for small modular reactors, new power plants, water supply determinations, groundwater transportation fees, water hauling, and state land disposition. Members also considered measures affecting the State Land Department, including audits, oversight boards, continuation, land-use maps for data centers and energy projects, and rules for mineral leases and solar or wind siting. Other topics included wildlife and ranching, Mexican wolf policy, annexation, housing and development incentives, transportation and towing rules, digital driver licenses, and a proposed four-year moratorium on municipal and county fee, tax, and utility-rate increases, which drew questions about stakeholder input and the impact on enterprise funds and local utilities. No recorded roll-call votes were taken in the transcript; most items were simply presented, briefly discussed, and left on consent or calendar status, with one bill noted as held in rules and another pulled for further discussion.