Transcript Highlights:

• Introduction of food and beverage containing THC into interstate commerce is illegal.
• That is clearly in violation of federal interstate law. Yes, sir.
• At any one time, 55 of my 60 stores were unlicensed and therefore illegal.
• But you said that out of the 55 out of the 60, we're totally unlicensed, okay? That is correct.
• FDA specifically prohibits interstate commerce of consumable products manufactured.

Bills: SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• 37, 38, 39, 40, 40, 40, 41, 42, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 50, 51, 51, 52, 52, 53, 53, 54, 55
• The interstate was completed in 72, and then the budget basically tanked after that.
• representing Laredo are kind of at the apex of three very important areas. important corridors, Interstate
• 27, Interstate 35, and Interstate 69.
• We get around $55 million in GR and that pulls in $200 million or so in federal funds.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um the uh the<00:55:10.480> the<00:55:10.960> uh<00:55:11.119> the<00:55:11.599
• > the<00:55:11.920> uh<00:55:12.079> the<00:55:12.319> both<00:55:12.559>
• <00:55:18.720> Um<00:55:19.599> I'm<00:55:19.760> I'm<00:55:20.160> not
• <00:55:23.599> up<00:55:23.760> and<00:55:24.000> down<00:55:24.400> on
• 55:41.120> we<02:55:41.520> uh<02:55:42.240> we<02:55:42.479> passed<02:55

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:55:07.760> we<00:55:07.880> can<00:55:08.119> keep<00:55:08.400> it<00
• <00:55:10.960> we<00:55:11.119> know<00:55:11.400> that<00:55:11.559> if<
• 13.920> can<00:55:14.160> be<00:55:14.359> kicked<00:55:14.640> out<00:55
• <00:55:18.760> rate<00:55:19.000> than<00:55:19.559> others<00:55:20.559>
• :55:20.359> it<03:55:21.239> is<03:55:21.359> there<03:55:21.479> an<03:55

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:55:05.640> that<00:55:05.839> person<00:55:06.200> confesses<00:55:06.760
• > Johnny<00:55:16.520> comes<00:55:16.799> back<00:55:16.960> into<00:55:
• > we<00:55:29.440> know<00:55:29.839> that<00:55:30.280> uh<00:55:30.400>
• :39.880> about<00:55:40.200> it<00:55:40.960> and<00:55:41.200> by<00:55:
• > know<00:55:47.079> you<00:55:47.319> have<00:55:47.520> no<00:55:47.839

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, a bill allowing classification by biological sex in limited settings such as multiple-use bathrooms, certain sports, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters said it was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for minors, and argued it was consistent with recent federal and state developments. Opponents said the bill was poorly defined, unnecessary, and could create discrimination or confusion, especially because it did not define “biological sex” in the text. The committee voted 10-8 ought to pass, and the chair said a minority report would be written. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill concerning medical aid in dying. The chair moved ought to pass and described the bill as a matter of liberty for terminally ill patients within six months of death, arguing it should not be treated as suicide. Opponents raised religious, ethical, and policy concerns, including worries about a slippery slope, misuse by vulnerable people, and the effect on death records and public health data. The committee voted 11-7 ought to pass, and the chair said a majority report would be written with a minority report by Representative Perez. Finally, the committee turned to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment dealing with recoupment of costs for appointed counsel. The chair explained the amendment would restore the law to its pre-2020 form, allowing the Office of Cost Containment to seek repayment from some recipients of appointed counsel services, including those found not guilty, if they had the ability to pay. Supporters said the prior change had sharply reduced collections and that the state should not treat indigent defendants differently from people who hire private counsel. Opponents argued the policy unfairly bills innocent people and children who were entitled to counsel. The transcript cuts off during debate on the amendment, before a vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• > A<00:55:02.840> to<00:55:02.920> point<00:55:03.200> B<00:55:03.800>
• <00:55:07.200> And<00:55:07.400> in<00:55:07.600> so<00:55:07.880> doing,
• it<00:55:20.200> will<00:55:20.320> have<00:55:20.520> on<00:55:20.640><
• 55:24.560> when<00:55:24.720> you<00:55:24.840> look<00:55:25.040> at<00:
• :55:29.960> to<00:55:30.040> cost<00:55:30.440> to,<00:55:30.760> you<00:

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House of Delegates met on February 27, 2026, with a prayer, roll call showing 130 members present, and the reading of the previous day’s journal. The chamber then took up several House resolutions recognizing guests and honorees, including Harold Futch Sr. II and his daughter R.V. for their collaboration on the album “Harmony” and R.V.’s status as the youngest Grammy winner; Michelle Eberle for her leadership of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange; and the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County on its 85th anniversary. Each resolution was read and adopted with applause and congratulations. The House also received Senate Bill 108 from the Senate consent calendar and, by unanimous consent, had it read the first time and referred to committee. In the Economic Matters Committee report, the House adopted favorable reports and sent multiple bills to third reading, including HB 306 on dealer website price transparency, HB 461 on rural readiness and capacity building, HB 573 on fair housing discrimination standards, HB 798 on small minority- and women-owned business capital access, HB 850 on open house disclosure requirements, HB 951 on land records revisions, HB 996 on corporations and associations revisions, HB 1026 on rounding cash transactions, and HB 1312 on legal tender species establishment. HB 306 drew the most debate over its title, which included the “Jack Fitzgerald Price Transparency Act.” One delegate argued the title improperly referenced a private business and should be removed; the floor leader responded that the bill honored consumer advocate Jack Fitzgerald and that the dealership was employee-owned. A motion to special order the bill failed on a roll call vote of 95 no to 38 yes, and the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. HB 691 on permitting efficiency for housing development projects was also special ordered until the next day after members sought more time to review possible amendments. The House adopted amendments and favorable reports on several bills, including HB 243 on comprehensive and general plans, HB 343 on housing counseling services, HB 483 on charitable organization audit thresholds, HB 523 on residential foreclosure restrictions, and HB 243’s amendments clarifying prospective application. Members asked questions about HB 243’s planning requirements and about HB 523’s “zombie mortgage” protections; the floor leader explained that HB 523 would protect homeowners from surprise foreclosures on old debts without forgiving the underlying debt, while HB 243 would modernize comprehensive planning standards without changing local subdivision review processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• by Cole Albert Black, HR 47 by Cole, Dale Woodkey, HR 48 by Cole, Julian Bowes, Alexander Bibby, HR 55
• by Cole, Albert Black, HR 47 by Cole, Dale Woodkey, HR 48 by Cole, Julian Bowes, Alexander Bibby, HR 55
• referred to the Committee on Human Services HB 141 by Manuel relating to the adoption of the revised Interstate

Transcript Highlights:

• allowed to designate county roads or municipal streets that have a posted speed limit of less than 55
• Read the next bill. >> Senate Bill 400 entitled an act... ...relating to the Interstate Compact on Educational
• Show the motion adopted, read the bill a third time. >> A bill titled an act relating to the Interstate

Bills: SJR37, SJR57, SCR8, SB8, SB108, SB125, SB251, SB318, SB378, SB379, SB396, SB472, SB487, SB503, SB533, SB565, SB583, SB608, SB650, SB686, SB689, SB707, SB710, SB763, SB854, SB875, SB916, SB924, SB925, SB958, SB961, SB965, SB987, SB988, SB1006, SB1019, SB1021, SB1024, SB1026, SB1038, SB1146, SB1185, SB1194, SB1202, SB1252, SB1253, SB1330, SB1343, SB1362, SB1497, SB1498, SB1499, SB1527, SB1547, SB1596, SB1697, SJR36, SJR12, SJR57, SJR37, SCR22, SCR12, SCR8, SB925, SB1362, SB565, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB241, SB304, SB621, SB1023, SB1024, SB686, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB985, SB965, SB1119, SB1505, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1302, SB856, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB608, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB541, SB379, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB1527, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB916, SB1352, SB785, SB710, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB961, SB1038, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB318, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB1146, SB763, SB667, SB1059, SB617, SB1567, SB503, SB16, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB924, SB1029, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1697, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB878, SB1350, SB462, SB1535, SB827, SB1585, SB207, SB1207, SB1619, SB1396, SB920, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741, SB7, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1366, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB2188, SB1147, SB879, SB1008, SB378, SB710, SB916, SB1019, SB1146, SB1194, SB1253, SB1499, SB213, SB925, SB1362, SR263, SR311, SR333, SCR8, SB2407, SB2722, SB2949, SB2407, SB2722, SB2949

Keywords: voter ID, citizenship, election integrity, constitutional amendment, voting rights, central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy

Transcript Highlights:

• not being<01:55:21.840> counted<01:55:22.560> at<01:55:22.760> the<01:55:23.000
• :55:29.880> used<01:55:30.440> as<01:55:30.560> an<01:55:30.840> official
• :55:52.360> at<01:55:52.480> the<01:55:52.639> end<01:55:53.079> of count
• <01:55:53.679> we<01:55:53.800> don't<01:55:54.000> know<01:55:54.280> how
• 55:56.159> remaining<01:55:56.760> but<01:55:56.920> we<01:55:57.040> do<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing<00:55:28.320> none,<00:55:29.040> Senate<00:55:29.320> Bill<00:55:29.480>
• Clerk,<00:55:31.680> read<00:55:31.840> the<00:55:31.880> next<00:55:32.080>
• Senate<00:55:33.640> Bill<00:55:33.800> 784,<00:55:34.960> Senator<00:55:35.480>
• <00:55:42.600> Uh<00:55:42.760> thank<00:55:42.960> you,<00:55:43.040> Mr
• your<01:55:46.680> answers<01:55:46.960> to<01:55:47.040> my<01:55:47.160>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on March 10, 2026, established a quorum, and began with an invocation by Reverend Damien Flowers, which was journalized without objection. The chamber then recognized several guests and honorees, including Dr. Courtney Glickman for being named 2025 Play Therapist of the Year, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Dr. Sonja B. Santelises for her leadership of Baltimore City Public Schools, students shadowing legislators, Navy Alliance representatives, the Maryland Alliance for Advocacy for Sickle Cell, and Ms. Kimberly Body for her lupus advocacy. The Senate also journalized prior remarks about the 6888 regiment. The Finance Committee report then moved several bills forward. Senate Bill 348 would allow hospitals and freestanding birthing centers to contact, rather than only call, patients after high-risk pregnancies; its amendments were adopted and the bill was ordered to third reading. Senate Bill 390 on Wicomico County liquor licenses was laid over under the rule. Senate Bill 492, addressing massage therapy advertising and prohibiting misleading sexual-service advertising, was amended and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 562, concerning pharmacist-prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, was amended and advanced. Senate Bill 773 would let pharmacists order certain vaccines, including intranasal flu vaccines, for self-administration and was advanced without amendment. Senate Bill 53, on Maryland Port Administration land acquisition notice in Anne Arundel County, was amended and advanced. Senate Bill 428 would bar cost-sharing for collaborative care model services under Medicaid and private coverage and was advanced without amendment. Senate Bill 473 would require human trafficking awareness training for for-hire and transportation network drivers; its amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading. Senate Bill 585 would shift administration of the human relevant research fund from Health to Agriculture and was advanced. Senate Bill 606, the Easy Pass Commuter Fairness and Transparency Act, would require an MDTA report on commuter plans and unused trips; its amendment was moved as the transcript ended. During debate on Senate Bill 917, which would expand the definition of audiology practice to include certain screenings and non-radiographic imaging, a senator questioned whether the bill would make Maryland the only state restricting a health occupation from performing Medicare-required screenings. The floor leader said the committee had heard that claim in testimony but had not verified it, and the senator moved to special order the bill for amendment, which was granted without objection. Most other bills were reported favorably, with committee amendments adopted without objection and several bills ordered printed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• > have<00:55:25.040> if<00:55:25.200> you're<00:55:25.440> on<00:55:25.760><
• 27.920> then<00:55:28.160> you<00:55:28.319> have<00:55:28.400> to<00:55:
• <00:55:29.839> We<00:55:30.079> do<00:55:30.400> have<00:55:31.040> um
• :39.040> out,<00:55:39.280> but<00:55:39.520> then<00:55:39.839> he<00:55
• <00:55:44.880> Um<00:55:45.280> so<00:55:45.599> this<00:55:45.920> kind<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:36.799> this<00:55:36.920> is<00:55:37.160> referencing<00:55:38.039>
• :55:45.039> deposits<00:55:45.559> or<00:55:45.799> deduct<00:55:46.200> from
• > an<00:55:47.280> amount<00:55:47.520> to<00:55:47.680> cover<00:55:48.000>
• <01:55:07.520> but<01:55:07.639> I'll<01:55:08.040> rephrase<01:55:08.520> it
• 01:55:33.719> and<01:55:34.000> if<01:55:34.159> it<01:55:34.320> if<01:55

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• probably the<00:55:02.680> best<00:55:03.559> um<00:55:04.480> the<00:55:04.640
• > best<00:55:05.160> way<00:55:05.319> to<00:55:05.440> make<00:55:05.559
• /c> comments<00:55:15.920> yeah<00:55:16.359> on<00:55:16.880> if<00:55:16.960><
• best way to<00:55:21.200> handle<00:55:21.559> the<00:55:21.760> language<00:55:
• 00:55:34.480> more<00:55:35.440> stable<00:55:36.240> for<00:55:36.559> the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see the entry reasons into foster care: 55% for neglect, 40% for substance abuse, and then, just
• prevention cases across the state, and 39 cases where we're supporting children who are here through the Interstate

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging, Children, and Youth first approved the February 11 minutes and then reviewed a DCFS policy manual update from Director Tiffany Wright. The rule changes were described as largely terminology and compliance updates to align with new laws, an executive order, and current practice, including moving internal procedures out of the public manual and into DCFS’s internal procedure manual. Members asked whether the changes altered practice or just wording, and Wright said they were mainly procedural and vernacular updates, such as changing terms like “protection plan” to “immediate safety plan” and “safety factor” to “safety threat.” The committee then reviewed and accepted the rule without objection. Wright also presented DCFS performance data for the third quarter of FY 2026, including hotline reports, investigations, foster care, in-home services, permanency, and adoption measures. She noted staffing shortages in some counties, lower timeliness in completing maltreatment reports, and efforts to support those areas with central office staff and daily calls. Members asked about neglect trends, sexual abuse/exploitation categories, behavioral issues, and workforce recruitment and retention. Wright said DCFS is expanding hiring support, outreach, retention efforts, trauma support through UAMS, and a new staff training model beginning July 1. She also presented the biannual overturned investigations report, which tracks hotline calls, true findings, appeals, and reversals by county, and answered questions about comparing it with prior years. Major Jeff Drew of the Crimes Against Children Division presented the 2025 annual report, saying the hotline received 67,987 calls and 37,986 were accepted for investigation, with 6,539 CACD investigations assigned and a 28% substantiation rate. He described hotline operator training, including a four-week program with policy review, scenarios, recorded calls, live call monitoring, and evidence-chain and decision-making instruction. He said the starting salary for hotline operators is $43,888 plus benefits and would check on comparisons with other states. Elizabeth Pooley of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas reported that the state’s 29 CACs and 64 multidisciplinary teams served 13,568 children and families in 2025, up about 3,000 from the prior year, and hosted 259 trainings. Members asked about funding, and she said state funding is the same for each center at roughly $70,000 to $75,000, supplemented by federal and community support, with work underway on Arkansas-specific best practices. The meeting ended after a brief unrelated question about Meals on Wheels and a Project Zero adoption event announcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:55:10.280> to<01:55:10.480> address<01:55:10.800> that<01:55:10.960> in
• <01:55:11.520> of<01:55:11.639> the<01:55:11.800> bill<01:55:12.119> would
• ><01:55:38.880> never<01:55:39.520> foreclose<01:55:40.199> an<01:55:40.400>
• :41.159> not<01:55:41.400> clear<01:55:41.679> to<01:55:41.800> me<01:55:
• <01:55:48.880> that<01:55:49.400> and<01:55:50.000> revise<01:55:50.400>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under<00:55:21.160> the<00:55:21.280> current<00:55:21.560> law,<00:55:21.720>
• Oftentimes<00:55:31.600> we<00:55:31.760> are<00:55:31.880> working<00:55:32.280
• In<00:55:36.960> those<00:55:37.160> initial<00:55:37.520> calls<00:55:37.840>
• > the<00:55:41.440> legal<00:55:41.720> necessity<00:55:42.240> of<00:55:
• <00:55:55.080> process<00:55:55.560> and<00:55:55.720> privacy,<00:55:56.920

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That was before he left their house and then stepped out onto the interstate where I took another phone
• a little bit, was the exchange<02:55:01.680> program<02:55:02.720> and<02:55:02.880>
• more information<02:55:04.880> on<02:55:05.240> the<02:55:05.440> exchange<02:55
• :06.200> program<02:55:06.560> that The exchange program that we discussed today, also.
• facilitate it with the interstate facilitate it with the interstate physician<02:58:02.400> compact

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• following standard animal's admission following standard shelter<00:55:50.720> protocol<00:55
• > of<00:55:54.400> veterinarians<00:55:55.200> while the burden of veterinarians
• while the burden of veterinarians while ensuring<00:55:56.000> public<00:55:56.319> health
• <00:55:56.960> and<00:55:57.359> animal ensuring public health and animal ensuring
• public health and animal safety.<00:55:58.960> LVTs<00:55:59.599> will<00:55:59.839>

Keywords: Convene 00:00:00 Senate Message 00:05:34 Calendar/2nd Readings 00:06:28 Orders of the Day 00:08:10 HB 542 00:08:34 HB 565 00:23:06 HB 611 00:25:32 HB 657 00:28:39 HB 762 00:31:07 HB 108 00:34:54 HB 67 00:39:02 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 00:46:48 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 00:58:42 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 00:59:12 ConC/Rules Report 01:02:18 Floor Amendments 01:03:42 Adjournment 01:04:02, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum with 92 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 5, 12, and 73 and requested concurrence. Members then moved through second reading of several bills, including measures on geoengineering, video teleconference meetings, dissolution of marriage, licensed child care centers, city franchises, trophy catfish, peer support specialists, and House Joint Resolution 25 on Kentucky becoming a “food is medicine” state. The House then considered and passed several bills on third reading. House Bill 387, relating to the Controlled Substance Prescribing Council, was amended and passed 91-1 after debate over veterinarians’ reporting requirements; the bill bars such reporting by regulation, removes an emergency medicine physician and acute care nurse from the council, and adds two veterinarians. House Bill 45, modernizing CPA licensure, passed 93-0. House Bill 369, adding PTSD to conditions eligible for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans, passed 93-0. House Bill 333, concerning faith-based small-scale affordable housing and shelters, passed 90-1 after discussion of housing needs, zoning limits, affordability requirements, and shelter standards. House Bill 50, addressing removal of persons unlawfully occupying real property, passed 92-0, and House Bill 388, a cleanup bill for the CASPER prescription monitoring program, passed 92-0. The House also passed House Bill 385, clarifying that the Commonwealth and Cabinet for Health and Family Services are financially responsible for non-elective medical care for patients of state-operated mental health facilities, by a 91-0 vote. House Bill 212, allowing licensed veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccinations to dogs, cats, and ferrets under veterinarian supervision, passed 92-0. After these actions, the House took up House Resolution 58 recognizing February 6, 2026, as National Wear Red Day in Kentucky; the sponsor spoke about heart disease awareness and two young constituents awaiting heart transplants, and the resolution was adopted without objection. Later, the House received announcements about caucus meetings and committee meetings, then introduced a large slate of new bills and House Resolution 61 commemorating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. The Committee on Committees and Rules Committee reported referrals and postings, including referral of several bills to standing committees and posting House Bills 748, 266, 305, and 470 for Monday, February 9, 2026. The session ended after introduction of floor amendments to House Bill 356.

Transcript Highlights:

• favorably, House Bill 762 with amendments, Senate Bill 40 favorably, Senate Bill 48 favorably, Senate Bill 55
• Department of Transportation and Development to study and implement provisions and improvements to Interstate
• resolution that's co-authored by Senator Wheat, highlighting the need for safety improvements on the interstate
• limit, allowed to retrieve her vehicle, and then got in that vehicle going the wrong way on the interstate
• More importantly, that will also cost us $55 from federal wildlife restoration dollars.

Bills: HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR228, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR233, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, HR218, HR219, HR220, HR221, HR222, HCR91, HCR92, HCR93, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SB259, SB347, SB398, SB469, SB483, SB518, HR37, HCR64, SCR11, SCR22, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB541, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1165, HB1191, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, SB123, SB125, SB387, SB401, HB730, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB646, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1249, HB276, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB656, HB998, HB1052, HB1084, HB1171, HB1193, HB1194, HB1204, HB1209, HB1250, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, HCR32, HB911, HB1223, HB798, HB824, HB989, HB1140, HB1166, HB1244, HB459, HB617, HB804, HB926, HB225, HB955, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1180, HB1203, HB1234, HB1240, SB89

Keywords: Southern Soul, Shreveport, tourism, economic development, cultural preservation, music history, Paul Hollis, United States Mint, Louisiana House of Representatives, commendation, honorary resolution, ceremonial resolution, public service, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, BESE, former legislator, Louisiana politics, recognition, tribute, House Resolution 224

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and a series of personal privileges recognizing visitors and honorees, including Northside High students, the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, Literacy Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, a 75th wedding anniversary, police jurors, Young Marine Sergeant Valerie Uitt, Elmer’s, and other community guests. The chamber also received Senate messages, including refusal to concur in House amendments to SB 149, concurrence in several House measures, adoption of Senate resolutions, and passage of multiple Senate bills. House resolutions were introduced and many were adopted without objection, including measures honoring local events, organizations, and individuals, as well as resolutions on literacy, municipal day, firefighters appreciation, and sports-related commendations. Committee reports moved numerous House and Senate bills and resolutions forward, and members were urged to monitor the Senate calendar to ensure House bills had Senate sponsors before being returned late in session. Several bills were debated and passed. HB 175 created a Veterans Service Grant Fund funded by $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds, overseen by a board within the Department of Veterans Affairs to award grants to eligible veteran-serving nonprofits, colleges, JROTC programs, veteran courts, and local governments; it passed after questions about the use of lottery proceeds and the role of nonprofits. HB 198 authorized ambulatory surgical centers to perform certain procedures and be reimbursed at Medicare rates, and HB 437 restricted expert witnesses from receiving contingency-style compensation tied to case outcomes after debate over ethics and whether the bill was necessary. HB 488 created the Bell Chase Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund to support the bridge toll buyback effort. HB 763 required a centralized public database of government settlement agreements and consent decrees, with confidentiality protections preserved, and passed after questions about sensitive cases. HB 989 required commercial health coverage for behavioral health crisis services, HB 971 addressed Medicaid reimbursement parity for rural health clinics, HB 981 created a law enforcement recruitment/retention incentive stipend for campus police at public postsecondary institutions, HB 1066 clarified that campus police are not eligible for state supplemental pay, and HB 1089 established care accounts for future medical expense awards, with amendments limiting certain case types and providing for reversion of unused funds. The House also reconsidered and defeated HB 225, a constitutional amendment to impose a lifetime gubernatorial term limit, and HB 730, concerning airport authority regulation of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast systems. Several resolutions were adopted, including HCR 76 continuing a health inequities task force, HJR 77 urging federal action on H-2B seasonal employer designation for the crawfish industry, HJR 67 creating a task force on military drivers without civilian licenses, and HCR 69 urging DOTD to study Interstate 12 safety improvements. The chamber adopted numerous additional commemorative resolutions and concurred in Senate resolutions recognizing sports figures, Mental Health Awareness Month, state observances, and school achievements. Overall, the day featured a mix of ceremonial recognitions, committee reporting, and floor action on veterans, health care, transparency, labor, transportation, law enforcement, and court-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1189, house, all