Transcript Highlights:

• more than 100,000 Indian Americans living in the state, and whereas the newly established Consulate General
• The Consulate General of India in Seattle works to strengthen the comprehensive global strategic partnership
• is not to be exploited, but is a living entity and is to be honored and protected for our future generations
• In the South Gallery, as we can see, the Honorable Prakash Gupta, who is the Consul General of India
• Would you all, would the Consul General please stand and would our distinguished guests please stand

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• more than 100,000 Indian Americans living in the state, and whereas the newly established Consulate General
• not to be exploited, but it is a living entity and is to be honored and protected for our future generations
• introduce and welcome to the Senate, in the South Gallery, the Honorable Prakash Gupta, who is the Consul General
• Would you all, would the Consul General Gupta please stand and would our distinguished guests please
• Would you all, would the Council General Kuta please stand and would our distinguished guests please

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, page introductions, the Pledge of Allegiance, and prayers offered by representatives of the Islamic Center of Olympia. The chamber then suspended Rule 46 so committees could meet during the pro forma session, approved the previous day’s journal, received a message from the Secretary of State certifying initiative I-26-001, and referred Substitute Senate Bill 5292 (Family Medical Rights) and Senate Bill 6301 (supervision of line) to the designated committees. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8674 recognizing the 77th Republic Day of India. Supportive remarks emphasized India’s constitution, democratic values, and the contributions of Indian Americans in Washington in business, public service, culture, and civic life. After adoption, the Senate welcomed the Consul General of India in Seattle and members of the Indian American community in the gallery. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8664 recognizing youth sports. The resolution highlighted the benefits of organized athletics for youth well-being, academic engagement, and mental health, while noting disparities in access, the need for trained coaches and injury prevention, and the value of adaptive and emerging sports. Senator Nobles and others spoke in support, stressing inclusion, belonging, and the importance of investing in youth. The Senate then welcomed youth sports and equity groups in the gallery and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Interior, the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the Commanding General
• intent, to provide for definitions, to require that the State Department of Education develop a generative
• intent, to provide for definitions, to require that the State Department of Education develop a generative
• We've walked with Lewis and Clark on the trail, raised our families, and stories to tell, generations
• And so let's just give a general round of applause to all of those ambassadors who are here with us today

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not here today to ask for more from the general fund or for structural expansion.
• most never materialize, those that do require precautions that can disrupt court operations and generally
• Require precautions that can disrupt court operations and generally result in a delay of justice.
• As John Adams observed, liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.
• That principle continues to guide our Without a general knowledge among the people.

Summary: The Senate convened with 34 members present and one excused absence, then approved the prior day’s journal. After moving to motions and resolutions, the chamber welcomed the Chief Justice and members of the Idaho judiciary for the annual State of the Judiciary address. The Chief Justice described the courts’ workload, including rising civil caseloads, ongoing criminal and juvenile matters, and the continued use of treatment courts, mediation, remote hearings, self-help services, and online case access tools to improve access and efficiency. The Chief Justice also highlighted courthouse facility upgrades in several counties, concerns about courthouse security and threats to judges and court staff, and cybersecurity efforts that blocked large numbers of phishing and malicious access attempts. He emphasized civic education efforts, the judiciary’s five governing principles, and the need for continued collaboration with the legislature and counties. The Senate ordered the address spread upon the journal and then returned the Chief Justice to the chamber exit. In later business, the Senate received Senate Joint Resolution 102, proposing a constitutional amendment related to state trust lands, and referred it to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing. The chamber also received two gubernatorial appointments: Estella Zamora to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights and Janet Lawler to the Commission of Pardons and Parole, referring them to the appropriate committees. Two bills were introduced on first reading—Senate Bill 1224 on slow-moving vehicles and Senate Bill 1225 on presidential searches for state higher education institutions—and both were referred to Judiciary and Rules for printing. The Senate then announced a schedule change for America 250-related activities the next day and adjourned until 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• this finding was referred to the prosecuting attorney, and we've also referred it to the Attorney General
• This finding was also referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General.
• I was just wondering what that was generally for. Thanks.
• This finding was referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General, and it was also certified
• This finding was referred to the prosecutor attorney and the Attorney General, and it was also certified

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee first approved prior meeting minutes by motion and voice vote. It then took up audit reports, with several reports without findings filed without objection. The main discussion centered on the FY24 Department of Human Services audit, which contained three findings: alleged fraud involving disaster SNAP and Medicaid benefits, a delayed notification of a nearly $610,000 altered state warrant, and asset-control issues including missing or misidentified equipment and improper sales tax paid on vehicle purchases. DHS representatives said some fraud cases had been resolved with restitution, others were pending or dismissed, and they described corrective steps such as updating internal notification procedures and asset controls. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the notification delay, and the sales tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The committee also reviewed the FY24 Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism audit, which had two findings: loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts and cash-control exceptions involving $100 missing from a park camping drawer and an $80 overage at War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said the museum loss was believed to be theft, that controls had since been strengthened with a point-of-sale and reservation system, and that the stadium issue reflected the unique mix of cash and bank balances used for events. Members asked about the investigation, reimbursement through the bond board, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. The chair later relayed that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency, so the report was also deferred to the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• this finding was referred to the prosecuting attorney, and we’ve also referred it to the Attorney General
• This finding was also referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General.
• I was just wondering what that was generally for. Thanks.
• I was just wondering what that was generally for. Thanks.
• This finding was referred to the Prosecutor and Attorney General, and it was also certified to the bond

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and then heard audit reports from Mr. Bullington. Four reports without findings were filed without objection. The Department of Human Services FY24 report contained three findings: suspected fraud involving disaster food assistance and Medicaid benefits by employees, a delayed notification of a forged and cashed state warrant for nearly $610,000, and several fixed-asset and sales-tax errors. DHS officials said they had referred the benefit fraud cases to prosecutors, recovered some restitution, and would change internal procedures so accounts payable staff report such incidents directly to the chief fiscal officer. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the warrant delay, and the tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism FY24 report had two findings: the loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts, believed to be theft at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said they had implemented new controls, including a point-of-sale and reservation system for museum rentals and more frequent reconciliation of change funds. Members asked about the criminal case, the statute of limitations, bond board reimbursement, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. Mr. Bullington later reported that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency. The committee then deferred that report as well, and adjourned after setting the next meeting for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• PROGRAM TO REDUCE THE STATE'S DEBT BY RETIRING BONDS PRIOR TO MATURITY, 50 MILLION) TRANSFER FOR GENERAL
• ME WE ARE ACTUALLY TYING OUR HANDS TO THE TUNE OF $250 MILLION BECAUSE IF WE LEFT THESE FUNDS IN GENERAL
• IS OUR STATE'S RAINY DAY FUND THE AMENDMENT DOES THREE THINGS, REDUCES THE CAP FROM 10 TO 25% OF GENERAL
• SECOND IT REQUIRES AN ANNUAL TRANSFER FROM GENERAL REVENUE TO THE BSF EITHER 750 MILLION OR THE AMOUNT
• SAYING THERE WASN'T ENOUGH FUNDS DURING THE GREAT RECESSION OR ARE YOU SAYING THERE WASN'T ENOUGH GENERAL

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Kathy DeWitt, and I serve as the Southwest Regional Manager for General Motors.
• Then, allow any number of dealers to advertise to the general public without the vehicle actually being
• Currently, these pilots operate under the General Transportation Code.
• General Statutes of the Texas Transportation Code to formalize our operations and support future growth
• I'm a third-generation auto dealer. I'm here on behalf of the Texas Auto Dealer Association.

Bills: SB35 , SB249 , SB546 , SB1353 , SB1493 , SB2246 , SB1902 , SB1029

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• Sixty-five million—that's two and a half generations.
• million kids since 1973 not including the kids they would have had 65 million that's two and a half generations
• appropriation for the Uniform Laws, a $40,000 to $45,000 appropriation from—I'm not sure, was that general
• appropriation for the Uniform Laws, a $40,000, $45,000 appropriation from—I'm not sure, was that general
• for your consideration: for some of these one-time items, I do have those listed as being from the general

Bills: HB1015

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division

Keywords: Office of Management and Budget, OMB appropriation, state budget, biennial appropriation, North Dakota Century Code, state facility maintenance fund, capital improvements, Capitol building fund, governor's residence, state hospital, mental health hospital, Bank of North Dakota, line of credit, strategic investment and improvements fund, SIIF, new and vacant FTE pool, state employee pay raise, performance-based compensation, guardianship grants, community corrections

Summary: The Government Operations Division met to review proposed amendments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) budget, with the chair noting the bill would not be voted out that day and would likely be held until the following week for any technical corrections. Members discussed a series of amendments, generally without objection: a $1.5 million appropriation for a pro-life education committee; a $40,000–$45,000 deficiency appropriation for Uniform Laws travel costs; creation of a state deferred maintenance fund with $40 million for deferred maintenance projects; adding the state hospital project to the OMB budget with $200 million from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund (SIF) and $85 million from a line of credit, plus construction management oversight; $110,114 for custodial equity increases; $1 million for a retirement incentive pool; $3 million to cover a shortfall in the new and vacant FTE funding pool; and $4 million for space reconfiguration and rent/moving costs. Prairie Public Broadcasting was also discussed, with a suggestion to change the purpose from local programming to infrastructure and set the amount at $850,000, likely as one-time SIF funding. The committee also heard a heads-up about a possible $180,000 federal reimbursement issue tied to an education grant, but no action was taken on that item. The committee further discussed a broader amendment to reduce the transfer from the social services fund to the human services fund from $250 million to $232 million, based on DHS needs and available carryover funding. Members also agreed to add emergency clauses to the capital assets, deferred maintenance, and moving/space reconfiguration items. The chair indicated Brady could begin incorporating the discussed changes into a consolidated amendment, while noting there could still be additional items next week. Staff also reported the SIF balance was about $280 million positive, though some removed agency items, including airport grants, would need to be considered. The committee then reconsidered its earlier action on House Bill 1581 and restored it to its original form at $100,000 after hearing that the funding would support tribal tourism-related events tied to upcoming 2026 celebrations and the Theodore Roosevelt Library opening. A motion for do pass on the bill as originally introduced passed unanimously by roll call. Finally, the committee postponed action on another bill until later that day, directing that revised materials be distributed and that the item be taken up in the afternoon session.

Transcript Highlights:

• from commercial activities on Kaho lobby, but we can do a lot of things on the Kihei property to generate
• revenue to help support our work on Kaho lobby and generate additional tax revenue for the rest of the
• from commercial activities on Kaho lobby, but we can do a lot of things on the Kihei property to generate
• revenue to help support our work on Kaho lobby and generate additional tax revenue for the rest of the
• Christina Simmons, Lisa Simmons, Lisa Sai Darcy, Attorney General. Thank you. Early Learning Board.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee convened at 10:00 a.m. and opened with instructions about live streaming, one-minute testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening on March 31 if technical problems interrupted the hearing. The committee then took up HB 300, which drew extensive testimony from state agencies, commissions, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Many agencies, including Budget and Finance, Education, Health, Housing, and others, said they stood on their written testimony and supported the measure. One witness from the Kohala Island Reserve Commission supported the bill and asked for funding for a CIP project at its Kihei site to consolidate offices and generate revenue for Maui. Several groups, including the Hawaii Oral Health Coalition and the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis, supported funding for mandated oral health services and higher ABA provider rates for children with autism. In contrast, the Re-imagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition and Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice opposed $30 million for jail planning and additional incarceration-related spending, urging more investment in housing, mental health, youth programs, education, and restorative justice. The chair noted the testimony totals for HB 300: 186 in support, 91 opposed, and 52 comments. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 794 and HB 795. The Department of Budget and Finance supported HB 794, and the Tax Foundation was listed for HB 795 but was not present. No additional testimony was offered on either bill. After the testimony phase, the committee deferred all three measures—HB 300, HB 794, and HB 795—for decision making to March 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:36:46.960><c> the</c> generations of leadership and the generations of leadership and the dedication
• </c> Yesterday, the acting attorney general Yesterday, the acting attorney general of<03:04:08.800><c
• </c> attorney turned acting attorney general attorney turned acting attorney general Blanch<03:04:44.240
• </c><05:59:20.160><c> revenue</c><05:59:20.638><c> targeted</c> as a general revenue targeted as a general
• </c> Um, I yield two minutes to the general Um, I yield two minutes to the general lady<06:02:00.718>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:55:07.240><c> spend</c> um by telephone and they generally spend um by telephone and they generally
• funds of any kind that we ensure general funds of any kind that we ensure that<01:00:17.760><c> our<
• Yeah, and fair enough, I just generally know that we don't typically just outsource the decision."
• </c><01:03:23.800><c> and</c> procurement, but generally and procurement, but generally and you<01:03
• </c> of the Medicaid support from the general of the Medicaid support from the general that<02:09:51.840

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission on the costing of special education met to review several documents and updates, including draft materials on residential placements, an LBA dispute resolution report, prior minutes, rate-setting rules, and a letter involving Senator Hassan. The minutes from March 16 were approved by motion, second, and one abstention. Members also received an update that the LBA special education performance audit is still pending; the report is expected to be very large, NHED and the Board of Education must review and comment before release, and it likely will not be available until late summer or early fall. The separate EFA audit was also noted as still unreleased, and members said they may return later to issues involving EFA costing and differentiated aid. A major focus was HB 1099, which would create a committee to study the cost and liability of providing educational services to students placed in residential facilities. The chair explained that the House version had passed unanimously and the bill was headed to a committee of conference. Members discussed a proposed amendment to add the phrase “including but not limited to” so the study would cover not only court-ordered or treatment-related placements but also other residential placements, including those tied to school district decisions. Some members said this was a substantial expansion, while others said it would simply give the committee broader latitude. Jason Stock of the Winnisquam Regional School Board described how the issue arose during budget work at Winnisquam, where the district was trying to determine who should pay for educational services for students living at Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield. He said the district had 10 students attending Winnisquam, including three foster students and seven students connected to Spaulding, and that Spaulding-specific invoicing for 2024-2025 totaled $141,417.05 for eight students. Members also discussed rising private placement tuition costs and the difficulty of determining residency and fiscal responsibility for students placed in residential settings. Department counsel explained that under RSA 193:27 and 193:28, children placed in a home for children may attend the local district school, and that special education cost responsibility depends on whether the student is identified as disabled and on the nature of the placement. Spaulding representatives had not yet presented by the end of the excerpt, and the committee was still working through the residency and funding questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm willing to work general thing.
• ><c> for</c> Generally, you're not eligible for Generally, you're not eligible for unemployment<01:53
• </c><02:03:20.880><c> the</c> statewide because that's generally the statewide because that's generally
• Um, so they generally hit each employee.
• Okay. you know, ask general forward.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that's available through the general that's available through the general court<00:09:00.600><c>
• </c><00:28:51.360><c> um</c> leadership of the general court. um leadership of the general court. um
• Uh agitant<02:01:45.440><c> general.</c><02:01:46.000><c> Yeah.</c> agitant general.
• Yeah. agitant general. Yeah.
• We— general. Office of Office of the Agent. general. Office of Office of the Agent.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• locally, Dallas generates $8,903 per student, CyFair generates $3,731 per student, significantly less
• That money is generated by children on free and reduced lunch. That's who generates the money.
• But generally speaking, no, I don't think that's a good idea.
• Did we vote on vouchers in the general election? No, Representative Goodwin.
• And igniting hope for generations. This is about liberty. This is about liberty.

Bills: SB2 , HB2 , HB2000 , HB2196 , HB213 , HB222 , HB645 , HB1458 , HB 1022 , HB141 , HB502 , HB643 , HB3093 , HB1700 , HB 117 , SB503 , SB2 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB150 , HB6 , HB 100 , HB210 , HB215 , HB1393 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB142 , HB451 , HB 124 , HB2 , HB2000 , HB2196 , HB213 , HB222 , HB645 , HB1458 , HB 1022 , HB141 , HB502 , HB643 , HB3093 , HB1700 , HB 117

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not a general surgeon shortage.
• Uh, there's a—they generates you look at the fiscal note, it generates revenue but it's not appropriated
• the fiscal note it generates look at the fiscal note it generates revenue<01:44:34.719><c> but</c><01
• </c> whatever we want to call it with general whatever we want to call it with general fund<01:47:32.080
• <c> fund</c><01:48:01.760><c> dollars</c> believe it was general fund dollars believe it was general

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:41.200><c> My</c> I'm I'm a third generation guy. My I'm I'm a third generation guy.
• They generally test well below the 10 parts limit for the water supplies.
• In general, beginning farmers on the land is a win for our state.
• In general, contractors, and more.
• I am a fifth-generation farmer.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I'm here to provide you uh some general I'm here to provide you uh some general updates<00:10:42.639
• </c><00:15:58.399><c> transition</c> basis related to General transition basis related to General transition
• So, but at a very general level, 75/25 split.
• So, but at a very general level, 75/25 split.
• So, but at a very general level, 75/25 split. At a very general level, 75/25 split. Mr.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For generations, Elmer's has been a proud part of Louisiana's heritage, known not only for its quality
• Members, what this bill does is it says if your doctor prescribes you a generic medication, that the
• So a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant, if they prescribe you a generic, then that's what
• We can go take a look at commissioners of insurance, attorneys general, you name it.
• Though his name has been used very generously.

Bills: HR223 , HR224 , HR225 , HR226 , HR227 , HR228 , HR229 , HR230 , HR231 , HR232 , HR233 , HR234 , HR235 , HR236 , HR237 , HR238 , HR239 , HR240 , HR241 , HR242 , HR243 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR96 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR99 , HCR100 , HR218 , HR219 , HR220 , HR221 , HR222 , HCR91 , HCR92 , HCR93 , SCR41 , SCR42 , SCR43 , SCR44 , SCR45 , SCR46 , SCR47 , SCR48 , SCR49 , SCR50 , SCR51 , SCR52 , SB259 , SB347 , SB398 , SB469 , SB483 , SB518 , HR37 , HCR64 , SCR11 , SCR22 , HB89 , HB341 , HB451 , HB456 , HB541 , HB579 , HB595 , HB621 , HB818 , HB841 , HB1064 , HB1101 , HB1165 , HB1191 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , SB123 , SB125 , SB387 , SB401 , HB730 , HCR41 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HCR86 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB175 , HB198 , HB437 , HB457 , HB488 , HB646 , HB763 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1089 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231 , HB1246 , HB1248 , HB1249 , HB276 , HB508 , HB512 , HB599 , HB632 , HB656 , HB998 , HB1052 , HB1084 , HB1171 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1204 , HB1209 , HB1250 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , HCR32 , HB911 , HB1223 , HB798 , HB824 , HB989 , HB1140 , HB1166 , HB1244 , HB459 , HB617 , HB804 , HB926 , HB225 , HB955 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB59 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1180 , HB1203 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89

Keywords: Southern Soul, Shreveport, tourism, economic development, cultural preservation, music history, Paul Hollis, United States Mint, Louisiana House of Representatives, commendation, honorary resolution, ceremonial resolution, public service, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, BESE, former legislator, Louisiana politics, recognition, tribute, House Resolution 224

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and a series of personal privileges recognizing visitors and honorees, including Northside High students, the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, Literacy Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, a 75th wedding anniversary, police jurors, Young Marine Sergeant Valerie Uitt, Elmer’s, and other community guests. The chamber also received Senate messages, including refusal to concur in House amendments to SB 149, concurrence in several House measures, adoption of Senate resolutions, and passage of multiple Senate bills. House resolutions were introduced and many were adopted without objection, including measures honoring local events, organizations, and individuals, as well as resolutions on literacy, municipal day, firefighters appreciation, and sports-related commendations. Committee reports moved numerous House and Senate bills and resolutions forward, and members were urged to monitor the Senate calendar to ensure House bills had Senate sponsors before being returned late in session. Several bills were debated and passed. HB 175 created a Veterans Service Grant Fund funded by $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds, overseen by a board within the Department of Veterans Affairs to award grants to eligible veteran-serving nonprofits, colleges, JROTC programs, veteran courts, and local governments; it passed after questions about the use of lottery proceeds and the role of nonprofits. HB 198 authorized ambulatory surgical centers to perform certain procedures and be reimbursed at Medicare rates, and HB 437 restricted expert witnesses from receiving contingency-style compensation tied to case outcomes after debate over ethics and whether the bill was necessary. HB 488 created the Bell Chase Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund to support the bridge toll buyback effort. HB 763 required a centralized public database of government settlement agreements and consent decrees, with confidentiality protections preserved, and passed after questions about sensitive cases. HB 989 required commercial health coverage for behavioral health crisis services, HB 971 addressed Medicaid reimbursement parity for rural health clinics, HB 981 created a law enforcement recruitment/retention incentive stipend for campus police at public postsecondary institutions, HB 1066 clarified that campus police are not eligible for state supplemental pay, and HB 1089 established care accounts for future medical expense awards, with amendments limiting certain case types and providing for reversion of unused funds. The House also reconsidered and defeated HB 225, a constitutional amendment to impose a lifetime gubernatorial term limit, and HB 730, concerning airport authority regulation of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast systems. Several resolutions were adopted, including HCR 76 continuing a health inequities task force, HJR 77 urging federal action on H-2B seasonal employer designation for the crawfish industry, HJR 67 creating a task force on military drivers without civilian licenses, and HCR 69 urging DOTD to study Interstate 12 safety improvements. The chamber adopted numerous additional commemorative resolutions and concurred in Senate resolutions recognizing sports figures, Mental Health Awareness Month, state observances, and school achievements. Overall, the day featured a mix of ceremonial recognitions, committee reporting, and floor action on veterans, health care, transparency, labor, transportation, law enforcement, and court-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Representative Bierman moves that House File 4466 be approved and referred to the general
• general fund of almost $98 million. general fund of almost $98 million.
• I will renew the motion that House File 4466, as amended, be referred to the General Register.
• </c> the general register. the general register.
• The bill is moved to the General Register. Thank you, Chairs.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house