Video & Transcript : 'Securities Commission' :
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/24/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><02:04:46.480><c> there</c> the commission membership is there the commission membership is there
- </c> commission would look at. commission would look at. >> Thank<02:10:40.639><c> you.
- 15:38.239><c> but</c> because it's study commission but because it's study commission but because<02:
- “...with a commission, right?
- with with in a commission, right?
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Is it not true that you are held accountable by the exit commission?
- </c> accountable by the exit commission? accountable by the exit commission?
- software that we're tired to security software that we're tired to utilize,<03:25:27.920><c> and</c>
- ><03:25:32.640><c> the</c><03:25:32.800><c> one</c><03:25:32.960><c> that</c> process in order to secure
- the one that process in order to secure the one that if<03:25:33.520><c> he</c><03:25:33.760><c> even
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill proposes changes to the duties of the Medical Examiners Commission and the appointments of
- the authority to appoint district medical examiners from the governor to the Medical Examiners Commission
- the authority to appoint district medical examiners from the governor to the Medical Examiners Commission
- Commission staff will attempt notification via certified mail and, if possible, email.
- Commission staff will attempt notification via certified mail and, if possible, email.
Keywords:
injunctions, protection orders, domestic violence, serious violence, court procedures, enforcement, risk protection, statewide communication system, public records, violence protection, confidentiality, defamation, code inspector, code enforcement, body camera, body-worn camera, police body cam, municipal code enforcement, local government, video recording
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and considered several bills, most of them related to public safety, criminal justice, and privacy. The committee first heard SB 504, which authorizes local governments to allow code enforcement officers to use body cameras under standardized policies, and SB 506, its companion public-records exemption bill protecting certain body-camera recordings from disclosure. Members raised questions about notice to property owners and when cameras may be used; both bills were supported by local government and code enforcement groups and were reported favorably after roll-call votes.
The committee then approved CS for SB 32, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and SB 210, which extends public-records protections to petitions for that injunction. Senator Sharif described the bills as filling a gap for victims who do not qualify under existing injunction categories; supporters included prosecutors, law enforcement, and advocacy groups. The committee also favorably reported SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for involving minors in certain animal cruelty offenses, and SB 432, which adds 7OH to Schedule I, exempts approved veterinary xylazine products, and increases penalties for trafficking and candy-like xylazine products. Senator Osgood spoke in support of SB 432, emphasizing the dangers of adulterated street drugs for people with substance use disorder.
Finally, the committee approved SB 524, which revises duties and appointments related to the Medical Examiners Commission and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, including shifting district medical examiner appointments to the commission and clarifying notification procedures for administrative complaints. All bills received favorable votes, with support statements or waivers from various state, local, and advocacy organizations. The committee then completed its business and adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tourism Mar 11th, 2026
Special Committee on Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- The Missouri Tourism Commission is the group of The Missouri Tourism Commission is the group of advocates
- appointees from the governor and our commission liaison, J.
- Yes, there is a statewide commission that we provide some administrative support to.
- Yes, there is a statewide commission that we provide some administrative support to.
- The 66th Commission is all over things like that. They're always trying to find things like it.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tourism
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- the clerk will read: A report as directed by Senate Resolution 94 from the Joint State Government Commission
- An annual report dated March 2025 to January 26 from the Pennsylvania Island Trade Commission of the
- An annual report from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing regarding its 2024 calendar year annual
- An annual report dated March 2025 to January 26 from the Pennsylvania Island Trade Commission of the
- An annual report from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing regarding its 2024 calendar year annual
Summary:
The House convened at noon with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then proceeded to routine legislative business. The Transportation Committee reported House Bill 2227 and Senate Bill 1377, and the Judiciary Committee reported House Bill 1434, House Bill 2273, Senate Bill 45, Senate Bill 111, Senate Bill 1235, and Senate Bill 1259, with several bills reported as amended. The House also received multiple bill referrals, including Senate Bill 482 to Aging and Older Adult Services; House Bills 2672 and 2674 to other committees; several Senate bills to Judiciary; and House Resolution 581 to Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness.
The chamber received a series of reports, including a Joint State Government Commission report on recruitment and retention challenges for police, corrections, and prosecutors, along with annual reports from the Pennsylvania Island Trade Commission, the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, the General Building Contractors Association, the Affordable Housing Center of Pennsylvania, the Judicial Conduct Board, and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. The House also received notice that the Senate had passed House Bill 1667 with amendment and requested concurrence.
On motions from the Majority Leader, House Bill 2460 was recommitted to the Committee on Appropriations, and House Bills 2146, Senate Bills 971, 972, and 1259, along with House Resolutions 165 and 462, were removed from the tabled calendar and placed on the active calendar. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until Saturday, June 27, 2026, at noon, unless sooner recalled by the Speaker.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- That same act authorized planning and zoning commissions in counties or municipalities having planning
- </c> a local planning unit or commission. a local planning unit or commission.
- and it did not follow zoning commission and it did not follow the<00:11:00.000><c> procedures</c><00
- Importantly, the statute refers broadly to a local government and not solely to a planning commission
- If the General Assembly had intended to limit primacy only to planning commissions, you all certainly
Committee:
Joint Local Government
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So the Tax Commission can handle it at the partnership level. They handle any audits.
- This makes it more efficient for both the taxpayer and the Tax Commission.
- And I do believe it'll save some process for our side, the Tax Commission.
- And I do believe it'll save some process for our side, the Tax Commission.
- I believe it'll save some process for our side, the Tax Commission, and also the partners.
Summary:
The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills. House Bill 749, dealing with forced annexation and septic-system replacement in unique annexation situations, was presented as a property-rights compromise that would let a city pay for a new system or allow the homeowner to install one at their own expense. The committee moved HB 749 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the motion carried. House Bill 661, which would allow small waste haulers to compete in counties with franchise agreements, also received a due pass recommendation and passed the committee. House Bill 715, which would require city council involvement in hiring or firing directors of city-owned libraries, drew strong opposition from library professionals and associations who warned it would politicize libraries and create conflicting lines of authority; supporters argued it would add accountability for taxpayer-funded positions. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to send HB 715 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1354, a major accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bill that would prevent cities over 5,000 population from banning ADUs, require by-right allowances for internal and detached ADUs, limit local restrictions on size, setbacks, parking, fees, and owner-occupancy rules, and extend HOA restrictions to ADUs unless owners consent in writing. Supporters, including AARP Idaho and the Idaho Home Builders Association, said it would expand housing options, help aging Idahoans and family caregivers, and increase supply. Opponents, including the Association of Idaho Cities, APA Idaho, and community association representatives, argued it was too preemptive, would strain infrastructure and parking, and should preserve more local control. The committee voted to send SB 1354 to the 14th order for possible amendment after a failed motion to hold it in committee.
House Bill 733, a tax administration bill, would shift partnership audit handling to the partnership level rather than requiring amended returns from each individual partner, aligning Idaho with federal practice and other states. The sponsor and a CPA representative said it was a process change only, intended to reduce administrative burden and improve efficiency for both taxpayers and the Tax Commission. The committee sent HB 733 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved the minutes from February 26 and March 5 and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And with me is Tim Johnson, the president of the California Rice Commission.
- So with me to testify today is Tim Johnson, President of the Rice Commission. Welcome.
- I am Tim Johnson, President and CEO of the California Rice Commission, and I'm here today on behalf of
- Commissions, as you know, are organizations established to work on behalf of the benefit of the state
- Johnson, my understanding is that he's going to be retiring as president of the Rice Commission, that
Summary:
The California Senate Committee on Agriculture heard several bills focused on agricultural equity, seed regulation, rice conservation, and invasive species prevention. AB 52 by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry would codify two CDFA advisory committees created under the Farmer Equity Act—the California BIPAC producer advisory committee and the small-scale producer advisory committee—so socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers have a permanent formal voice in department policymaking. Supporters described the bill as a way to preserve equity-focused input, improve grant access and language access, and build trust with small producers. There was no opposition, and members spoke in support, though the bill was initially heard without a quorum.
AB 1848 by Assembly Member Ransom would raise the long-standing seed law fee paid by seed manufacturers to fund CDFA enforcement of seed labeling and contamination rules. The author and the California Seed Association said the increase is needed because the fee has not changed since 1973 and inflation has eroded its value; they framed the measure as consumer protection for both farmers and home gardeners. AB 1551 by Assembly Member Krell would expand the California Rice Commission’s mission to include implementation of the UC Davis rice footprint study, which identifies acreage and winter flooding levels needed to sustain habitat for wildlife such as waterfowl, shorebirds, salmon, and the giant garter snake. Support came from the Rice Commission and conservation groups, with members praising the bill’s working-lands conservation approach.
AB 2143 by Assembly Member Irwin would prohibit online marketplaces from facilitating the sale or shipment into California of noxious weeds. The author and agricultural supporters said e-commerce has become a major pathway for invasive species and that preventing online sales is cheaper and more effective than later eradication; TechNet said it had moved from full opposition to neutral after discussions. After quorum was established, the committee voted all measures out: AB 52, AB 1848, AB 1551, and AB 2143 each passed on 4-0 votes, while several other bills on the consent agenda also passed 3-0 or 4-0 and were placed on call as needed.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Apr 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , we really want to see about, through this work and the other subcommittee's work, how us as a commission
- we really want to see about through this work and the other subcommittee's work, see how us as a commission
- But that would be a commission decision, right? Overall commission vote as well.
- Just being newer here representing the Commission for the Blind, and Commission Oliver says hello.
- And again, that'll be the commission, maybe at the next commission meeting, Chair Garlick, there can
Summary:
The Workforce Support Subcommittee met to approve the prior minutes and then focused primarily on planning a future apprenticeship-related presentation or panel. Members discussed a draft outreach letter and follow-up with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, with the goal of involving state officials, employers, and possibly trade representatives. The group also discussed how apprenticeship efforts could connect to disability employment goals, including opportunities for people with disabilities and service providers to be included in the conversation.
A major topic was Governor Healey’s goal of expanding apprenticeships to 100,000 participants and concerns raised at a recent Chamber of Commerce event about barriers to entry, including education requirements and a $250 annual fee for employers. Several members noted that while large employers may absorb the fee, it could discourage small and mid-sized businesses, and they suggested a tiered fee structure or eliminating the fee altogether. Members also emphasized that apprenticeship conversations should include people with disabilities and avoid stereotypes about what jobs they can do.
The subcommittee discussed possible focus areas for the event, settling tentatively on child care and home health as practical starting points, with interest in adding behavioral health as a possible model. They also discussed whether to include a representative from higher education or a state apprenticeship liaison. No final decisions were made on speakers or format, but members agreed to continue outreach, propose dates, and likely hold the session on Zoom rather than in person or hybrid.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Mar 2nd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill authorizes the Corporation Commission but does not require them to establish an energy land
- This bill requires annual reporting, allows rulemaking by the Commission and the AG Department and the
- Corporation Commission.
- Now it just gives the Corporation Commission the option of implementing a fee from $1 to $25 dollars
- It just opens up the authority of the Corporation Commission that they could.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Wildlife
Keywords:
landowner, energy negotiation, agricultural preservation, orphaned wells, renewable energy, raw milk, unpasteurized milk, milk products, dairy, pasteurization, food safety, consumer warning label, health warning, farm sales, direct-to-consumer sales, ungraded milk, goat milk, raw milk cheese, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, agricultural regulation
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So House Bill 3710 would create the district realignment commission.
- It is a nine-person bipartisan commission. It is a nine-person bipartisan commission.
- We are simply creating a commission. What the commission would recommend, I couldn't tell you.
- The commission makes its recommendations when we come to a vote.
- That nine-member commission would then send a report to the legislature.
Summary:
The Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education met after an extended recess and first laid over House Bills 3244, 4146, 4158, and later 3718 for a future hearing. The committee also noted that its Wednesday meeting would be held at 4:30 p.m. in Room 4S5. Several bills were then heard and advanced, with PCS substitutes adopted without objection where noted.
House Bill 4478, by Rep. Deck, raised the student activity fund deposit threshold from $100 to $500 and required all such deposits to be made by the end of the business week; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3671, by Rep. Provenzano, allowed experienced teachers to carry career teacher status to a new district for evaluation purposes only, not for contract or tenure decisions; after a question about tenure, it passed 7-0. House Bill 3051, by Rep. Stewart, streamlined and modernized the Tulsa Reconciliation Scholarship to make it easier for eligible students to access while preserving the program’s historic purpose; it passed 6-1.
House Bill 3671 also drew questions about whether the bill would affect tenure, and the author said it would not. House Bill 3051 prompted questions about eligibility and whether there was any ranking system; the author said the scholarship remained equally available under current law. House Bill 3710, by Rep. Pogemiller, created a bipartisan district realignment commission to study school-district consolidation or reorganization every 10 years, considering financial efficiency, academic outcomes, enrollment, location, and proximity to other schools; supporters argued it would start a needed conversation about district structure and administrative costs, while opponents raised concerns about forced consolidation and local control. After extensive debate, it passed 5-4.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 31st, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Take up tab one: appointment of Rodney Barreto, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- All I can tell you is that you can look at my record of my efforts on the commission, and they can speak
- And we've also conserved a lot more land than any other commission has.
- Senator, I was not on the commission when they voted the previous time to do a bear hunt.
- This is all going to be presented to us at our next commission meeting.
Committee:
Senate Environment and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to consider confirmation appointments, beginning with Rodney Barreto’s reappointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Barreto described his background and defended his record, saying the commission has expanded public access, conserved land, supported youth conservation programs, and maintained strong law enforcement and wildlife management. Senators questioned him about public opposition to his confirmation, his role in supporting Amendment 2, a proposed use of submerged land near Singer Island, the Split Oak land swap, and whether FWC may reopen a bear hunt. Barreto said he saw no conflict in his Amendment 2 involvement, denied that any condo application existed for the Singer Island property, defended the Split Oak deal as a conservation and land-acquisition tradeoff, and said bear-hunt options would be presented later by staff and biologists.
Several members of the public spoke against Barreto’s reconfirmation, arguing that FWC needs reform, term limits, and more scientific leadership, and criticizing his real estate and lobbying ties as conflicts of interest. Speakers also objected to his positions on development, habitat protection, trap use, herbicide spraying, and the handling of bear management and public notice at FWC meetings. Senator Avila spoke in strong support of Barreto, citing FWC’s role in Biscayne Bay restoration, juvenile redfish releases, invasive species control, and community involvement. The committee then voted to recommend Barreto’s confirmation favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
The committee next considered tabs 2 and 3, the reappointments of Kathy Chapman and Michael Kennedy to the Florida Inland Navigation District. With no separate vote requested and no public opposition, the committee recommended both confirmations favorably by voice roll call. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 25th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- When I was appointed to this commission, I made sure to... Thank you.
- task force or commission that just met, issued a report, and nothing happened.
- This commission was created with a serious mission to take a deep dive into our state's mental health
- As part of its mission, the committee, As part of its mission, the Commission reached out to numerous
- Jay is the chairman of the commission that came forward with these recommendations.
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met to consider several bills and the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. SB 1310, relating to reporting of student mental health outcomes, was temporarily postponed. The committee then took up SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entities, adopted a delete-all amendment, and heard support for the bill’s focus on transparency, accountability, audits, referral patterns, and a DCF report due by December 1. Members discussed the capacity of the current reporting system and the need for coordination with school districts. The committee voted the bill favorably.
The committee next considered SB 1620 on mental health and substance abuse disorders, which implements selected recommendations from the 2025 Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. The bill, as amended, includes reforms on dignity and patient-centered care, crisis response, individualized treatment plans, use of the DLA-20 assessment tool, data analysis by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, and creation of a research center. Amendments removed a direct medication-provision requirement in favor of a review and report on discharge procedures, medication adherence, and long-acting injectables, and clarified licensure priorities for short-term residential treatment programs. Testimony and debate emphasized the need for action, better data, and efficient use of public funds. The committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard from Taylor Hatch, the Governor’s appointee to lead DCF. Hatch described her background in state government and her priorities for DCF, including coordination, transparency, prevention, permanency, and responsiveness to vulnerable Floridians. Several members spoke in support, citing her experience at APD and familiarity with the agency’s work. The committee voted unanimously to recommend her confirmation, and then adjourned.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:19:53.520><c> as</c> part of this uh commission as part of this uh commission as well.<00:19:
- Um what types of this commission?
- </c><00:30:33.120><c> to</c> 431 was a bill to create a commission to 431 was a bill to create a commission
- </c> amended bill allows the study commission amended bill allows the study commission to<00:32:48.799
- </c><02:15:54.719><c> which</c> about the human rights commission which about the human rights commission
Committee:
Senate Education
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Commission is already case The Liquor Commission is already there<01:37:05.320><c> they're</c><01:37
- Next up is House Bill 79, establishing a commission to study the privatization of the Liquor Commission
- 38.960><c> seconded</c> Commission representative Tac seconded Commission representative Tac seconded
- A few things in here: we have an independent cannabis commission. This commission is on page 11.
- </c> the creation of a cannabis commission the creation of a cannabis commission and<03:48:20.600><c>
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 451, which would create a postconsumer paint stewardship program in New Hampshire. Prime sponsor Representative Karen Ebel described the bill as a bipartisan, broadly supported model based on PaintCare programs used in other states. She said consumers and businesses could drop off leftover paint at participating retailers or municipal household hazardous waste sites, with the paint then collected and recycled by the stewardship organization. She emphasized that the program is intended to reduce landfill disposal, improper dumping, and contamination of groundwater and soil, while also helping municipalities save on hazardous waste handling costs.
Members asked several questions about how the program would work and how it would be funded. Ebel explained that the program would be financed by a small fee charged at the point of sale on paint products, not a general sales tax, and that retailers could either list it separately or roll it into the price. She said the fee would cover the Department of Environmental Services’ administrative costs, which were described as minimal, and that the program’s structure was developed with DES and industry input. Questions also addressed whether cans would be recycled and how collected paint would be processed; Ebel said the ACA and PaintCare representatives could provide more detail, but that the paint and containers would be handled through recycling or other approved disposal methods rather than landfilled.
Representative Judy Aron, a co-sponsor and chair of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee, testified in support, saying the bill had been developed over several years with stakeholders and would keep toxic paint out of landfills while saving municipalities and taxpayers money. Representative Peter Bixby, the ranking member of Environment and Agriculture, also supported the bill, saying his committee had heard it many times and that it had strong bipartisan enthusiasm. No vote was taken during the hearing.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- That is the way that LSO determined would cover when there's a commission and a board, and there's so
- We are going to pick up the rules for the Public Utilities Commission and State Police.
- So that is what your work will be on Monday: Public Utilities Commission as well as State Police.
- We are going to pick up the rules for the Public Utilities Commission and State Police.
- We'll be Public Utilities Commission as well as State Police.
Committee:
House State Affairs
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll take up tab 1, SPB 706, by Regulated Industries, relating to OGSR Florida Public Service Commission
- Tab 2, SPB 708, by Regulated Industries, relating to the Florida Gaming Control Commission. Mr.
- exemption for exempt or confidential and exempt information held by the Florida Gaming Control Commission
- Interviews were conducted with representatives from the Gaming Commission and stakeholders who recommended
- As is for the Gaming Commission. That is the bill, Madam Chair. Very good. Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Regulated Industries
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum present and took up two Open Government Sunset Review bills. SPB 706 would preserve the public meeting and public records exemptions for portions of Florida Public Service Commission hearings involving proprietary confidential business information, such as utility financial data, plant designs, and other sensitive records discussed in rate or related proceedings. Staff explained that the exemptions are set to repeal in 2026 and that PSC-related stakeholders unanimously supported renewing them; the committee adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill and then reported it favorably.
The committee then considered SPB 708, which would remove the scheduled repeal date for public records and meeting exemptions covering confidential information held by the Florida Gaming Control Commission. Staff said the bill maintains current policy and that interviews with the commission and stakeholders supported keeping the exemptions in place. The committee again adopted a motion to submit the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably.
No opposition was presented on either measure, and there were no substantive amendments. After both roll calls, the committee completed its business and adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session, Day 1 (1-6-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 13, an act relating to planning commission membership. Senator Denine.
- Senate Bill 13, an act relating to planning commission membership. Senator Denine.
- </c> commission membership. Senator Denine. commission membership. Senator Denine.
- Senate Bill 30, an act relating to motor vehicle commission. Senator Higdon.
- </c><00:33:16.399><c> Senator</c> to motor vehicle commission. Senator to motor vehicle commission.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/27/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's have a member of the DOGE Services on this commission so that they can help sniff out fraud and
- member of the Doge services<00:20:39.919><c> on</c><00:20:40.159><c> this</c><00:20:40.400><c> commission
- so that they services on this commission so that they can<00:20:41.559><c> help</c><00:20:41.760><c>
- Unless the plan is to, I don't know, get rid of Social Security and cut a bunch of positions, fire a
- ...unless the plan is to, I don't know, get rid of Social Security and cut a bunch of positions, fire
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that's—we're certainly open to have... ...through the commission.
- There's going to be an opportunity through the commission process to iron out those details.
- And he said it hasn't been fully vetted yet through the Alligator Commission.
- So this was the chairman of the Alligator Commission that said... ...of.
- So this was the chairman of the Alligator Commission that sent me this. And Rep.
Summary:
The committee first adopted the 2025 minutes, then took up House Bill 727, which would allow burning untreated, unpainted dimensional lumber such as two-by-fours. The bill was presented as a narrow exemption to existing restrictions on burning construction debris, and it was reported favorable without objection.
Members then heard from DEQ Secretary Courtney Burdett on House Bill 697, the department’s sunset/recreation bill. She outlined DEQ’s work on permit modernization, interagency coordination, field inspections, spill response, criminal investigations, environmental education, and small business assistance. Members raised issues including a large waste-tire site, an oil spill response, and a stormwater discharge issue at Smitties. The committee praised DEQ’s responsiveness and reported the bill favorable without objection.
House Bill 758, dealing with DEQ fees, was then considered. The bill and amendment package would update and increase various permit and program fees, add annual or biennial CPI-based adjustments, and remove outdated provisions, with the stated goal of aligning revenues with expenditures and reducing reliance on the state general fund. Several industry and landowner groups supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorable.
The committee also advanced House Bill 726, which increases penalties for abandoning vessels and related gross littering. Members discussed how abandoned boats are identified, owner notice procedures, registration versus title issues, hurricane-related losses, and protections for older or distressed owners. Wildlife and Fisheries said the bill targets intentional dumping and that existing law allows case-by-case discretion for true hardship situations. The bill was reported favorable. House Bill 756, concerning personal watercraft, was also reported favorable after testimony that it would require reasonable suspicion for vessel stops, align state rules more closely with federal boating safety standards, and update provisions on accident reporting and inflatable PFDs.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 767, which creates recreational alligator hunting license and lottery fees contingent on separate legislation authorizing the season. Supporters said the measure would help create a recreational opportunity while generating conservation funding, but landowners and commercial harvesters warned the fee may be too low, the proposal may be moving too quickly, and recreational harvest could affect commercial operations and landowner interests. After extensive discussion, the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorable. House Bill 964, authorizing a state property transfer in Caddo Parish, was also reported favorable, and the meeting adjourned.