Transcript Highlights:

• the operation of a combination of vehicles or tandem loads hauling containers to and from port facilities
• be required to have a local facility within five miles of the infrastructure that they built.
• One, it would require that tolling facility.
• He was also very generous and gave quietly behind the scenes. And I will add just a little...
• Very generous and gave quietly behind the scenes.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on April 21 and heard a series of transportation, licensing, tolling, and public safety measures. Early bills included HB 745, extending special permits for tandem/container loads serving port facilities; HB 1000, a DOTD cleanup bill that clarifies Highway Priority Program reporting and raises the letter-bid contract threshold from $1 million to $3 million; HB 1050, which revises commercial driver’s license rules and allows certain 18-year-olds to drive intrastate with a Class A license; and HB 1172, designating a portion of US 165 in Oberlin as the Coulin Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 1000 adopted with amendments. The committee then took up HB 896 on toll facilities, prompted by concerns about Belle Chasse toll charges and customer service access. The bill would require local toll customer service centers, toll dispute procedures, and limits on certain fees; amendments were adopted to refine those provisions, including in-person assistance, appeal deadlines, and limits on additional charges. The bill was reported with amendments. HB 493, which would have prohibited expropriation by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes, drew extensive testimony and debate over reservoir planning and local flood-control authority, but was ultimately voluntarily deferred. Later, HB 1173 was approved to give people in the OMV reinstatement relief program up to three months without a late fee on installment agreements, while keeping the payment due and moving it to the end of the plan. HB 1024 created a Louisiana Democratic Party special prestige license plate and was reported favorably. The committee also approved HCR 32 urging the Port of New Orleans to secure backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge, and HB 1159, concerning automated speed enforcement in Jefferson Parish municipalities, was ultimately voluntarily deferred after discussion of local control, public input, and prior legislation on speed cameras. The final major item was HB 679, as substituted, creating a driver’s license designation for people with brain injuries and directing law enforcement training on interactions with those individuals. The sponsor and several witnesses described personal experiences with traumatic brain injury and argued the designation would improve safety and communication during traffic stops. The substitute bill was adopted and the measure was reported favorably. The committee concluded by reporting HB 1207 favorably; that bill would limit unduly restrictive contractor qualification requirements in public bidding and require such requirements to be reasonably related to the project and justified in writing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , mental health facility, or services.
• , just to get them into a treatment facility, right?
• They're hired by the facilities.
• They then recruit others to come back to that same facility.
• Larry Freeman, our Chief Deputy Attorney General, Liz Merle.

Bills: HB343 , HB378 , HB394 , HB396 , HB426 , HB439 , HB491 , HB523 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB1025 , HB1038

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: parole eligibility, juvenile offenders, rehabilitation, first-time offenders, reentry programs, substance abuse treatment, education programs, emergency responders, law enforcement, obstructing traffic, public safety, penalties, parole, criminal justice, release extension, prison reform, autopsy, criminal evidence, photographs, court proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• concept residential development, provide water, wastewater drainage, road, park, and recreational facilities
• Uh, for our members, it is critically important that any relocation of the respective facilities be done
• Uh, obviously, there could be delays on relocating the facilities due to no fault of the relocating utility
• under the bill, the district on its own and of its own accord will be able to relocate to those facilities
• What this bill does, it resolves ambiguities in existing law by providing general authorization for all

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• concept residential development, provide water, wastewater drainage, road, park, and recreational facilities
• It is critically important that any Location of the respective facilities be done by the company or a
• Obviously, there could be delays on relocating the facilities due to no fault of the relocating utility
• But it's very important. the reliability of a network, that when our facilities are moved, that we make
• What this bill does, it resolves ambiguities in existing law by providing general authorization for all

Bills: HB769 , HB2132 , HB3383 , HB3792 , HB5431 , HB5682 , HB5677 , HB5678 , HB5680 , HB5681 , HB5683 , HB5684 , HB5685 , HB5686 , HB4078

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: environmental regulation, sustainability, business compliance, state oversight, local control, pollution, renewable resources, grant program, neighborhood organization, pedestrian infrastructure, Texas Department of Housing, financial assistance, neighborhood organizations, grants, urban development, safety, public safety, housing development, low income housing, tax credits

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> In Article 6, Section 8, we generally In Article 6, Section 8, we generally support<00:57:48.120
• Anyway, maybe we should get the Attorney General in there. Senator Rasmusson.
• Senator Rasmusson General in there.
• </c> group a residential facility. group a residential facility.
• ><c> does</c><01:42:39.320><c> case</c> Um members, this facility does case Um members, this facility

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we is a very heavy general fund.
• </c> request is for 1.1 million in general request is for 1.1 million in general funds<01:24:58.800><
• So, whatever we have in general<03:04:09.840><c> funds</c> general funds general funds is<03:04:11.680
• </c> general fund and then out of the general general fund and then out of the general fund.<03:04:56.482
• </c> receive any revenue from general funds. receive any revenue from general funds.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Camp Gabriel's Correctional Facility. Say it again? Camp Gabriel's Correctional Facility.
• The Camp Gabriel's Correctional Facility? Say it again. Camp Gabriel's Correctional Facility.
• It's an act to amend the General Obligations Law and the Labor Law in relation to the duties of skiers

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee chair opened by emphasizing that the committee would consider bills from any member, regardless of party, so long as they would make the judiciary more streamlined, efficient, and accessible. The committee then took up Senate Print 410, which would change how judges review jury awards in employment discrimination cases. The sponsor argued the bill would curb consistently low awards and reduce pressure on plaintiffs to settle, while a member raised concerns about limiting judicial review. After discussion, the bill was moved and reported to the floor, with one member recorded without rights. The committee next advanced Senate Bill 548, authorizing the sale of a specific parcel of Forest Preserve land associated with Camp Gabriels Correctional Facility, and Senate Print 887A, a Surrogates’ Court filing bill, with a suggested amendment clarifying that initial filings may not yet have a file number. It also reported Senate Print 947, barring residential landlords from charging fees for rent payments made by ACH or online systems, and Senate Print 1142, extending the statute of limitations for employment discrimination actions. Other measures reported included the homeowner protection program bill (2627A), skier and snowboarder duties bill (3209), a constitutional amendment on voter qualifications allowing eligible 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will turn 18 by the general election (3231), and a bill increasing county court judges in certain jurisdictions (4836A), which was referred to Finance. Additional bills advanced were Senate Print 5089 creating a residential condominium owner bill of rights, Senate Print 5288 on the proper form of exhibits in civil practice, and Senate Print 9037 exempting senior citizens from jury service, with discussion noting the bill’s opt-in feature for seniors who wish to continue serving. Most measures were approved by voice vote with little or no opposition, and the meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have very generous.
• That's the general idea. That's so.
• Yeah, that would be the generalized directive.
• Would be the generalized directive.
• would be the generalized directive.

Summary: The committee and invited witnesses discussed chronic wasting disease surveillance and response in Louisiana, focusing on both wild deer and captive deer facilities. LDWF staff said surveillance goals are being met in about 32 of 64 parishes, but there are gaps in low-sample areas, and they described current efforts using voluntary hunter-harvested deer sampling, targeted sampling in higher-risk animals, and coordination with D-MAP properties. Witnesses and members raised possible ways to improve detection, including incentives for testing, use of taxidermists and processors to collect samples from older bucks, possible mandatory testing tied to special doe days or special seasons, and better use of D-MAP or mobile sampling units. Several members also suggested environmental testing, better deer-density data, and clearer mapping of hotspots and source areas. A major portion of the discussion centered on how to respond when a positive CWD case is found. Members debated whether Louisiana should follow an Arkansas-style approach, including allowing baiting during hunting season while using other tools to manage disease, versus stricter no-bait or no-feeding rules. Some members argued that immediate restrictions after a positive discourage hunters from submitting samples and hurt landowners and feed businesses, and suggested delaying new restrictions until the end of the season while intensifying sampling. Others emphasized that any response should be science-based and should preserve hunter participation. There was also discussion of whether control areas should be parish-based or based on geographic distance, and whether the state should establish thresholds that would allow a control zone to be reduced or removed if enough negative samples are collected. For captive deer facilities, LDWF and LDAF staff reviewed the USDA herd certification program and current surveillance practices. They said Louisiana has about 350 licensed deer facilities, including breeder and hunting facilities, and that a 2024 positive in Jeff Davis Parish led to depopulation and 12 quarantine farms; follow-up testing in 2025 found no new positives in the traced facilities. Staff said the state has relied on USDA competitive grants for diagnostic testing in the last two years, covering roughly $100,000 to $150,000 annually, while department self-generated funds covered more than $800,000 over the last three years. Members and witnesses recommended mandatory enrollment in the USDA herd certification program, mandatory 24-hour reporting of positives to LDWF and USDA APHIS, and clearer, reciprocal communication between LDWF and LDAF when positives are found. No votes were taken; the chair said staff would compile the discussion and written recommendations for consideration at the April 9 commission meeting, with the understanding that the committee will later make formal recommendations to the Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• like having worked in this for a long time, you know, it is relatively recent that we've seen the general
• Go into a general fund.
• For this chapter of legislation, HCD is requesting $7 million. $1.8 million in general fund in 25-26,
• The Civil Rights Department which will continue to provide focus on civil rights laws in general. as
• At this point, the departments, in general, they are kind of spread out, as you mentioned.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to encourage, I always encourage elected officials in general, just get out and try to learn
• That particular facility sits in my district, and I didn't make the rules about the airport board and
• I just generally speaking... I just... thank you. I disagree with that construct.
• I just generally speaking, I just philosophically disagree with how that works.
• . concerns is that I have seven recreational facilities and community centers in my district.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 431, which would require annual training for municipal mayors and related local officials. An amendment was adopted to add municipal retirement systems to the training categories. Representative Carlson and Louisiana Municipal Association President Mayor Ray Bork said the bill was intended to provide at least 16 hours of annual continuing education, with LMA developing and accrediting the curriculum. Members asked about online options, flexibility, and whether there would be penalties; the author said there would be no penalty beyond public reporting on the annual audit. The committee then approved the bill favorably. HB 150, by Representative Borek, would authorize Cameron Parish to establish a locally funded insurance or subsidy program to help residents recover and repopulate after storm damage. Members discussed flood insurance, FEMA Risk Rating 2.0, and whether the program would affect private insurance markets; the author said it was meant as a local subsidy, not a state-funded insurance program. The bill was reported favorably. HB 822, by Representative Newell, would remove nonprofit entities from appointing board members to certain economic development districts if they are not in compliance with Secretary of State filings; members agreed to add a two-year forfeiture period, and the bill was advanced. The committee then heard HB 204, which would require monthly financial reports from certain Baton Rouge-area agencies to the Legislative Auditor. An amendment removed the Council on Aging from the bill. Representatives from CATS and BREC said their financial statements and audits are already posted online, while the author argued the bill would provide more detailed, real-time vendor-level spending information like the Louisiana Checkbook. The Legislative Auditor said the office could receive the records but would likely need redactions and could face added workload; after extended debate, the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee also approved HB 136 on Harahan classified police hiring, HB 376 extending provisional hire time in fire and police civil service from 60 to 90 days, HB 377 giving the State Civil Service Commission flexibility in setting pay ranges for state examiners, HB 450 clarifying veterans’ points in civil service exams, HB 273 repealing a duplicate local tax-distribution statute, HB 1068 allowing longer exclusive garbage collection and disposal contracts, HB 864 creating a fire limit to prohibit flammable storage under certain state or municipal structures in New Orleans, and HB 444 adding two members to the East Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission board with a technical amendment correcting the Senate district member.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think just making it to where treatment facilities, hospitals, and health facilities that are treating
• Now, on page one, the definition of health care facility is for urgent care centers or a facility that
• For now, we do have three facilities that are all within 10 miles from each other.
• For now, we do have three facilities that are all within 10 miles from each other.
• They may be able to relatively quickly get to another facility where they can get access to this.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This chart includes both general revenue and trust funds.
• Therefore, they make up a smaller portion of the general revenue recommendation.
• This chart includes both general revenue and trust funds.
• Moving on in number next tab six, the presentation for general government.
• No general revenue is needed to fund this ask.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have plenty of facilities. And I have nothing good to say.
• On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and issued the General Order Number
• It's the ceremonial site for our annual reading of General Order Number 3.
• Brought joy, unity, and economic vitality to Gulf Coast for for generations.
• Assign the General Land Office to coordinate planning and development of the trail.

Bills: HCR6

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: Meals on Wheels, senior services, nutrition, community support, volunteerism

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> wanted to start with kind of a general wanted to start with kind of a general remark<00:06:08.280
• </c><00:17:25.280><c> funds</c> million but in 2025 the general funds million but in 2025 the general
• That also freed up general funds.
• That also freed up general funds.
• That also freed up general funds.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met to review Division One of a very large budget package, with the chair explaining that the budget was being analyzed in three divisions over multiple days. Members first discussed procedure, including when amendments and line-item votes would be taken, and agreed to proceed with the division’s presentation before questions. Representative Maguire then outlined the division’s approach as a series of tradeoffs to close a large budget gap, emphasizing cuts, some revenue changes, and a focus on overall spending levels as well as individual reductions. The presentation covered a wide range of agencies and policy areas. Major proposed changes included cuts or eliminations to several boards and commissions viewed as costly or duplicative, such as the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Tax and Land Appeals, Human Rights Commission, Commission on Aging, Office of the Child Advocate, and the Personnel Appeals Board, with some functions consolidated into other boards. The division also proposed back-of-the-budget cuts to the Information Technology Department, Judicial Branch, Justice Department, Retirement System, Corrections, and Environmental Services, along with fee increases in several areas. Other notable items included ending marketing for Paid Family Leave, reducing job advertising and tourism promotion, defunding the Arts Council, moving liquor enforcement functions out of the Liquor Commission, and shifting some funds such as the College Savings Commission money to Division Two. Several members questioned specific cuts, especially the elimination of the Council on Aging, the reduction in regional planning commission grants, and the large cut to tourism advertising. Maguire defended the choices as necessary budget tradeoffs, arguing that some programs duplicated work done elsewhere, that regional planning grants were not among the most essential items, and that tourism promotion was a form of spending he viewed skeptically. He also explained that the public defender’s budget was partially restored after a credible claim of a governor’s budget error, and that the committee would continue refining corrections-related cuts because the House was only halfway through the budget process and further changes could still occur in the Senate and conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• imagery to the child generated imagery to the child pornography pornography pornography laws.<00:16:
• Make changes to the Minnesota Correctional Facility, Oak Park Heights mental health program, and then
• It establishes the Civil Commitment Coordinating Division within the Office of the Attorney General and
• </c><00:33:02.559><c> or</c> working uh in a correctional facility or working uh in a correctional facility
• On those people where hearings and release has a role in the internal discipline at the prison facilities

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the impact fee is not a rule of general applicability.
• And as you say, those facilities bring back lots of nostalgia for generations worth of residents.
• Are general obligation bonds, or what is usually the asset that is associated with a general obligation
• Are general obligation bonds, or what is usually the asset that is associated with a general obligation
• Generally, is it going to be the common areas?

Committee: Senate Government Affairs

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We must be the new generation of witnesses for those that can no longer speak for themselves.
• Senate Bill 1162, a bill to be entitled an act relating to water access facilities.
• House Bill 735, a bill to be entitled an act relating to water access facilities.
• Access facilities. Are there amendments? Not on the desk, Mr. President. Any questions?
• The general public does not usually understand that level of nuance.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer by Rabbi Moshe Umatz, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions and recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar after a motion to reconsider SB 1080, which was temporarily postponed. Several bills were also set aside during the day, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, and school social workers. The Senate passed a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills. These included funding for expedited DNA testing grants for local law enforcement (SB 1072/HB 847), additional aggravating factors in capital cases involving religious, school, or government gatherings (SB 984/HB 693), fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients (SB 924/HB 677), commuter rail indemnification for Miami-Dade and Broward counties (SB 916/HB 867), restrictions on disposing of migrant vessels in Florida waters (SB 830), specialty license plates including Miami Northwestern and several colleges and institutions (SB 824), an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign (SB 398), relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University (SB 364), charter school changes allowing parent conversion and municipal job-engine charter schools (SB 140), sex offender registration reporting changes (SB 1654/HB 1351), penalties for assaulting utility workers (SB 1386), juvenile justice revisions and truancy process updates (SB 1344), reporting of student mental health outcomes (SB 1310/HB 969), foster home license transfer simplification (SB 1174/HB 989), water access facility funding and boating industry incentives (SB 1162/HB 735), Florida Virtual School operational changes (SB 1122), school readiness program support for children with disabilities (SB 1102), sexual image offenses involving minors (SB 1180/HB 757), age-related defenses in child sex offense cases (SB 1136/HB 777), tampering with electronic monitoring devices (SB 1054/HB 437), certified recovery residences and local zoning accommodations (SB 954), and the FSU Election Law Center (SB 892). Most of these bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 984 and SB 140 drew some opposition. One of the most extensive debates centered on SB 820, codifying the Office of Faith and Community. Senator Polsky offered an amendment to bar political activity by office staff, citing emails and campaign-related communications tied to Amendment 4; the amendment failed on a 13-23 vote. Senators then debated the bill’s relationship to state election law, free speech, and the role of faith-based outreach. Supporters emphasized the office’s service network and reported benefits to children and families, while some senators raised concerns about interfaith representation and political use of government resources. The bill was then read a third time and the Senate proceeded toward a final vote as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Normally, these are six-month CDs to generate return, but they roll off to provide liquidity for the
• In total, BND generates around a 4% return, not including...
• And I have a specific question about the slide, but then a general question.
• With prices being $30 more, we generate about a million barrels per day.
• So again, North Dakota prices are generally maybe $10 less than Brent.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the previous minutes, and then received an update from Senator Jonathan Sickler on the Cash Management Board’s work under House Bill 1278. He said the board has been reviewing statewide cash, liquidity, and investment practices, finding that the state generally manages money well but could improve forecasting, automation, and coordination across agencies. He highlighted that the state has about $35 billion in liquid assets and investments, with most in longer-term investments, and described a change already underway replacing more than 500 six-month CDs with a special-rate savings account to reduce administrative work. Members also discussed the impact of House Bill 1176 on Legacy Fund earnings and the possibility of future legislation to avoid losing investment returns when large transfers are made all at once. The board also noted that some agencies still hold funds outside the Bank of North Dakota system, and that this is being reviewed. Representative Nathan Toman then updated the Task Force on Government Efficiency, saying the group has focused on how to measure whether programs are actually working. He said the task force has not yet proposed legislation, but the administration has agreed that new and expanding programs should answer five questions, including who is affected, what outcome is expected, whether there is another way to do it, and how success will be measured. Members discussed the need for dashboards, program evaluators, better data collection, and possible use of artificial intelligence to identify duplicate or outdated programs. Toman said the task force will continue reviewing agency workflows, with upcoming presentations from courts, the university system, the auditor, and other agencies, and that future legislation or rule changes may be needed to require performance metrics. Phil Davis of Job Service North Dakota presented labor market and program updates. He reported that North Dakota’s unemployment rate is 2.5%, labor force participation is about 68.7%, and the state continues to rank near the top nationally. He reviewed job openings, in-demand occupations, and several workforce programs, including H-2A agricultural worker inspections, the Job Placement Partnership Program with DOCR, and virtual and in-person job fairs. Davis said the DOCR partnership has shown strong results, with lower recidivism and higher earnings for participants, and he emphasized that Job Service tracks outcomes and reports them to federal and state partners. Members asked about child care subsidies, workforce participation, agency coordination, and whether more staff are needed for H-2A inspections. Finally, Allen Knutson presented the updated S&P Global revenue forecast. He said oil prices have risen sharply since the last update, making the revenue outlook more favorable but still volatile. S&P’s baseline forecast showed the current biennium’s four major tax collections about $89 million above the legislative forecast, and a much larger increase for the next biennium, though he cautioned that federal tax changes and oil market uncertainty could alter the numbers. In an alternate scenario using higher near-term oil prices, he estimated about $242 million more in oil and gas tax collections and roughly $120 million more for the Strategic Investment Fund. Members asked whether another forecast should be requested once oil markets stabilize and about changes in tribal oil production assumptions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I think some of the facilities are outside the state, so I don't think it's a good idea to put
• The available defenses and immunities are generally the same, regardless of whether the depiction at
• The available defenses and immunities are generally the same, regardless of whether the depiction at
• The Attorney General agrees with the preamble to this bill.
• The Attorney General urges you to pass it forward. I'm happy to answer any questions.

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• revenue to the Department of Health Facilities in the following manner: $1 million to a new capital
• Questions of Council. to the Department of Health facilities in the following manner. $1 million to a
• to the unappropriated balance of general revenue.
• Senate Originating Bill 5 is a supplemental appropriation that appropriates $4,000,000 from the general
• We're adjourned. surplus appropriation within the agent general state military budget item.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 994, senate, all