Transcript Highlights:

• It's a study that needs to be done, and I commend Senator Kennedy, and I commend the legislature for

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of natural resources, wildlife, environmental, and infrastructure measures. HCR 79 by Chairman Butler, which memorializes Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow dog hunting in Kisatchie National Forest, drew testimony in support from hunters and a former NRCS official describing it as a rural Louisiana tradition, and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which said it supported hunting with dogs generally but opposed the deer/hog hunting portions while favoring the recovery-of-wounded-deer component. The committee reported HCR 79 favorable. It also reported favorable on SB 419, allowing pre-charged pneumatic devices for deer during primitive firearms season, and on SCR 29, creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality and sediment impacts, and SB 111, setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would monitor the effects through sampling and creel data. Several resolutions and bills focused on environmental management and state property. SB 174 authorized transfer of certain state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board and was reported favorable. SB 189, a preemptive ban on intentional release or dispersion of fuels or chemicals to affect temperatures, was also reported favorable after discussion of geoengineering-related additives. SB 99, which updates DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices for permits and public notifications, was supported by DEQ and reported favorable. HCR 104, from Rep. Coates, asked the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study and recommend improvements to subsurface data collection and access; testimony described efforts to modernize core and well-log records and build a statewide 3D subsurface model, and the resolution was reported favorable. The committee also considered river, boating, and wildlife-related measures. SB 331 would temporarily remove portions of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River, including dredging and channel realignment, while prohibiting commercial development and reservoir construction; environmental groups opposed it as a bad precedent and urged a shorter sunset, but the bill was reported favorable. HCR 54 urged a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior and was reported favorable after support from the Flyway Federation and Louisiana Wildlife Federation. HCR 94 would require annual Wildlife and Fisheries reports on boating safety data, and HCR 87 expressed support for a U.S. senator’s correspondence on migratory flyways; both were reported favorable. SB 505, dealing with the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Dedicated Fund, was reported favorable after testimony that it would expand grant capacity, create a two-cycle application process, and address LLC-related issues. The committee also advanced several measures on public policy and cleanup issues. HCR 85 created a task force on illegal dumping; after amendments added Keep Louisiana Beautiful and the Louisiana Police Jury Association, members discussed statewide tire dumping problems, DEQ staffing, and cleanup funding, and the resolution was reported favorable as amended. HR 216, as substituted, was changed from a repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan to a resolution authorizing the committee to hold a hearing and receive input from agencies and stakeholders on the plan; after reconsideration and adoption of the substitute amendment, it was reported favorable. One item, SB 243, was voluntarily deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a study that needs to be done, and I commend Senator Kennedy, and I commend the legislature for

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up a series of hunting, wildlife, environmental, and property measures. It reported favorably HCR 79, which urges Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, after testimony emphasizing the cultural importance of dog hunting and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which supported only the wounded-deer recovery component. The committee also reported favorably SB 419 on using pre-charged pneumatic devices during primitive firearms season, SCR 29 creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality, and SB 111 setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would continue sampling and monitor impacts. Members then approved SB 174 transferring state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board, SB 189 prohibiting intentional release of fuels or chemicals for temperature-affecting purposes, and SB 99 modernizing DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices. They also reported favorably HCR 54 requesting a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior, and HCR 94 requiring annual boating safety reports from Wildlife and Fisheries; witnesses supported the reporting idea and suggested adding a 10-year average for context. The committee next approved HCR 104, which asks the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study collection and access to subsurface data, with LSU’s Greg Upton describing ongoing modernization of core samples, well logs, and 3D subsurface mapping. It also passed SB 331, which temporarily removes a section of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River; conservation groups opposed the bill, warning about precedent, flooding, erosion, and habitat impacts, while the author said the measure was narrowly tailored to address severe silting and channel problems. Finally, the committee created a task force on illegal dumping in HCR 85 after amending its membership, adopted a substitute for HR 216 to authorize a committee hearing on the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, and reported favorably HCR 87 supporting a U.S. senator’s migratory flyway correspondence and SB 505 revising the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund grant process and related tank requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I commend you on that.
• I just want to commend you for taking up this bill.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, beginning with HB 423 on school elopement plans for students with autism or other elopement risks. The sponsors described the bill as a statewide framework for school elopement response plans, immediate parent notification, campus search procedures, and staff training. Public testimony from parents, disability advocates, and a teacher emphasized the dangers of elopement and the need for standardized procedures; members from both parties spoke strongly in support. The bill was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote. The committee next considered HB 1253, which allows coaches to use limited personal funds, up to $15,000 per athletic team per year, to support student-athletes with food, transportation, and physical rehabilitation services. An amendment added guardrails, including that the coach be a school employee, clarified the scope of athletic associations covered, and refined the rehabilitation language. Members discussed the bill as a way to help students in need while avoiding recruiting concerns, and the bill passed favorably 14-0 after the amendment was adopted. HB 1091 addressed dental screenings for K-12 students in districts that voluntarily offer them. The bill requires advance written notice to parents and an opt-out process, and clarifies that screenings are informational only, with any findings sent to parents rather than compelling treatment. An amendment added the language to student welfare provisions as well as school health services. Public testimony from dental and health advocates supported the measure, and the bill was reported favorably 14-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 765 on child care and early learning services. The bill expands before- and after-care options for certain school-based preschool programs without requiring a child care facility license, removes a flu brochure inspection requirement, bars insurance cancellation based on providing child care, creates a professional recognition program, and establishes a child care tuition fund. Two amendments broadened the bill to public and nonpublic elementary schools and created the Brighter Futures fund concept. After debate, the bill passed favorably 13-1, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to commend the sponsors, Senator Worth and Representative Patahon, for bringing this bill
• And so I commend you, and I thank you for bringing this forward because I do believe it works in our

Bills: SB38, SB46, SB18

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, SB46, organic waste, solid waste, waste diversion, composting, compost feedstock, waste characterization study

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to commend You on doing your own cuts and looking at taking a little bit deeper dive
• I want to commend you on that. And we'll look at this, but right now, thank you for your answers.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has a commendable goal of, quote, zero tolerance for sexual violence.
• This bill has a commendable goal of, quote, zero tolerance for sexual violence.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee met and adopted a consent calendar that included SB 4, SB 229, SB 385, SB 459, and SB 553. SB 221 was pulled by the committee and will return later. The committee then heard several bills, with members repeatedly noting the next hearing would be July 1 in Room 126. SB 281 by Senator Perez would require judges to use the exact statutory immigration-consequences advisement when taking pleas from noncitizen defendants. Supporters said judges have been deviating from the required language, creating confusion and harming defendants; opponents, including district attorneys, warned that the bill could affect plea withdrawals and appellate litigation unless amended. The committee discussed possible amendments, including a nonretroactivity clarification and language proposed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and the bill was passed on call. SB 337 by Senator Menjivar would strengthen protections against sexual abuse and misconduct in prisons, especially women’s prisons, by requiring documentation of searches, extending grievance timelines, limiting hiring of people with violent or sexual convictions, and improving investigation procedures. Supporters emphasized staff abuse, retaliation concerns, and the need for oversight; opposition testimony focused on transgender inmate placement and was criticized by committee members as not germane. The bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 379 by Senator Jones, dealing with oversight of sexually violent predator conditional release placements, passed to Appropriations after support from law enforcement and prosecutors and no opposition. SB 734 by Senator Caballero, which would provide due process protections for law enforcement officers affected by California Racial Justice Act findings, also passed to Appropriations with support from police and district attorney groups and no opposition. SB 551 by Senator Cortese, which would codify normalization and dynamic security principles in corrections, passed to Appropriations despite concerns from one member that it went too far in making prisons too home-like.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chairwoman moves that SB841 as substituted be reported to the full House. ...commendation that it
• I commend you for what you're doing.

Bills: HB1958, HB2031, HB2879, HB3285, HB3995, HB4487, HB4558, HB4560, HB4876, HB4899, HB5212, HB5317, HB5543, HB5567, SB1333

Keywords: firearm possession, tenant rights, landlord regulations, civil penalties, property code, justified use of force, deadly force, property rights, home defense, smart devices, data privacy, personal data collection, user consent, mobile application, data transparency, HOA, property owners association, property owners' association, Texas Property Code, Chapter 202

Transcript Highlights:

• While our position is pending, we did want to take this opportunity to commend the author for introducing
• So, I just have to commend some of my small counties, because they really do it well.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I DO WANT TO ECHO MY COLLEAGUES COMMENDING YOU ALL FOR COMING FORWARD.
• I WANT TO COMMEND THE 15-YEAR-OLD WHO CAME UP. FANTASTIC SPEAKER.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I want to commend Rep.
• And so I commend the chair for starting this conversation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to commend my friend, Rep.
• So I commend you for the courage to bring this very important, consequential bill.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 2, 2025, with a quorum present and took up four bills. The committee first heard HB 4041, which would create the Corkscrew Grove Stewardship District in Collier County to finance and maintain infrastructure such as transportation, utilities, and stormwater systems without changing county regulatory authority. The bill drew no opposition, was reported favorably, and passed 14-0. The committee then considered HB 1485, which repeals Florida’s aviation fuel tax provisions. The sponsor argued the change would simplify the tax code, attract airline investment, and support lower fares and more routes. Members raised concerns about the estimated recurring $22.8 million impact on the State Transportation Trust Fund and $2 million on general revenue, and airport representatives warned of reduced grant and development funding, especially for general aviation and municipal airports. Supporters said the change would increase competition and fuel sales in Florida. The bill was reported favorably on a 12-5 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 999, which would recognize gold and silver as legal tender, allow electronic debit access to bullion accounts, and remove tax burdens on transactions involving precious metals. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a way to protect purchasing power and provide an alternative parallel to the dollar, while opponents and some members raised concerns about consumer protections, predatory practices, privacy, and the role of the Office of Financial Regulation in rulemaking. After extensive testimony, the bill was reported favorably 19-0. Finally, the committee considered PCB WMC 25-01, which would reduce the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lower several related taxes, including the business rent tax, nonresidential electricity tax, mobile home sales tax, and coin-operated amusement machine tax. The proposal was estimated to reduce revenue by about $5.5 billion annually. Members discussed impacts on the budget, education funding, and whether savings would reach consumers, while supporters emphasized relief for Floridians and business competitiveness. The bill passed unanimously 19-0 and was reported favorably. The chair then noted a prior procedural apology on the record, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one floor presentation today: House Resolution 213, commending the U.S.
• Members, we will be taking a voice vote on this resolution commending the U.S.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I would commend the chair for the work on the other sections.
• I commend you for adjusting the weights as they are determined to be related to the cost of the program

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met during Budget Week and first considered three member bills. House Bill 1111, by Rep. Valdes, would eliminate the option for students to leave high school with a certificate of completion instead of a standard diploma. Valdes said the bill was inspired by students who met credit requirements but could not pass a required assessment, and argued the certificate does not provide access to college, trade school, or military service. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. CS for House Bill 127, by Rep. Kendall, would support students with disabilities by using existing Florida Department of Education curriculum to create micro-credentials and coordinating with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA on workplace safety. Goodwill, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida PTA, and others supported the bill, which also passed unanimously, 15-0. House Bill 1367, by Rep. Booth, addressed chronic absenteeism by requiring statewide definitions and more uniform attendance reporting, along with rules for excused and unexcused absences and early identification of chronically absent students. Testimony emphasized inconsistent district policies and the need for clearer data and interventions. The bill passed 13-0, with some members noting concerns about implementation details and future rulemaking. The committee then took up PCB-P-PKB-2501, the proposed conforming bill for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget. The chair said the bill was designed to align statutes with budget and scholarship funding procedures, especially around the Florida Education Finance Program and scholarship payments. The PCB would require Florida student ID numbers for scholarship students, standardize cross-checking against FTE survey data, set quarterly payment dates, and use one data source for both reporting and withholding scholarship-related FFP amounts. It also would reduce certain add-on weights by 50%, remove the budget stabilization program, and repeal the educational enrollment stabilization program. Several members raised concerns that the add-on weight reductions could hurt career and technical education, AICE, IB, and CAPE programs, while the sponsor argued the data showed too much spending in an “other” category and that the reductions were aimed at aligning funding with actual program costs. Public testimony was mixed: some supported tighter accountability and clearer payment rules, while others warned against undermining expensive career-readiness programs. The PCB passed 11-2. After the conforming bill, the chair presented the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget, totaling just under $21 billion, about $400 million below the current year. She said the budget reflects a need to slow spending growth and includes $20 million for New Worlds Scholarship Accounts, $7 million for security grants at Jewish day schools and preschools, $14 million for public school transportation stipends, an overall FEFP increase of about $747.7 million, $100 million for teacher salary increases, and increases in the base student allocation and funds per student. The committee did not vote on the budget recommendation at this meeting; it was distributed for review and will move to the Budget Committee next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to quickly express my support for this, and I want to commend you and thank you for your
• I also want to commend you for it, and I will have to mildly disagree with Senator Ramos.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tarr, resolutions commending amateur radio operators in the Commonwealth on their recognition of June

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate adopted two resolutions: one honoring the Honorable David T. Donnelly for his service to the Commonwealth, and another commending amateur radio operators for Amateur Radio Week and ARRL Field Day. The chamber then took up several House measures, including two bills establishing sick leave banks for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees Daniel Yende and Mark Kratman; both were advanced to a third reading after the rules were suspended. The Senate also suspended General Rule 12 and referred a House petition by James J. O’Day concerning access and continuity of care to specialists in hospital services for eligible individuals to the Committee on Public Health. Later, the Committee on the Judiciary reported a bill, Senate No. 2522, related to strike and health care protection in the Commonwealth, ought to pass, and the Senate referred it to the Committee on Ways and Means after suspending the rules. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in a formal session with a calendar, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Feeney: Resolutions commending the New England Hemophilia Association for its recognition of March 2026

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine and local matters. It adopted an emergency preamble for House No. 4643, authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to convey a parcel of land in Stoneham, and later passed that bill to be enacted. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the New England Hemophilia Association for recognizing March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. The Senate passed House No. 4502, amending the town manager act of Arlington, to be engrossed. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 on several House petitions so they could be referred to the appropriate committees. In addition, the Senate concurred in a further House amendment to House No. 3898, the Natick home rule charter bill, after suspending the rules to take it up immediately. Before adjourning, the Senate adopted an order setting its next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m. and dispensing with the printing of a calendar. Senator Tarr then moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, I commend you along with. the increase from 100,000 to 140,000, and for the first time in 40

Bills: SB23, SJR85, SB 23

Keywords: homestead exemption, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolutions filed by Representative McKenna, commending the New England Hemophilia Association on its

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up two resolutions reported by the Committee on Rules: one commemorating the 100th birthday of Leona Dugas Barrett of Webster, and another commending the New England Hemophilia Association for recognizing March 2025 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. The House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions by voice vote. The chamber then considered House Bill 58, an amended fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The House first voted on and adopted the emergency preamble after a roll call, then reconsidered and adopted it again by a larger roll call vote. After that, a call of the yeas and nays was ordered on final passage. On final passage, House Bill 58 was passed to be enacted by a vote of 127 in favor and 23 opposed. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commends this observance to all its citizens. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mack, resolutions commending New England Friends of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Incorporated, for its recognition

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate session opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, including recognition of Fire Chief Brian C. Hickey’s retirement, the Bourne Fire Department’s 150th anniversary, New England Friends of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s observance of Bosnian Remembrance Day, and Mayor Robert Bob Hedlund’s retirement from the office of mayor of Weymouth. All of the resolutions were adopted. The chamber then acted on multiple procedural matters. The Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 for several Senate and House petitions, referring them to the appropriate committees. The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight reported favorably on Senate bill 2128, authorizing the Commission of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey certain land in Brookfield, and the Senate suspended the rules to order the bill to a third reading. The Senate also adopted two special orders placing bills on the Orders of the Day for second reading and immediate consideration: Senate bill 1052, concerning the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, and Senate bill 2537, concerning fairness and debt collection, both with Ways and Means new drafts pending. Finally, the Senate adopted an order setting the next meeting for Monday at 11:00 a.m., dispensing with the printing of a calendar, and then adjourned.