Transcript Highlights:

• I move that further proceedings under the roll call be dispensed with and that the Sergeant-at-Arms be
• <00:05:05.440> Signed, stop for flashing red lights.
• Signed, stop for flashing red lights.
• dispensed with and the Sergeant at Arms dispensed with and the Sergeant at Arms be<01:19:25.400>
• Uh I just stopped producing hours.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, established a quorum, and received routine executive communications and House messages, including the House’s passage of Senate File 3623 on school bus stopping requirements and transmittal of House Files 3241, 3731, 3741, and 3802. The chamber also adopted committee reports and gave second readings to several Senate files and House File 3379, while referring Senate File 4854 to the Capital Investments Committee and Senate Resolution 68 to Rules and Administration. The main floor action involved a series of motions to re-refer bills to different committees. The Senate adopted motions to move Senate File 1671 from Judiciary and Public Safety to Housing and Homelessness Prevention, Senate File 2373 from Finance to Labor, Senate File 4452 from Capital Investment to Human Services, Senate File 4580 from Human Services to State and Local Government, Senate File 4589 from Judiciary and Public Safety to Higher Education, Senate File 4630 from Education Policy to Education Finance, and Senate File 4662 from Capital Investment to State and Local Government. The chamber also adopted a motion to give House File 3378 a second reading and place it on general orders after a roll call vote of 46-21. The Senate then took up Senate Resolution 69, which would amend the temporary rules to allow certain accommodations for members who are new parents. Senators Murphy and Coleman spoke in support, arguing the rules should better reflect modern family life and make the chamber more welcoming to parents, especially mothers. Senator Nelson offered the A4 amendment to allow caucus leaders to permit a member’s child under age one on the floor, with the member responsible for supervision and the child exempt from Rule 17.6. Opponents, including Senator Boldon, argued the age limit was too restrictive and that parents should have more flexibility. After roll call, the Nelson A4 amendment failed 32-35, and the resolution remained pending with additional amendments possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's stop talking about making a change and make a change. We talk about DOT.
• special registration and how we do the distribution of the funds, could you explain to me what is Armed
• Armed Forces Veterans License Fund?
• I armed forces veterans license fund.
• But so the Armed Forces Veterans License Fund, that's fine. We can move on.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• example, even nowadays, just a pistol, where if you put a... stabilizing stock on your on your on your arm
• just simply because they re-categorized a pistol with a stabilizing brace is a short barrel firearm. arms
• firearm that you're sending a message that it's okay, that law enforcement no longer. longer has to, can stop
• currently someone anybody could you know know, walk around with a pistol on their hip or whatever, a long arm
• pistol for years and federal law change or ATF regulation change, if you put a stabilizing stock on your arm

Bills: SJR27, SJR39, SB22, SB33, SB34, SB37, SB209, SB310, SB326, SB505, SB605, SB618, SB732, SB762, SB769, SB783, SB819, SB825, SB870, SB964, SB1030, SB1080, SB1085, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1233, SB1314, SB1320, SB1333, SB1398, SB1405, SB1541, SB1567, SB1596, SB1598, SB1625, SB1646, SB1662, SB1750, SB1758, SB1791, SB1804, SB1810, SB1818, SB1838, SB1855, SB1869, SB1951, SB2024, SB2077, SB2078, SB2252, SB2253, SB2368, SB2411, SB2420, SB2425, SB2569

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't need an extra stop in Ways and Means.
• Um and so that will extra stop in ways.
• <00:19:17.120> someone said, if law enforcement stops someone said, if law enforcement stops
• What this has amounted to is an arms.
• Full stop.

Bills: HF2354, HF3407, HF4359, HF4192, HF3356, HF3695, HF1597, HF3155, HF3871, HF4437, HF4446, HF3990

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints

Transcript Highlights:

• as little as 14 seconds, a victim can experience a noxious seizure, and in under a minute, they can stop
• If you'll give me maybe 20 more seconds: when we stop somebody on a motor vehicle stop, we can see whether
• somebody on motor vehicle stop we can see that a if a subject has a warrant and whether or not that
• Rob tried to stop it. But a co-venturer then pulled out a gun. Rob tried to stop it.
• He was acquitted of murder in the first degree, armed home invasion, and armed assault with intent to

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think that you are going to stop bad actors.
• And so we're never going to be able to completely stop our adversaries.
• Us, we can't stop them.
• What happens if the person that nobody stops them from doing it?
• <01:32:30.320> Prohibited just stop right there. Prohibited just stop right there.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up an amended bill, sponsored by Rep. Lily Walsh, aimed at requiring certain foreign principals involved in New Hampshire real estate transactions to file an affidavit electronically with the Department of Justice. Walsh explained that she revised the proposal after the first hearing by limiting it to leases longer than 14 days, removing notarization, allowing electronic filing, shortening notification timelines, and clarifying that lessors or agents would not have to verify the affidavit’s truthfulness. She asked the committee to recommend the bill ought to pass with amendment and also noted a technical correction to use “real estate licensee” rather than “realtor.” The main opposition came from a real estate practitioner on the committee, who argued the bill was burdensome, could create discrimination concerns, and would place real estate professionals in an improper enforcement role. He also questioned the bill’s practical effect and pointed to existing federal CFIUS procedures as a better mechanism for handling foreign investment concerns. Several members echoed concerns about whether the state had authority to regulate in this area, whether the bill would actually stop bad actors, and whether it could be enforced without discriminatory impacts. Representatives from New Boston Space Force Station testified in support, saying the legislation was critical to national security because proximity to the installation could allow adversaries to observe operations or interfere with radio frequency communications. They argued federal processes were too slow or ineffective and that state action could better push hostile actors away from the base. Committee members questioned the technical basis for the 10-mile buffer, whether it would really help, and why federal agencies were not handling the issue. No vote was taken during the exchange shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• When reimbursement stops or reduces, the mental health and substance use disorder treatment pipeline
• When reimbursement stops or reduces, the mental health and substance use disorder treatment pipeline
• When reimbursement stops or reduces, the mental health and substance use disorder treatment pipeline
• Um, so this is the Stop Making Fun Too Expensive bill.
• <00:47:55.760> last example, my wife broke her arm last example, my wife broke her arm last

Bills: SF1750, HF4250, HF3938, HF3904, HF3642

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• And the question was, when did we stop teaching civics?
• And the question was, when did we stop teaching civics?
• Because I know, was when did we stop teaching civics?
• And so next stop, Senate floor. So I think we're about to get it across. Well, thank you, Barry.
• And so next stop, Senate floor. So I think we're about to get it across. Well, thank you, Barry.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations. The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana. LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the way to the jail, the van stopped suddenly short, sending Mr.
• On the way to the jail, the van stopped suddenly short, sending Mr.
• Now it's common for synagogues, churches, and mosques, even in our state, to have armed security, often
• So it would be his problem if he stops the Legislative Budget Commission from meeting at that point in
• manner that is well thought out, goes through several policy committees, not just one appropriation stop

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've taken armed suspects, but nothing scares me more than being a father.
• I've taken armed suspects, but nothing scares me more than being a father.
• And just kind of having a one-stop shop: hey, you agreed to this in court.
• It's the first committee stop. So you're recognized for an answer. It's the first committee stop.
• The next stop, I believe, is going to ACJ.

Bills: S0132, S0418, S0442, S0646, S0748, S1326, S1332, S1660, S1734, S1742, S1750

Keywords: voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, search warrant, remote appearance, drones, data privacy, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 646, allowing the use of drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants, was presented as a harm-reduction measure and reported favorably after supportive testimony from advocates and criminal defense groups. SB 442, extending the return period for warrants involving digital evidence from 45 days to one year, also passed unanimously amid testimony from prosecutors and law enforcement about encryption, backlogs, and large volumes of child exploitation evidence. SB 418, creating autism-related law enforcement training and a Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops and other encounters, was reported favorably with support from police, disability advocates, and families. SB 132, creating a public database to help people determine eligibility for restoration of voting rights, and SB 748, requiring notice of voting-rights restoration information on sentencing score sheets, both passed with broad support from voting-rights and criminal defense advocates. The committee also approved SB 1734, recognizing juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under Florida law and extending related training and benefits, and SB 1660, designating June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month. SB 1742, which repealed the existing “unnatural and lascivious acts” statute and created a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor, was amended with a delete-all amendment and then reported favorably. SB 1750, a major overhaul of career offender registration requirements, was later reconsidered after a bill-number mix-up and then reported favorably as SB 1332, with FDLE and sheriff’s association support. The most contentious measure was SB 1326, which would eliminate the traditional insanity defense and replace it with a lack-of-culpable-mental-state defense, require malingering assessments in competency evaluations, and limit downward departures based on mental illness. Criminal defense attorneys and disability advocates argued it lacked a treatment component, raised scientific and cost concerns, and could worsen public safety by sending mentally ill defendants to prison without adequate care. Supporters, including the sponsor and the Attorney General’s office, argued it would close gaps and better protect the public. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote, with several members voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on some bills, and Senator Pizzo moved for reconsideration of SB 1326 for a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Republicans and Democrats need to work together to stop unfair customer account closures, but this bill
• Democrats and Republicans have time and time again linked arms to defend this separation.
• My only other experience is in the Senate Armed Services Committee, where we routinely say.
• No one's looking to stop innovation.
• At some point, we need to stop. making the same mistakes over and over again.

Bills: SB875

Keywords: banking regulation, federal agencies, reputational risk, financial services, supervision, FIRM Act, bank supervision, depository institutions, federal banking agencies, FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, NCUA, CFPB, credit unions, Operation Choke Point, financial discrimination, safety and soundness, supervisory guidance, examination manual

Summary: This meeting focused on the markup of the Genius Act and the FIRM Act, two significant pieces of legislation addressing stablecoin regulation and the financial industry's regulatory framework. The Chairman noted the importance of providing clarity to the digital asset community and protecting American consumers, while also promoting innovation and competition within the financial sector. Members of both parties expressed varying viewpoints, with some highlighting concerns related to national security and the potential risks associated with stablecoins.

Transcript Highlights:

• The advisory board was more of a PR arm. It is under the AG's.
• The advisory board was more of a PR arm, where they would go out and put things out in the communities
• You're saying that you're stopping all applications for any new data centers until 2029?
• No, we are stopping the credit for the privileged TPT tax. Okay? It's just the way that reads.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The advisory board was more of a PR arm. ...is under the AG's. That was continued.
• The advisory board was more of a PR arm, where they would go out and put things out in the communities
• You're saying that you're stopping all applications for any new data centers until 2029?
• Madam Whip and members, no—we are stopping the credit for the privileged TPT tax. Okay?

Summary: The meeting covered a series of fiscal year 2027 budget and budget-related bills, beginning with the general appropriations and tax package. Staff and the chair highlighted a budget built around about $1.4 billion in tax cuts, a one-time 2.5% agency reduction, major funding for state employee health insurance, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, and other supplemental appropriations. The chair repeatedly urged support for the package, emphasizing the size of the tax cut and noting that the committee’s joint vote had only three no votes out of 28 members. Members then reviewed several smaller budget implementation bills affecting racing and gambling, capital outlay, commerce and defense innovation, corrections, environment and water policy, higher education, human services, K-12 education, county finance, tax administration, state data governance, and state office rent rates. Key provisions included extending or modifying funds and fee structures, transferring surplus or unneeded monies, creating or revising oversight boards and pilot programs, increasing K-12 funding by 2% for inflation, adjusting university retention limits, expanding SNAP and housing-related requirements, and changing tax conformity and credits. Several members asked clarifying questions about specific items such as electric vehicle charging funds, mobile home relocation payments, university funding, and the new health insurance oversight board. The chair also explained the tax bill’s major changes, including conformity to federal tax law, a larger dependent tax credit, changes to deductions, repeal of certain tax credits, veteran property tax relief, limits on data center tax incentives, and provisions affecting manufacturing infrastructure and unemployment insurance administration. The committee discussed the Budget Stabilization Fund, debt repayment, and education rollover balances, with the chair arguing for using surpluses to pay down debt. The final item discussed was a behavioral health bill creating a home and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with a stated FY 2027 total fund appropriation of $7.8 million contingent on federal approval and matching funds. The meeting ended with a reminder that floor action would begin the next day at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Social media is increasingly becoming the first stop for consumers to search for information.
• Social media is increasingly becoming the first stop for consumers to search for information.
• Scalpsa Ridgeway and that we can continue to lock arms and do the great work that we need to do to continue
• Scalpsa Ridgeway and that we can continue to lock arms and do the great work that we need to do to continue

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As I explained in J-CAB, there are multiple transparency stop points, including every single receipt
• had significant six-figure dollars associated with advertising, which again I was trying to get my arms
• The other thing that I'm trying to get my arms around, you mentioned that there may have been some kind
• Members, Azure ABLE, please make sure that you stop by the second floor rotunda and Supreme Court hallway

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• preserving order and decorum during the committee meeting. hearings, and the chair may ask the Sergeant-at-Arms
• The chair may order the Sergeant-at-Arms to clear the audience if there's a disturbance that disrupts
• If you want to push it out to colloquial consent today, I won't stop you, Chairman.
• I will not stop good bills from going forward. But I understand if you need to put it pending.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Arms will prepare the chamber, bring in the absent members. Clerk will call the roll.
• Our communities have stood side by side throughout history to ensure that we stand together locking arms
• movement and continue to do to spearhead that movement is something that I think is appropriate that we stop
• She never let that stop. She pursued every career opportunity in front of her.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please fill out the appropriate card, indicate if you wish to speak, and submit it to the sergeant at arms
• Please fill out the appropriate card, indicate if you wish to speak, and submit it to the sergeant at arms
• I'm going to stop there. Thank you very much for your answers. Absolutely. All right.
• I think my arms will be long enough. Lynn Johnson, providing information. And Paula Downing.
• The face, neck, arms, bust, upper body, legs, or feet of a person, by any method with the aid of the

Bills: HB744, HR197, SB54, SB79, SB163, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB398, SB469, SCR5

Keywords: public utility, common carrier, regulation, Public Service Commission, New Orleans, constitutional amendment, distributed energy, energy storage, electricity demand, virtual power plants, reliability, hurricane resilience, esthetics, cosmetology, hair services, beauty industry, Louisiana regulation, Louisiana Economic Development, sunset law, legislative authority

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 11, 2026, and first advanced several Senate measures with little or no opposition. It reported favorably Senate Bill 79 recreating Louisiana Economic Development, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and Senate Bill 375 on Class B firefighting foam, after adopting a technical amendment clarifying use in declared emergency firefighting operations. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 398, which moves manufactured and modular housing regulation under the Louisiana Contractors Licensing Board and expands inspection and enforcement provisions, after adopting two sets of mostly technical amendments and hearing testimony that the change would improve consumer safety and increase inspection coverage without adding net cost to locals. It then reported favorably Senate Bill 163 on virtual currency business licensing, after adopting an amendment providing that any future federal licensing law would preempt the state act, and Senate Bill 287 on virtual currency kiosks, which adds refund timelines, disclosure requirements, customer support, and reporting duties; witnesses from the banking and law enforcement community said the bill responds to common fraud complaints and improves consumer protection. The committee also reported favorably Senate Bill 54, which allows estheticians to blow-dry hair after certain services, despite strong opposition from cosmetology board representatives and industry witnesses who argued the service is outside esthetics training, could create scope-of-practice and facility issues, and should instead be addressed by lowering or revising separate blow-dry licensing requirements. The committee then considered House Resolution 197, which urges the Louisiana Public Service Commission to study the feasibility and value of distributed energy generation and storage resources. After adopting technical amendments and a second amendment changing mandatory language to requests and urging the PSC to coordinate with the LSU Energy Institute, the resolution was reported favorably. Testimony from solar and energy industry representatives, the PSC, and LSU focused on how distributed resources, batteries, rooftop solar, and virtual power plants could improve reliability, reduce costs, and help meet rising demand; members also discussed how the study would evaluate market value, avoided costs, and capacity benefits. Questions centered on methodology, grid impacts, and comparisons to Texas’s ERCOT system and Winter Storm Uri, with PSC officials emphasizing that the study would help determine whether such resources benefit ratepayers. Representative Wright presented House Bill 744, a proposed constitutional amendment to transfer regulation of certain New Orleans utilities from the city council to the Public Service Commission. He argued the change could reduce rates through consolidation and eliminate duplicative regulatory costs, while PSC officials explained the city’s authority is a constitutional exception dating back to 1921 and that Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana operate as separate companies with different regulatory environments. After discussion of rate impacts, utility structure, and whether the proposal should instead become a study, the bill was deferred. The committee then began Senate Bill 386, the Louisiana Data Privacy Act, which would give consumers rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of certain uses of personal data; the sponsor introduced the bill and the committee started considering technical and substantive amendments, but the transcript ends before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've shared with you somewhere along the line that I was a victim myself and still have a scar on my arm
• I've shared with you somewhere along the line that I was a victim myself and still have a scar on my arm
• I'll just stop there. It was not.
• get to my office: you can get on the exercise bike, because I have an exercise bike that works their arms
• This program, the prevention Program has many arms, but the main one is for the kids you're talking about

Summary: The committee held an interim study on how to educate and support students with severe violent or disruptive behavior while protecting classmates, teachers, and school staff. Members framed the issue as one involving students who have often experienced trauma and may be removed from class through suspension, expulsion, or juvenile placement, but who still need a meaningful path back to school. Several legislators shared personal experiences as former educators or administrators and emphasized that schools need clearer criteria for removal and return, along with stronger support for families and staff. Dr. Michelle Butler, an alternative education director, testified that Oklahoma’s current alternative education system is not designed to serve students removed for major discipline issues because placement is generally voluntary and programs are built around students who need a different learning environment, not punitive removal. She argued for early intervention, stronger attendance enforcement, trauma screening, teacher training, and a regional or cooperative model that would combine credentialed educators, social workers, therapists, and family counselors. She also described existing programs such as Trace Academy, Rogers County Youth Services diversion programs, and the limitations of virtual-only models and current funding, saying the system lacks sufficient resources and staffing. Representatives and senators asked about funding, staffing, credentials, and whether statutes should be changed to prevent alternative education dollars from going to programs that do not provide direct services. Other testimony came from Family and Children’s Services and Mid-Del Youth and Family Services, both of which described embedded school-based mental health, crisis response, intensive outpatient services, family engagement, and juvenile diversion programs. Witnesses stressed that wraparound services, school-community partnerships, and a bridge back to the home school are essential, and that many students and families need mandatory or strongly supported participation rather than purely voluntary help. The study concluded with members noting possible next steps, including expanding or supplementing alternative education, improving early intervention, and examining participation requirements and transition supports; no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need clearly to make some major lifestyle changes to stop the scourge of plastic.
• But stop putting the triangle on everything that cannot be recycled.
• Let's stop the plastic pollution at its source and keep it out of our ocean.
• Let's stop the plastic pollution at its source and keep it out of our ocean.
• And with that, I’ll stop and give you 20 seconds back. Thank you. Okay, fantastic.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.