Transcript Highlights:

• Title 40 relative to adult residential care providers, to provide for generators or alternative electrical

Bills: SB524 , SR108 , SR109 , SCR56 , SCR57 , SCR12 , HB227 , HB398 , HB689 , HB897 , HB1029 , HB1107 , HB1217 , HB221 , HCR58 , HB136 , SB162 , SB382 , SCR33 , SCR30 , SB112 , SB194 , SB307 , SB341 , SB346 , SB363 , SB495 , SB503 , SB507 , SB509 , SB513 , SB408 , SB131 , SB145 , SB333 , SB464 , SB466 , SB500 , SB283 , SB338 , SB488 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB228 , SB246 , SB249 , SB268 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB312 , SB319 , SB323 , SB369 , SB431 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB501 , HCR14 , HB537 , HB652 , HB653 , HB661 , HB726 , HB756 , HB851 , HB964 , HB966 , HB34 , HB35 , HB48 , HB474 , HB553 , HB758 , HB852 , HB10 , HB16 , HB36 , HB44 , HB46 , HB52 , HB61 , HB78 , HB98 , HB102 , HB124 , HB126 , HB131 , HB135 , HB141 , HB142 , HB164 , HB170 , HB171 , HB179 , HB194 , HB231 , HB245 , HB280 , HB292 , HB294 , HB297 , HB305 , HB336 , HB337 , HB351 , HB436 , HB594 , HB789 , HB956 , HB957 , HB995 , HB1040 , HB50 , HB117 , HB120 , HB122 , HB139 , HB148 , HB149 , HB185 , HB199 , HB247 , HB271 , HB286 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB842 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB29 , HB39 , HB58 , HB67 , HB73 , HB76 , HB77 , HB82 , HB112 , HB121 , HB125 , HB132 , HB134 , HB151 , HB154 , HB155 , HB161 , HB166 , HB187 , HB191 , HB207 , HB211 , HB224 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB782 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB977 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1071 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB119 , HB129 , HB677 , HB850 , SB68 , SB149

Keywords: Jump Start, career and technical education, CTE, career diploma, career pathways, workforce development, high school diploma, career major, individual career and academic plan, ICAP, individual graduation plan, IGP, work-based learning, apprenticeship, internship, dual enrollment, articulation agreement, transfer credit, rural schools, rural LEA

Transcript Highlights:

• Revolution would be the only thing we've really had since that component, and then having access to electricity

Bills: HB387 , HB673 , HB947 , HB975 , HB1102 , HB1228 , HB1229 , HCR66 , SB102 , SB165 , SB280 , SB291 , SB326 , SB521

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, security cameras, abandoned property, blighted structures, property management, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, Department of Public Service, statutory entities, public administration

Transcript Highlights:

• But I don’t want them to decide, oh, we can sell the farm, buy GM and General Motors and General Electric

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 398, an act relating to decommissioning costs for electric generating units.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They can't begin to make those repairs to restore electricity unless these public works employees, such

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary met on March 19, 2006, and considered a series of mostly local and judicial bills. Early action included HB 436, which authorizes appointment of honorably discharged veterans as park wardens; supporters said it would give veterans meaningful service roles and improve park safety. The committee adopted an amendment requiring honorable discharge, employment qualification compliance if hired by a public entity, and firearms training where applicable, then reported the bill favorably. The committee also advanced HB 16, extending the jurisdiction of the City Court of Franklin, and HB 44, which shifts certain blight-related hearings in St. Bernard Parish from the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication to justices of the peace and constables; members asked about appeals, fines, jurisdictional limits, and whether the change would affect HOAs, and the bill was reported favorably. Members then approved HB 61 creating Battle of New Orleans Day, with an amendment clarifying holiday language and adding a detailed historical commemoration of the battle and its diverse forces. HB 233, which raises juror mileage reimbursement from 16 cents per mile to the state travel rate, drew support but also concern about the cost to local governments; the sponsor and members discussed the fiscal impact, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 164, expanding commissioner powers in the 15th Judicial District Court, was also reported favorably after testimony that it would help manage caseloads and mirror procedures used in other districts. HB 455, defining public works employees as first responders for coordination and recognition purposes, generated extensive questions about emergency authority, FEMA reimbursement, workers’ compensation, liability, and unintended consequences; the committee deferred the bill to a later meeting for further review. The committee also approved HB 242, authorizing deputy constables in St. Tammany Parish at no state cost, and HB 10, making the Friday of the International Rice Festival a legal holiday in Acadia Parish. HB 9, designating Shreveport as the stuffed shrimp capital of Louisiana, was reported favorably after light discussion. HB 571, which would make permanent the complex litigation section program in the 19th Judicial District Court, was supported by judges and court staff who said it improves efficiency in large cases such as asbestos and hurricane litigation; it was reported favorably. Finally, HB 16 and several other local measures moved forward without objection, while the committee also heard a deeply personal presentation on HB 61 designating February 24 as SCN2A Awareness Day, later amended to honor Emily Catherine Diedon by name; members expressed sympathy, discussed genetic testing and access to care, and reported the bill favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can't go to begin to make those repairs to restore electricity unless these public works employees

Bills: HB9 , HB10 , HB16 , HB44 , HB46 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB153 , HB164 , HB233 , HB242 , HB436 , HB455 , HB571 , HB594

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: HB 9, HB9, Act 527, Shreveport, Stuffed Shrimp Capital, state symbol, Louisiana symbols, municipal designation, honorary title, cultural designation, tourism, local pride, seafood, shrimp, stuffed shrimp, cuisine, city branding, Louisiana Revised Statutes 49:170.26, legal holiday, Acadia Parish

Transcript Highlights:

• The roof leaks, and then we have all kinds of other problems, electrical problems, conditions of confinement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Standing Committee Report No. 2930, third reading of Senate Bill 2497, Senate Draft 2, relating to electric

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• better yet, reduce the cost of college tuition, or of in-home health care, or of child care, or of electricity

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• better yet, reduce the cost of college tuition, or of in-home health care, or of child care, or of electricity

Summary: The Missouri House met with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior House journal, and numerous guest introductions, including a tribute to Harris-Stowe State University President Dr. Latanya Collins-Smith during Women’s History Month. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, which would place on the ballot a constitutional change to gradually eliminate Missouri’s individual income tax and allow the legislature to broaden the sales tax base to services if needed. The sponsor and supporters framed the proposal as a long-term tax reform that would let Missourians keep more of their earnings, spur economic growth, and ultimately let voters decide the state’s tax structure. Supporters argued that no-income-tax states have stronger growth, more business relocation, and better population trends, and said the resolution includes triggers and revenue-neutral safeguards, including protections for school funding and local governments. Several members said the measure is only a referral to the voters, not an immediate tax change, and emphasized that the plan is designed to phase out the income tax only as state growth allows. Opponents countered that the measure would ultimately require a large sales tax increase on goods and services, shifting the burden onto working families, seniors, renters, and low-income Missourians, while threatening public schools, services, and tax-credit-supported nonprofits. They also criticized the ballot language as misleading and warned that the fiscal impact could be as high as an $8.5 billion revenue loss. Members debated comparisons to Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, and Kansas, with supporters citing those states as evidence that lower or no income taxes can attract growth, while opponents said Missouri’s economy, tourism, and budget structure are not comparable and that the Kansas example shows the risks of tax-cut experiments. The sponsor and several allies repeatedly stressed that the proposal is a constitutional amendment for voters to decide, not a final legislative tax hike, and said the plan is different from Kansas because it uses triggers and a defined path to zero. The transcript does not show a final vote on the resolution in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• happening with the federal government related to some of the incentives, whether it be for solar or electric

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on State Administration heard presentations on the Department of Industrial Relations’ labor-related budget items, with the main focus on proposed trailer bill language to reform the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) and a related budget change proposal for staffing. DIR said SIBTF has grown far beyond its original purpose, citing the 2020 Todd decision, expanded eligibility based on chronic or asymptomatic conditions, and a backlog that has grown to more than 30,000 pending cases. The administration argued the reforms would restore guardrails, reduce liabilities and employer assessments, and speed processing for severely injured workers; the LAO said the proposal was largely consistent with its prior recommendations. Members raised concerns about using trailer bill language for major policy changes, the retroactive application to open cases, and the impact on workers already in the queue, while supporters from employer groups and public agencies backed the proposal as necessary to control costs and restore sustainability. Public comment was split, with injured-worker advocates opposing the retroactive changes and business/public employer representatives supporting the reforms. The committee then heard the SIBTF workload request, which would phase in 177 positions over five years at a cost of $36.5 million, including staff for the Division of Workers’ Compensation, the Office of the Director Legal Unit, and administrative support. DIR said the additional staffing is intended to address very high caseloads and reduce processing times, but emphasized that the request assumes the reform package is adopted; LAO agreed the staffing increase made sense if paired with reforms. Members asked about vacancy rates, current staffing, and whether the workload request would become the new normal, and DIR said it would monitor caseload trends and adjust future requests as needed. Finally, the committee received an update on the California Workplace Outreach Program (CWOP), which DIR described as a partnership with community-based organizations to educate workers and help employers comply with labor laws. DIR reported that CWOP has reached 1.75 million workers and employers and made 8 million touchpoints since 2020, with the current round awarding $50.7 million to 87 partners for a two-year period through June 2027. Members and public commenters highlighted the program’s role in reaching immigrant, farmworker, janitorial, nail salon, and other vulnerable communities, and several speakers urged continued funding at $30 million per year for five years. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• its administration, because that's the only cost we would really save, we wouldn't be saving the electricity

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rising and people are struggling to put food on the table, to buy their groceries, to pay their electricity

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The way the PRC regulates P&M, you know, P&M gets fees from the electrical purchasers and spreads that

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 61, which would raise aggravated battery on a peace officer from a third-degree to a second-degree felony in cases involving great bodily harm or a deadly weapon. The sponsor and supporters said the bill fixes an inconsistency in current law, where aggravated assault on an officer can be punished more severely than aggravated battery causing serious injury. Law enforcement representatives, the Chiefs Association, CBRC, and chamber representatives testified in support, and the New Mexico Sentencing Commission was noted as having endorsed the bill by a 6-3-4 vote. After questions about proportionality and plea bargaining, the committee voted due pass on HB 61 without objection. The committee then returned to House Bill 99, a medical malpractice reform bill, and several members made conflict-of-interest disclosures before debating amendments. The discussion focused heavily on the patient compensation fund, surcharge setting, and whether an advisory board or the superintendent should control rates. Amendments to segregate future fund money, require surcharges no lower than the advisory board’s recommendation, and create a commission with more actuarial and financial expertise were debated at length; the committee rejected the first two amendments. Members and witnesses argued over whether past undercharging of hospitals and doctors led to insolvency and taxpayer bailouts, and whether the bill should require more transparency and oversight. The committee also debated amendments on punitive damages. One proposal would have delayed punitive damage claims until after substantial discovery; opponents said it would conflict with civil procedure, prolong litigation, and likely be struck down. Another would have tied punitive damages to a multiple of compensatory damages or a percentage of net worth; supporters said that would better deter harmful conduct, while opponents said it would create uncertainty and more discovery. That amendment also failed. A final punitive-damages amendment would have removed caps in cases involving sexual assault or intoxication by a health care provider and protected the first $5 million of an independent provider’s personal assets; it too was rejected after members said it would shield egregious misconduct and go beyond the bill’s purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ben Roach and others, CS House Bill 243, a bill to be entitled an act relating to electric

Summary: The House convened with prayer, moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and former State Attorney Joseph Di Alessandro, and a quorum present. Members then took up a special order calendar and considered a series of bills, with several recognitions and brief recesses interspersed throughout the day. Early floor action focused on civil justice and estates measures. The House passed CS/HB 1407 on commencement of civil actions, clarifying when a complainant may file an employment discrimination suit if the Florida Commission on Human Relations does not issue a right-to-sue notice. It also passed HB 895 on trustee settlement and discharge, allowing certain non-adversarial irrevocable trusts to be discharged without court involvement; CS/HB 1337 on estates, expanding personal representative authority and increasing small-estate thresholds; and CS/HB 131 on curators of estates, codifying a tool for court protection when the state faces potential loss. Each of these bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief sponsor explanations and, in the case of HB 895, a technical amendment. The House also approved CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over U.S. military installations, which would allow juvenile offenses on certain installations to be handled in state court rather than federal court, and CS/HB 441 on conservation lands, which increases notice and transparency requirements for land swaps involving conservation property. Members from both parties praised the conservation bill as a response to public concern over land swaps. Additional measures passed included HB 409 requiring K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, CS/HB 461 allowing eligible students to volunteer at polling locations for community service hours, CS/HB 1115 creating grants for genetic counseling education, HB 569 revising forensic client services for persons with developmental disabilities, CS/HB 505 regulating virtual currency kiosks to combat senior fraud, and HB 271 addressing premium reporting rules for foreign and alien bail bond insurers. The most extended debate centered on CS/CS/HB 919, which creates a statutory definition for major commercial service airports and preempts local naming authority for seven major airports, including a proposal to rename Palm Beach International Airport for President Donald J. Trump. The bill drew sharp partisan debate over local control, costs, trademark/licensing concerns, and the appropriateness of honoring a sitting president. Amendments to delay the naming until after Trump leaves office and to combine his name with John F. Kennedy’s were both defeated. After structured debate, the bill passed 81-? yeas (the transcript records 81 yeas) and was sent on. The House also began debate on HB 191 regarding re-employment assistance eligibility verification, with the sponsor explaining added disqualifications and identity/eligibility checks; questioning began but the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ben Roach and others: CS House Bill 243, a bill to be entitled an act relating to electric

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Joseph Di Alessandro, the Pledge of Allegiance, and announcements confirming a quorum. Members also adopted the special order report and recognized several guests in the gallery, including former Speaker Dan Webster and law enforcement and civic visitors. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar of bills, mostly on third reading, with several measures passing unanimously or by wide margins. Among the bills considered were measures on civil procedure and estates, including C.S. HB 1407 on commencement of civil actions, HB 895 on trustee settlement and discharge, C.S. HB 1337 on estates, HB 131 on curators of estates, and C.S. HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations. The House also passed C.S. HB 441 on conservation lands, which would lengthen notice and increase transparency for land swaps involving conservation property, and C.S. CS HB 919 on commercial service airports, which created a statutory definition for major airports and preempted local naming authority for several airports. HB 919 drew extensive debate over the proposed naming of Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald J. Trump, with amendments to delay or alter the naming failing before the bill passed. Other bills approved included HB 409 requiring K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, CS HB 461 allowing certain students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours, CS HB 1115 creating grants for genetic counseling education, HB 569 revising forensic client services, CS HB 505 regulating virtual currency kiosks to address fraud, and HB 271 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers. The House also passed HB 191 on re-employment assistance eligibility verification after extended questioning about its effects on benefits, appeals, and suitable work standards. One bill, CS HB 243 on electric bicycles, was temporarily postponed, and CS HB 1073 on school districts was also postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ben Roach and others, CS for House Bill 243, a bill to be entitled an act relating to electric

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here's what we had electricity.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• application for a separate permit for the local governing body, certain permits may be granted, such as electrical

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 387 on ADS-B airport billing. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would stop airports and third-party vendors from using federally required automatic dependent surveillance broadcast data to calculate landing or touch-and-go fees, arguing the technology was intended for safety and collision avoidance, not invoicing. An amendment clarifying touch-and-go landings and other fee calculations was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably 15-0. Members then heard several local and policy bills. CS/HB 803 on private-provider building permits and inspections drew broad support from industry groups and was reported favorably 14-1. HB 451 and HB 4053, local fire-district assessment bills, were presented as relief for homeowners and churches facing higher non-ad valorem assessments; both were reported favorably after amendments, with testimony emphasizing impacts on houses of worship and local communities. PCS/HB 1329 on local government spending transparency prompted extensive debate over searchable budget formats, posting requirements, and possible unfunded mandates; supporters framed it as taxpayer access and accountability, while opponents argued many local governments already provide this information and that the bill could impose costs. It was reported favorably 8-4. The committee also advanced PCS/HB 927 on local land planning and development, which would allow qualified professionals to assist with pre-application reviews; local government representatives raised concerns about preemption and environmental restrictions, but the bill was reported favorably 13-2. HB 929 on chickee huts, PCS/HB 4081 on expanding a local water and sewer district by referendum, and HB 489 conveying the Trenton Train Depot to the city and county all passed unanimously or near-unanimously. HB 1211, a Department of Military Affairs bill updating leave and assistance-program provisions, was amended and reported favorably. HB 1041, creating business incentives for veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses, also passed 13-0 after amendment and supportive testimony from members and veterans. The final item shown was HB 1001, a bill restricting county and municipal DEI-related actions and contracting; the sponsor described it as a response to division and waste, and members began questioning its definitions, scope, and potential effects on training and civil actions, but the transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This covers a water line break, electrical, just a number of different things, just normal deferred maintenance

Committee: House A&B General Government Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all