Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:09:48.600><c> has</c> colleagues uh but it has to get it has colleagues uh but it has to get it
• it.
• Is it OLA? Is it another state agency?
• Is it OLA? Is it another state agency?
• Is it OLA? Is it another state agency?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I guarantee it.
• It can't be sold. It says it right there in the legislation.
• Whose responsibility is it? Is it the schools? Is it the social media companies? Is it the parents?
• And it will go to court. Yes. Yes, it will go to court.
• It was great theory. It didn't play out that well.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the journal, and moved through routine orders, including committee reports and messages from the House. Several bills and resolutions were introduced, referred to committees, or advanced on the calendar. The Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider a series of House bills, adopting amendments to measures including House Bills 629, 678, 522, 810, 684, 561, and 860, and reporting them back as amended without recommendation. The committee also reported progress on House Bills 613, 526, 670, and 549, which retained their place on the calendar. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1294 on newborn hearing screenings after sponsor testimony emphasized early intervention, support from audiologists and deaf/hard-of-hearing advocates, and no fiscal impact. The chamber also passed Senate Bills 1353 and 1354, both housing bills expanding state standards for twin homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units in cities over 10,000; supporters framed them as property-rights and affordability measures, while opponents argued they weakened local control, increased infrastructure and parking burdens, and could benefit investors more than families. Senate Bill 1389, providing liability protection for property owners who allow polling places on their premises, passed unanimously after discussion about balancing voter access with premises liability. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1391, a technical fix preserving surveyors’ lawful entry authority for property and right-of-way work, and House Bill 727, which revises video voyeurism/extortion provisions to address AI-generated or threatened dissemination of intimate images and adds enhanced penalties when minors are involved. Finally, the Senate passed House Bill 542, the “Stop the Harms from Addictive Social Media Act,” after extensive debate over whether it protects children from addictive platform features or improperly shifts responsibility and creates surveillance and enforcement problems; the bill’s supporters argued it targets harmful platform design and parental control, while opponents raised concerns about legacy accounts, privacy, enforceability, and state overreach. Several roll-call votes were taken, with most measures passing by substantial margins, including unanimous passage of Senate Bill 1389 and 35-0 passage of House Bill 727.

Transcript Highlights:

• is where you place it.
• It won't be a manufactured one, or whatever we would call it, but they have access to it. ...and we can
• It won't be a manufactured one, or whatever we would call it, but they have access to it.
• was a faulty product or even if it didn't engage when it should have?
• I think it serves a very useful purpose, but on page one, subparagraph B, it does say it will be against

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it.
• If you haven't done it, I would suggest doing it.
• Put it on your phone, and then you always have it with you.
• It weakens voting by mail because it allows the legislature to completely eliminate it.
• The ayes have it. Do you have it so ordered? Thank you.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and routine journal and calendar actions, including a gubernatorial nomination referral and bill references. Members also introduced guests in the gallery before the chamber resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider several election, health care, and child welfare measures. In Committee of the Whole, senators considered SB 1038 on cast voter records and public records, SB 1133 on nominating procedures and candidate financial disclosures, SB 1247 on assisted living centers, and SCR 1001, a constitutional election-requirements referral. Each measure was amended and given a do-pass recommendation. SB 1133 received a floor amendment exempting certain statewide and legislative candidates in an emergency-related provision, SB 1247 was amended to allow a person not receiving care services to live with a resident in an assisted living center, and SCR 1001 was amended to make major election changes, including proof-of-identity requirements, changes to early ballot and drop-off rules, and language affecting mail voting and election administration. Debate on SCR 1001 was extensive, with supporters saying it would improve election security and speed results, and opponents warning it would reduce access, create confusion, and disproportionately burden voters, especially those who vote by mail or in rural and communities of color. On third reading, SB 1038 passed 17-12, SB 1133 passed 23-6 with the emergency clause, SB 1247 passed 28-1 with the emergency clause, and SCR 1001 passed 17-12-1. The Senate also passed SB 1172 and SB 1175 by 28-1 votes. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the measures were properly assigned, committee meeting announcements were made, a moment of silence was held for Jesse Jackson, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hold it. It doesn't have an FN and bill. Hold it.
• </c> scan it into a system that can store it scan it into a system that can store it and<01:01:32.160
• </c> to go about it. to go about it.
• it leave it at that, but I'll leave it leave it at that.<01:43:08.320><c> Uh</c><01:43:08.639><c> real
• it, it started to value moved against it, it started to run<01:46:41.679><c> out</c><01:46:41.920><c

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:47:18.319><c> is</c> it so that we're all clear that it is it so that we're all clear that it
• c> it is um basically uh it is for a it is um basically uh it is for a program<00:51:54.800><c> to</c
• </c><01:11:30.719><c> it</c> openness to it that you know it it openness to it that you know it it doesn't
• </c> had um it needed funding and it would had um it needed funding and it would have<01:47:50.719><c
• </c> funds it. funds it.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It be nice if it or print it, whatever.
• it it it it Um, the other thing that it it it it does<00:54:16.359><c> is</c><00:54:17.359><c> the</
• It it strikes me as it may be companies.
• It has to cost it.
• It has to cost it.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 292, which would authorize a governor’s warrant to cover special education aid shortfalls from the education trust fund, and from the general fund if needed, so local school districts would not have to absorb prorated costs or raise local property taxes. Senator Lang said the bill was prompted by a prior $15 million special education funding shortfall caused by higher-than-expected catastrophic aid claims, including more qualifying students and the recent increase in the special education age limit to 22. He emphasized that the bill is intended to ensure the state meets its funding commitment and avoid shifting costs to towns. Members asked about how the bill interacts with House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, including whether the language should be merged or whether the state should fund 100% versus an 80% floor. Lang said he was open to improving the bill and to adding a study committee or performance audit on special education costs, but maintained that the state should not push costs to local taxpayers when it has available funds. The hearing on SB 292 was then closed, with no vote taken. The committee then opened Senate Bill 98, which would extend for five more years a tax credit program for donations to regional career and technical education centers. Senator Waters said the program has been successful in building partnerships between CTE centers and employers, especially through equipment donations that support training and apprenticeships. He cited examples including automotive, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing programs, and said the five-year extension would let lawmakers continue to review whether the incentive is working as intended. Several members questioned whether the credit is effectively a 100% subsidy and how the cap works. Waters and another member explained that the underlying program has an aggregate cap of $500,000 and that credits are prorated if requests exceed that amount; they also said the donations are primarily equipment, not cash. Some members raised concerns about whether businesses could also claim other tax deductions or credits, but the sponsor said the existing structure has been in place for years and has been revisited periodically. No vote was taken during the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:28.600><c> up</c> we'll fight it and then it escalated up we'll fight it and then it escalated
• </c><00:20:16.159><c> be</c> saying it where they it could be saying it where they it could be separately
• </c><01:11:03.960><c> it</c> for you but it's you know it's it it for you but it's you know it's it it
• </c> it is an unworkable process and it it is an unworkable process and it disadvantages<01:52:42.040
• If they have it, they have to tender it. There's no delay in it, no questioning it.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it easier.
• reference if it would make it easier I reference if it would make it easier I can<00:31:54.360><c> reference
• I think it makes it a little clearer. I don't think it changes the intent. Thank you. Okay.
• it it really wasn't fundamentally just it it really wasn't discussed<00:59:43.359><c> during</c><00:
• </c><00:59:47.319><c> pointed</c> I think it when it was first pointed I think it when it was first pointed

Committee: Senate Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• need it beyond.
• I get it. I'm just trying to... “May” part? I get that. I get it.
• It could be rusty spikes. It could be weeds.
• it back in commerce?
• Is it? Okay.

Bills: HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR68 , HB714 , HB762 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB56 , SB69 , SB115 , SB133 , SB151 , SB170 , SB235 , SB278 , SB330 , SB420 , SB438 , SB449 , SB489

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Keywords: U.S. Highway 90, US 90, Highway 90, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, DOTD, bridge removal, closed bridges, bridge demolition, transportation funding, federal appropriations, THUD appropriations, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, infrastructure, road reconstruction, evacuation route, hurricane evacuation corridor, New Orleans metro area, Mississippi Gulf Coast, public safety

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 5, and considered a long agenda of mostly transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Among the bills reported favorably were Senate Bill 420, which adds Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission; Senate Bill 69, which updates appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission after redistricting; Senate Bill 40, which expands Louisiana’s move-over/safety protections for emergency and disabled vehicles; and House resolutions from Rep. Dickerson urging DOTD action on Highway 16 widening, turn lanes on Highway 1024, and a roundabout on Highway 1019. The committee also advanced HCR 53 creating a study committee on oversized vehicle permits, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, SB 449 giving the New Orleans Public Belt more procurement flexibility, SB 115 allowing DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA duties to speed project delivery, and SB 489 authorizing third-party verification of vehicle insurance coverage. Members heard testimony on several safety and enforcement measures. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples under CODIS-related criminal provisions; State Police explained it would help law enforcement collect required samples and aid cold cases. SB 48 would create driver’s license reciprocity between Louisiana and Ireland, and SB 235 would clarify payment and liquidated damages rules for public contracts, with contractors and industry representatives saying it would help ensure timely payment to contractors, subs, and suppliers. SB 55 clarified that seat belts must be worn across both the lap and shoulder, and SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement; committee members raised questions about due process, vehicle use, and how the devices would work, but both bills were reported favorably. Several measures drew more extensive debate. HB 762, as amended, would give OMV discretion over referring certain debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or Attorney General, and the amendment passed 14-2 after discussion about relief for drivers who cannot pay. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement received an amendment preserving existing compliant pavement markings, but a separate amendment to exempt Shreveport, Gretna, Livonia, and Westwego from the law failed on a roll call vote. HB 714, as substituted, would have created a railroad commission and required railroads to address blighted or abandoned lines, but after concerns about federal preemption, definition of blight, and whether a new commission was needed, Rep. Phelps moved to defer the bill, and the committee agreed. The meeting ended with adjournment after a brief recognition of committee staff and visitors.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been distributed, and I move for its adoption. It is 0.0c. Is there any discussion?
• Secondly, the bill extends the sunset; it does not eliminate the sunset. It simply extends it.
• It wasn't about geography. It was about policy.
• about it.
• The state fixed it, and then the feds turned around and broke it again, and we have to fix it here.

Committee: House Economic Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Write it where it includes rewrite it.
• , if it is federal law, and it was said that it was.
• , if it is federal law, and it was said that it was.
• , if it is federal law, and it was said that it was.
• , if it is federal law, and it was said that it was.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it on the higher end of a city's fees? Is it on the median?
• It is acute. It is severe.
• it could be held accountable for it.
• It is well reasoned. It is very important.
• It is well reasoned. It is very important.

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It narrows the scope. It may take it from 50 towns in Louisiana down to five.
• They could do it or not do it.
• Wait, there it comes. Yeah. Then it wants away, it goes away.
• But it was so specific that it wasn't—it didn't say salary. It says overtime doesn't apply.
• Don't give it to you, we make you buy it, you have to earn it, you have to pay your way to get it, but

Committee: House Retirement

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate it.
• It sounded like it made sense to me.
• It wasn't for me; it was my niece.
• It doesn't outlaw kratom; it safeguards it, banning 7-hydroxy and other derivatives, mandatory GMP standards
• That happens, and when it happens, it poses risk.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved a motion to reorder the agenda, hearing a presentation from the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission before taking up Senate Bill 1282. Commission representatives reviewed the history and current size of Idaho’s wine industry, noting about 65 wineries, 1,300 acres of vineyards, and three AVAs. They described challenges including county land-use restrictions, water supply concerns in the Treasure Valley, and labor shortages, while also highlighting marketing, education, and specialty crop grant funding. A vineyard owner testified that the industry requires significant upfront investment and manual labor, but said commission-funded education has improved grape quality and supported growers. The committee then heard extensive testimony on S.B. 1282, which would create a kratom consumer protection framework. Senator Nichols and supporters said the bill would preserve access to natural kratom while banning adulterated or synthetically enhanced products, requiring testing, labeling, age restrictions, and clearer supply-chain accountability. Supporters included kratom users, business owners, and industry representatives who said the bill would protect consumers, distinguish natural leaf products from high-potency 7-OH derivatives, and provide needed standards without banning kratom outright. Several witnesses described personal benefits from kratom for pain, recovery, or avoiding opioids, and some said responsible regulation was preferable to prohibition. Opponents, including family members of people who died after using kratom, law enforcement, and addiction medicine professionals, argued that natural kratom itself can be dangerous and addictive and that the bill would not adequately protect the public. They urged either a full ban or broader restrictions, criticized the bill’s low civil penalties and prohibition on private causes of action, and said age limits and labeling would not be enough. Committee members questioned witnesses closely about deaths, testing, liability, and whether the bill should cover natural kratom as well as 7-OH. No vote was taken during the hearing, but Senator Nichols said the bill sponsor was open to amendments, including raising the purchase age, increasing penalties, and revisiting the private right of action provision.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> it,</c><00:19:07.760><c> it</c><00:19:08.080><c> doesn't</c> I assure you without it, it doesn't
• it happens, say it the area in which it happens, say it it's<00:21:27.919><c> in</c><00:21:28.080><c
• If the legislature decides it wants to repeal it, it should do it in a standalone bill, and it should
• </c><01:07:00.240><c> bill</c> it, it should do it in a standalone bill it, it should do it in a standalone
• I don't it it it dries up eventually.

Bills: SF0045 , SJ0001

Committee: House Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting, historic horse racing, HHR terminals, horse racing, gaming commission, Wyoming Gaming Commission, local control, city approval, county approval, municipal approval, permit renewal, gaming permit, wagering regulation, racetrack, live pari-mutuel event, district court appeal, public notice, land use, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• , loved it.
• where it looks like it starts halfway through.
• It looks like it was just repeated and not covered. Mr.
• Until you can find it, if you're lucky enough to find it, then you can keep up with it.
• If you track it when it comes over from the House and you start tracking conversations, it does that.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayers and pledges, and several procedural announcements, including permission for cameras, a relaxed dress code for guests, and excusing a few senators. Members also recognized numerous guests and honorary lieutenant governors, and discussed a planned bolo tie contest tied to New Mexico tradition and state history. The chamber then moved to business, including the confirmation of Anna Silva as Secretary of the General Services Department. The confirmation drew broad support from senators on both sides, who praised Silva’s long career in state government, her management experience, and her work on major projects such as the executive office building, procurement reforms, and facilities management. After debate, the Senate voted unanimously to confirm her appointment. Silva’s family and guests were recognized from the floor after the vote. The Senate then took up House Bill 2 and 3, the state budget. Senator Muñoz presented the Senate Finance version as a balanced budget with about $11.1 billion in spending, 27% reserves, recurring investments in health care, early childhood, public safety, education, roads, housing, and economic development, and targeted nonrecurring spending for items such as water, universities, and innovation sectors. Supporters emphasized affordability, teacher health insurance parity, medical residency funding, rural and community investments, and public safety funding. Critics raised concerns about the size of the budget, the late availability and complexity of the bill, the removal of a proposed 1% pay raise for state employees, and whether spending priorities and education dollars were being allocated effectively. No final vote on the budget was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Was it like over a year? Was it multiple years?
• Was it like over a year? Was it multiple years?
• And it may not... It may not relate to the bridge, but...
• I could call it deferred maintenance, but let's call it what it is.
• We appreciate it.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held a work session focused on ignition interlock device compliance and broader traffic safety data. Traffic Safety Commission staff described a Yakima County pilot that provides enhanced probation supervision and support for DUI offenders, reporting that compliance with ignition interlock installation rose from roughly 16%–20% before the pilot to 41% among medium- and high-risk offenders, with barriers including cost, confusion about requirements, transportation access, and communication gaps. JLARC staff presented a statewide preliminary audit finding an overall 41% installation rate, with higher installation rates among higher-income drivers and limited use of financial assistance; JLARC recommended clearer goals for the assistance program and a formal coordination agreement between the Department of Licensing and State Patrol. State Patrol also reported on a Snohomish County outreach pilot that used troopers and door hangers to contact noncompliant drivers, found many were unaware of financial aid, and identified some drivers as physically unable to drive, without vehicles, or on warrant status. The committee then received a broader traffic safety update showing that serious injuries and fatalities rose sharply in recent years before declining somewhat in 2024; impaired-driving fatalities fell 15% from 2023 to 2024, while pedestrian fatalities remained near record highs. The Traffic Safety Commission also highlighted telematics-based research showing that targeted enforcement and visible patrols can reduce speeding, and that anonymized telematics data is being used to analyze speeding and distracted driving patterns statewide and at the corridor level. Members asked about privacy, enforcement methods, and how the data are used, and staff emphasized that the data are aggregate and opt-in through insurance or similar programs. After waiving five-day notice, the committee held a public hearing on Senate Joint Memorial 8016, which asks Congress and federal agencies to treat the Fairfax Bridge closure and replacement as an emergency and to expedite federal review and remove historic-register barriers. Supporters from Wilkeson, Carbonado, recreation groups, and nearby communities testified that the bridge closure has harmed tourism, emergency response, recreation access, and daily travel. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6230, which would require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five cents in light of the federal penny phaseout; staff said the Department of Licensing fiscal note showed a $186,000 technology cost, and retail and food industry representatives supported the bill but requested amendments for permissive language, safe harbors, consumer protections, and local preemption. In executive session, staff briefed members on several bills and substitutes, including snowmobile registration fee increases, gender designation record confidentiality, salvaged title transfer streamlining, fish-barrier/utility relocation changes, emergency highway work thresholds, a Traffic Safety Commission public-health-authority proposal, special parking privilege renewal changes, parked vehicle registration enforcement, and oil tanker tug-escort requirements. No final votes or bill actions were recorded in the excerpt beyond the motion to waive notice and the completion of the public hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Got it. That answers it.
• Yeah, and you have to withdraw it to do that. You have to withdraw it to vote on it? Yeah.
• It is a rental vehicle, but it has been altered. It has been adapted.
• to them, it did not have that tint on it.
• Fuel if it is legally permissible and folks want it.

Bills: HB316 , HB353 , HB 1160 , HB1414 , HB1422 , HB1443 , HB1713 , HB1789 , HB1902 , HB2073 , HB2666 , HB2695 , HB316

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: motor fuel, criminal offense, metering device, organized crime, Texas Penal Code, trespassing, school safety, day-care centers, education, trespass, public safety, utility employees, criminal penalties, assault, harassment, public duties, safety, law enforcement, driving offenses, license regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• I love it. I love it. “Of experience as well, Mr. Lysica?” “A little bit less, ma’am. I love it.
• Sometimes it needs a little more attention to it.
• So again… …it was flexibility with regard to it.
• do with it, but this is what it is, and you have to go get somebody to be able to do it for you.
• Is it this or is it that? Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on condominiums, focusing on recent statutory changes, building safety, reserve studies, inspections, insurance, and related enforcement issues. Pete Dunbar, speaking for the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, reviewed the evolution of Florida’s condominium law and recommended several refinements, including allowing boards to levy special assessments and borrow for post-inspection repairs, easing termination when repair costs exceed value, clarifying treatment of nonresidential condominiums, strengthening recall procedures, clarifying reserve and inspection standards, addressing conflicts of interest, improving electronic participation, and cleaning up notice and disclosure requirements. He also suggested revising insurance provisions so a third coverage option could be used more effectively. Ron Liseca and engineer Mr. Noguera explained the milestone inspection and Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SERS) process, emphasizing that milestone inspections assess structural deterioration while SERS estimates long-term repair and reserve funding needs. They described the 25- and 30-year inspection timelines, the lack of a central statewide database, and the practical challenges of finding qualified professionals and educating associations. Secretary Melanie Griffin said DBPR oversees 27,750 condominium associations, has increased outreach and complaint resolution, and has seen a 39% increase in complaints this fiscal year. She reported that about 11,270 associations self-reported buildings three stories or higher, and that as of early February DBPR had received 4,096 SERS completion submissions after follow-up outreach, with a median reported SERS cost of $6,000, though she cautioned that much of the optional data is unreliable. Emilio Rodriguez, a contractor, stressed the cost and capacity challenges facing associations and contractors, warning that some projects are delayed by board disputes, legal challenges, and a shortage of qualified labor, which can lead to higher assessments and repeated repairs. Members asked about enforcement, insurance availability, coastal deterioration, sinking and foundation issues, and private provider conflicts of interest. Witnesses generally supported more uniform standards, better local and state coordination, and possible tighter oversight of private providers, while cautioning against frequent statutory changes that could add confusion. In closing discussion, members highlighted the burden on older residents and fixed-income owners, the need to keep communities habitable, and the importance of clearer allocation of assessments and stronger board accountability.