Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :
Page 490 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- As you know, for any fund, the challenging part is funding things. Or another vehicle.
- Exactly, as you know, for any fund, the challenging part is funding things.
- Previously, Citizens Library had a single part-time employee.
- Milton is more rural; it's more constrained, and that happened as part of the process.
- These people became part of the Citizens Library community for many more years to come.
Summary:
The committee opened its hearing with procedural remarks, including a strict three-minute testimony limit, livestream instructions, and a July 1 deadline for written testimony. Chairs Lewis and Rauch then heard testimony on a wide range of municipal home rule petitions and related bills, with many local officials and advocates being taken out of order because of the large turnout.
A major topic was firefighter residency. Representatives of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and Sen. Keenan supported H. 2260/S. 1449, which would replace the current 15-mile residency rule for non-civil-service fire departments with a negotiable standard, generally allowing residency within 15 miles and permitting expansion through collective bargaining. Supporters said the change would improve recruitment and retention amid the housing crisis and create parity with civil-service departments. Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnhum and Sen. Senna also backed H. 4168 for Acton, making similar arguments about recruitment, paramedics, and the need for local flexibility.
The committee also heard strong support for charter overhaul petitions for Somerville and Lynn. Somerville officials, including Rep. Barber, Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Jake Wilson, and charter committee member Beverly Schwartz, described a years-long public process to replace an 1890s-era charter with a modern document emphasizing transparency, public participation, clearer governance, and a possible change to the mayor’s term length. Lynn Mayor Nicholson similarly supported a charter update to modernize city operations and financial procedures. Cambridge-related charter and procurement reforms were also briefly endorsed by Rep. Cabral.
Other bills discussed included a proposal by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Scarsdale to create a state grant program for municipal sustainability directors, and regional school finance bills supported by Rep. Lanatra and Jason Frazier to expand special education reserve funds and create a regional school assessment reserve fund. Acton witnesses also supported library governance changes and a checkout bag charge proposal. The committee heard sharply divided testimony on Quincy’s H. 3897, a 50-year lease extension for Quarry Hills/Granite Links: Quincy officials and business supporters praised the public-private partnership and future investment potential, while residents argued the lease was too long, should be competitively bid, and deserved more oversight and auditing. The hearing also included testimony on Boston trash truck noise restrictions and a PEG access/cable funds bill supported by Mass Access, as well as a Southwick petition to elect part of the Conservation Commission, which one select board member opposed as contrary to current law and good governance.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're part of a panel, you may get mixed in, but ultimately we want to get everybody that's here
- Insurers are already doing our part. We're working with the Division.
- But once it's in the ground, there are no moving parts; it's very low-tech.
- "The reason that I'm here today is in part due to an email I received not too long ago during my time
- You know, they know they're in the business, which is the contracting part of it.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing with about 43 witnesses and a 1:00 p.m. hard stop, and the chair repeatedly asked speakers to keep testimony to three minutes. Much of the hearing focused on S. 747/H. 1336, which would extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Supporters included legislators, union leaders, graduate workers from MIT, Harvard, BU, WPI, UMass Lowell, and others, and legal advocates. They argued graduate workers perform full-time teaching and research work, pay taxes, and should not be excluded from basic safety-net benefits; several witnesses described personal hardships involving childbirth, serious illness, mental health crises, funding cuts, or fear of losing income. Testifiers also said the change would be revenue-neutral or revenue-generating and would not create major administrative burdens for universities, which already provide similar benefits to other employees.
The committee also heard testimony on insurance-related bills. Christopher Stock of the Massachusetts Insurance Federation supported H. 1113 on public adjusters and H. 1345/S. 753 on flood-zone notifications for homebuyers, but opposed H. 4112, which would add a $2 surcharge on home insurance policies to fund fire cistern programs. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council strongly supported H. 1345, saying flood disclosure is needed because Massachusetts lacks statewide flood-notification requirements and flooding risks are increasing. Karen Alvarado supported H. 4352 on travel insurance, and John Fielding supported H. 1186 on pet insurance; both said the bills would create uniform regulatory frameworks and consumer protections. Rep. LeBoeuf testified for H. 4061 on workers’ compensation premium fraud, describing the bill as a transparency measure to combat fraud in construction by creating a public certificate-of-insurance database and QR-code verification system. Joe Bright of the carpenters’ union also supported H. 4061, citing fraud, misclassification, and the harm to injured workers.
The hearing also included testimony on H. 4112, a bill to create a statewide fire suppression water resource fund and cistern program. Rep. Hogan and a Stowe fire chief described drought, brush fires, and the need for dedicated cisterns in communities without municipal water systems, saying the tanks provide reliable water for firefighting and are relatively low-tech once installed. Committee members asked questions about tank capacity, siting, maintenance, and funding. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 54 May 7th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill will add that part that teachers have the recourse to call the State Department.
- This bill will add that part that teachers have the recourse to call the State Department.
- And so part of that recalculation then is a new rate, which is a modification of FMAP.
- When we're dealing with federal dollars such as this, there are a lot of moving parts.
- So that is the main part of this bill, to get that cleaned up. That is the big part of it.
Bills:
SB1090 , SJR49 , SB633 , HR1059 , SB650 , SB2063 , SB122 , SB1614 , SB1884 , SJR52 , SJR53 , HJR1101 , SJR50 , HB3021 , HR1058 , SB514 , SB382 , HB3320 , SB740 , SB833 , SB2143 , SB1209 , SB244
Keywords:
SB1090, Oklahoma Homeowner Repair Contract Protection Act, home repair, home solicitation contract, cooling-off period, right to cancel, consumer protection, contract rescission, certified mail cancellation, home solicitation sales, contractor regulation, home improvement scams, public finance, State Treasurer, Invest In Oklahoma, OCAST, venture capital, private equity, growth funds, direct investment
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including the Nurse of the Day and a guest pastor, on the National Day of Prayer. Members also made announcements about prayer activities in the Capitol and welcomed former Speaker Charles McCall to the gallery. The chamber then moved through a long floor calendar of Senate bills, joint resolutions, and a conference committee report, with several measures amended on the floor before final passage.
Among the bills passed were SB 1090, a consumer protection measure aimed at giving homeowners time to cancel contracts with predatory door-knocking roofers and contractors; SJR 49, repealing a Wildlife Conservation Commission rule on surety for oil and gas leases; SB 633, a juvenile code measure described as protecting children from fentanyl poisoning; SB 650, a public utilities bill tied to transparency and accountability for state employee salary increases; SB 263, amended to include a “lemonade stand” provision; SB 122, a transportation-related bill on proof of insurance; and SB 1614, creating a teacher induction program, which also received emergency passage. SJR 52 and HJR 1101, both dealing with agency rules, also passed, as did SJR 53 on Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority rules.
The most debated item was SB 1884, which would strengthen equal access for school employees to teacher professional organizations and related membership/dues procedures. Supporters argued it would clarify existing law, ensure fair access, and give teachers more choice and legal support; opponents said the problem was compliance with current law, not a need for new statute, and warned against duplicating existing protections. After extended debate, the bill failed 47-44. Members then took up SJR 50, a major Medicaid expansion-related resolution revising earlier trigger language; supporters said it preserved expansion unless federal funding changed and gave lawmakers flexibility, while opponents argued the state had not done enough fiscal analysis before proposing changes. SJR 50 passed 69-18. Finally, the House adopted a conference committee report on HB 3021, consolidating graduation requirements into the ICAP framework and clarifying related school rules, and the bill passed with emergency status.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 4th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, everyone, for being a part of today's events.
- She quickly became an integral part of our team. She hit the ground running.
- Speaker permission to read as a part of my close. Without objection. Thank you.
- and this body have their part too.
- So I enjoy that part, and I love bringing that part to you guys.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Six - Thursday, April 2
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That part of the statute has no mention of adult learning, nor any of the program qualifications that
- And I really felt for her that she was not able to take part and not be included. Mr.
- The underlying part of this bill is making sure that food is medicine. I really support this.
- As he mentioned, this was part of an omnibus bill that was signed by the governor.
- As he mentioned, this was part of an omnibus bill that was signed by the governor.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 124-1 vote, and numerous introductions of student groups, health professionals, and other guests. Committee reports were then read, including several bills recommended “do pass.” The chamber also heard a personal privilege speech from a St. Louis County member responding to a North St. Louis County school track meet shooting, calling for stronger action on gun access and firearm safety.
The main floor work focused heavily on appropriations and capital projects. House Bills 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 were debated and passed, covering reappropriations, maintenance and repair projects, new capital improvements, and remaining ARPA pandemic funds. HB 2017 passed 137-9, HB 2018 passed 127-21, HB 2019 passed 98-48, and HB 2020 passed 127-24. Members emphasized that the bills largely used previously appropriated or federal funds, while some Democrats raised concerns about general revenue spending and one-time infrastructure projects.
The House also adopted and finally passed Senate-amended HB 2641 on hemp/cannabis-related regulation, with changes on privacy, worker organization, effective date, and age restrictions; it passed 125-21 on adoption and 126-23 on final passage. HB 2423, dealing with Department of Finance staffing and capacity, passed unanimously after Senate adoption. Other measures passed included HB 1919 on electronic filing parity with IRS rules, HB 1768/2060 on short-term rental property tax classification, HB 1855 adding Alpha-Gal Syndrome to reportable conditions, HB 2355 creating a Food is Medicine pilot option, HB 1717/1643 on psilocybin therapy for veterans and first responders, HB 2372, a broad health care package, HB 2408 on the deaf-blind fund, HB 3000 on auditor/siganture-related procedures, HB 2898 restoring land bank tools, and HB 1740, “Melanie’s Law,” strengthening DWI penalties and ignition interlock requirements.
Not all bills advanced: HB 3239, which would have expanded and funded the workforce diploma program through MoCAP, failed 55-95 after criticism that it shifted K-12 formula money and stripped vendor standards. HB 2760, the “Praise Act” on treatment of houses of worship during emergencies, drew extended debate on religious liberty, public health, and consistency in emergency orders; the transcript cuts off before the final vote is shown. Throughout the day, members frequently cited bipartisan support for health, public safety, and administrative bills, while several measures drew sharper partisan or policy disagreements over funding, regulation, and local control.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The dentists don't really want them to be part of them.
- That's where part of the problem is. This aggravates that problem.
- The other part of the enhancement budget...
- It's being challenged in the courts in part. Part of it is in force, part not.
- It's being challenged in the courts in part. Part of it is in force, part not.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- areas in DHS that need to be looked at and we got to have somebody who's been free from this, not a part
- areas in DHS that need to be looked at and we got to have somebody who's been free from this, not a part
- areas in DHS that need to be looked at and we got to have somebody who's been free from this, not a part
- </c> this, not a part of it, in my opinion. this, not a part of it, in my opinion.
- of the state have the opportunity parts of the state have the opportunity opportunity<00:33:43.560><
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But I feel that ultimately when we look at this, part of it that we have to focus is on is job.
- When we look at this, part of what we have to focus on is jobs.
- That means that these models are no longer available and parts are limited.
- Might have been part of California Jobs First. The Orange County Business Council...
- Might have been part of California Jobs First. Was with the Orange County Business Council?
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- And as I might mention, part of also, in regards to this biometric data, That is, I consider a Fourth
- There was no reckless driving on your part.
- But the way the law is written today... ...driving on your part.
- But my part of it was just trying to bring that together and just putting some teeth behind those who
- He did discussions on my part. And he knows my concerns about this bill.
Committee:
House Transportation & Infrastructure
Keywords:
special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 10th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Santa Rosa definitely is part of New Mexico. Senator Campos. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
- I know they'll be introduced, but they're really part, and a former student, I should say, because I
- I know they'll be introduced, but they're really part, and a former student, I should say, I want to
- introduce, but they're really part, and a former student, I should say, and they're really part of a
- So many wonderful, diverse parts of the portfolio of the people in front of you and the work that they
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Santa Rosa definitely is part of New Mexico. Senator Campos. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
- Santa Rosa definitely is part of New Mexico. Senator Campos. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
- really part of a really dynamic organization.
- And they're really a part of a really dynamic organization in the county level.
- So part of the reason is the ongoing, growing demand.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of announcements recognizing visiting groups and guests, including Pecos High School’s boys cross-country champions, School-Based Health Care Day, Route 66 Centennial activities, New Mexico Highlands University, an honorary lieutenant governor and shadow senator, and Bernalillo County officials. The chamber also received House messages on several bills and a gubernatorial message authorizing consideration of Senate Bill 130, which would change insurance and pharmacy rules related to cholesterol treatment and screening.
Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including Senate Bill 183, Senate Bills 211 and 222, Senate Bill 254, Senate Bill 235 as a committee substitute, Senate Bill 40 as a Judiciary Committee substitute, and Senate Bill 104. The Senate then moved to third reading and took up Senate Bill 30, which repeals the state’s abortion reporting requirement. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued the reporting law is outdated, unnecessary, and creates privacy and safety risks for providers, while opponents said the data is needed for transparency, public health oversight, and accountability, and objected to the loss of reporting on a sensitive issue. After a roll call vote, Senate Bill 30 passed 24-15.
The Senate next passed Senate Bill 43 unanimously, updating parole board procedures, including evidence-based practices, reimbursement for closed hearings, and scheduling protections for homicide victims’ families. It also passed Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 35 unanimously, creating judgeships in the First and Second Judicial Districts. Debate then began on Senate Bill 193, which would increase transfers from the Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the acequia community ditch infrastructure fund from $2.5 million to $5 million; the sponsor explained the increase as necessary to meet growing statewide acequia needs, while senators raised concerns about existing fund balances and whether the higher transfer was justified.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 5 February, 2026; 8:30 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Those two items were not part of that $50,000.
- Those two items were not part of that $50,000.
- Those two items were not part of that $50,000.
- of that for me kind of handled that part of that for me there.<00:17:47.760><c> Um,</c><00:17:48.720
- >> Uh, we're looking to improve, and that's part of the database upgrades we'll be doing to make the
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 210; 29 January, 2026: 8:00 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- When we look at the ARPA dollars as well, um, we have 11 community mental health centers that are part
- county</c><00:01:59.119><c> government</c><00:01:59.840><c> that</c><00:02:00.159><c> provide</c> part
- So that part of the planning list.
- They're part of local county government, but the state provides grant funds to them.
- Um, we talked about that; that's part of the ARPA funding for continuation.
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So another part of your job is to uphold the Constitution.
- Those were added as part of the executive order. Has that ever happened before? Mr.
- They are part of that promise. It's earned through sacrifice.
- We have many responsibilities, but one of the hardest parts of our... ...in need.
- They are part of the police family and we will always be here for them.
Bills:
SB1042 , SB1043 , SB1044 , SB1135 , SB1136 , SB1142 , SB1180 , SB1221 , SB1252 , SB1254 , SCR1003
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
public funds, virtual currency, bitcoin, investment, Arizona Strategic Digital Asset Reserve Act, state treasurer, retirement system, state payments, cryptocurrency, Arizona law, payment methods, government transactions, property tax, tax exemption, Arizona Revised Statutes, digital currency, workers' compensation, death benefits, burial costs, spousal compensation
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the things that I'll mention here is that part of the housing trust fund act requires that we
- The interesting part about that is that it's done as a revolving line of credit.
- The last part is, do you have any information?
- Right now, we have Part B, Independent Living Services, which does not have an age limit.
- Part of that is our partnership with the school. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill to expand MN renter's credit heard in House tax committee 3/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and then, um, the fact that we changed the renters' credit to be part of your income tax has been
- Um, and then, um, the fact that we changed the renters' credit to be part of your income tax has been
- credit to to be part of your income<00:20:16.720><c> tax</c><00:20:16.960><c> has</c><00:20:17.120><
- Representative Anderson, just quickly um the well that part of the tax bill was a good part of the tax
- Representative Anderson, just quickly um the well that part of the tax bill was a good part of the tax
Summary:
The committee heard House File 2499, authored by Representative Lee, which would expand Minnesota’s renters’ credit to more closely match the homestead credit for homeowners. Lee explained that the bill would raise the income cutoff from about $75,389 to $143,140 and increase the maximum credit to $3,500, with the goal of addressing what she described as an inequity between renters and homeowners who both pay property taxes. She cited revenue estimates showing the change could make about 80,000 additional renters eligible, while acknowledging the bill would be costly to enact this year.
Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project testified in support, describing how the renters’ credit works, including the assumption that 17% of rent goes toward property taxes. She highlighted 2022 data showing most recipients had low incomes, many were seniors or people with disabilities, and participation was higher in greater Minnesota in some respects. Michael Dah of Homeline also supported the bill, saying renters face rising housing costs and use the credit for basic needs such as groceries, school supplies, medical care, and car repairs.
Members discussed whether expanding the credit would simply benefit landlords or encourage rent increases. Representative Anderson opposed the bill on the grounds that policy should incentivize homeownership, while Representative Huitt argued the credit could help renters build savings and move toward homeownership if they choose. Representative Lee responded that the housing market is broken and that the credit is one tool to help renters in a broader housing continuum. The discussion also covered outreach and administration of the credit, including the recent move to file it with income taxes, electronic certificates of rent paid, and funding for tax-preparation assistance and outreach through VITA sites and community organizations. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- So a broader connection to the 250th, but nevertheless, happy to be a part of the Massachusetts Civic
- This year, as part of our special 250th anniversary programming, one of several things we're doing will
- That's a terrific part of the commemoration.
- Inside, we'll do our indoor commemoration, recognizing each of the towns in that area that took part
- So the last part of our presentation is more, less of a presentation and I hope more of a conversation
Summary:
The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, so no votes were taken and any items requiring action were deferred to a future meeting. Representative Sean Garballey welcomed new commission member Mona Roy and thanked outgoing members Susie Berry and Abigail Chandler, noting that the governor’s office would be contacted about open appointments to help restore quorum. The commission then heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition, which outlined civics and history education programs tied to Mass 250 and America 250, including Civic Learning Week, teacher professional development, student civic projects, online courses, and curriculum resources from partners such as iCivics, Harvard’s Democratic Knowledge Project, GBH, Facing History and Ourselves, EDC, Revolutionary Spaces, and others.
The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism reported on the state’s 250th anniversary campaign, including a November event at the Old South Meeting House with the governor, lieutenant governor, and Boston Symphony Orchestra, strong media coverage, over $6 million in sponsorships, new TV spots tied to Ken Burns’ American Revolution documentary, and a new Massachusetts First webpage and merchandise. Revolutionary 250 gave an update on upcoming Henry Knox Trail commemorations, including events beginning in January at the state line and continuing in Great Barrington, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights, with related planning for the St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day parade and other Revolutionary-era observances.
The commission also discussed possible future initiatives for member working groups: contributing to an America 250 time capsule, organizing community-level “America’s potluck dinner” events on July 5, and coordinating readings of the Declaration of Independence on July 8. Members asked clarifying questions about how the potluck and time capsule efforts would work, and staff said an email would be sent after the meeting to gather interest and form small planning groups. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous approval.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services May 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I am very proud that we held the line in at least our part in not absorbing some of those really horrendous
- there's still negotiations that need to occur, at least the State Senate can say that they did their part
- We look forward to those continued conversations as part of the budget process. Thank you.
- We look forward to those continued conversations as part of the budget process.
- We did our part. Thank you so much for joining us. That's it, y'all. We did our part.
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Human Services held its final hearing on the budget, with the chair framing the Senate’s plan as a counterproposal that rejected major cuts and preserved revenues. Public comment was overwhelmingly supportive of the subcommittee’s actions, especially on Medi-Cal, IHSS, PACE, behavioral health, child care, CalFresh outreach, immigrant legal services, and long-term care. Testimony from disability, aging, county, health plan, provider, labor, and advocacy groups urged the committee to keep rejecting asset tests, immigrant coverage reductions, IHSS cost shifts, PACE rate cuts, and behavioral health reductions, while supporting mobile crisis, 988, Title IV-E workforce funding, and the “Be Home Soon California” proposal to expand home- and community-based care.
Several speakers also pressed for additional or related funding and policy changes, including county alternatives for people losing Medi-Cal under federal HR1-related changes, more support for public hospitals and indigent care, CalFresh and Cal Food investments, child care slots and COLAs, dental rate cut delays, and expanded immigration legal and food assistance. Others thanked the committee for restoring or preserving funding for behavioral health innovation and advocacy grants, public health IT and disease investigation, diaper banks, hearing aids for children, and distressed hospital loans. The committee also heard concerns about fee-for-service shifts, outpatient dialysis coverage, and other implementation details, with some groups asking for trailer bill language or guardrails.
After public comment, the subcommittee took three votes on large blocks of budget items. The first block of consent items passed 3-0, the second block passed 2-1, and the final block passed 2-0, with the chair announcing that the items were approved and out of committee. The hearing then adjourned.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a real quick question: on the corporeal movable part, tell me when this applies.
- So that's part of the reason why digital assets are there. But we won't know for the future.
- So that's part of the reason why digital assets are there. But we won't know for the future.
- You're going to have some things that are just going to be different parts of that.
- So we're not going to—I don't want to go forward with the statutory part right now.
Committee:
House Civil Law and Procedure
Summary:
The Civil Law Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered House Bill 165 by Representative Abear, a constitutional amendment to dedicate $500,000 annually from lottery proceeds to a veterans service grant fund. The committee adopted a technical amendment removing “up to,” approved the 6.8A report, and reported the bill with amendments without objection.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 185 by Senator Presley, which would make nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements involving child sexual abuse victims against public policy and unenforceable. Senator Presley and Elizabeth Phillips testified in support, describing the bill as part of the “Trey’s Law” movement to prevent survivors from being silenced. Additional supportive testimony came from Gillian Edwards Coburn, and committee members discussed how NDAs work in civil cases and the need to protect children’s ability to speak. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, a Law Institute measure on the effects of leases of movable property. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to protect good-faith lessees of items such as heavy equipment when a merchant leasing the property lacks authority to do so. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard Senate Bill 140 by Senator Miller, which clarifies that multiple successions may be handled in the same proceeding when jurisdiction is proper. Members discussed the cost and efficiency benefits for families, and the bill was reported favorably without objection.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 603 by Representative Wright, a constitutional amendment authorizing state investment in digital assets and precious metals. Members questioned whether the language could include Bitcoin and how such investments would be monitored, with the sponsor saying implementation would be handled later by statute and public officials. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and then voted 5-3 to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a real quick question: on the corporeal movable part, tell me when this applies.
- So that's part of the reason why digital assets are there. But we won't know for the future.
- So that's part of the reason why digital assets are there. But we won't know for the future.
- You're going to have some things that are just going to be different parts of that.
- So we're not going to—I don't want to go forward with the statutory part right now.
Committee:
House Civil Law and Procedure
Keywords:
HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans