Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Resolution 125'
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 534 (05/22/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Rosenwald. Thank you.
- Senator Rosenwald. Thank everybody yet. Senator Rosenwald. Thank you. you. you.
- Excuse me, Senator.
- The Senate is proposing that we accede to the House. All those senators in favor say, 'Aye.'
- All those senators in favor the house. All those senators in favor say<00:15:30.200>
"I".
Summary:
The Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 534 met to reconcile House and Senate versions of a bill dealing with foreign influence in elections and related election-law provisions. The House members explained that they had spent several hours revising the bill line by line to better fit existing statute, while preserving the substance of the Senate bill. Senator Lang reported that, after meeting with the Secretary of State, his concern about a foreign entity using a lobbyist for procurement matters was resolved, and he said the House language addressed election-law and warrant article issues rather than procurement issues.
Senator Rosenwald raised concerns that the House version broadened the bill too far into local elections and could burden or discourage candidates for local offices such as select board, library trustee, or fire commission. In response, House members said the bill does not require local candidates to form committees or file new reports; instead, it prohibits foreign entities from donating to local campaigns and makes enforcement complaint-driven through the Attorney General’s public integrity unit. They said an earlier affirmation requirement had been removed and characterized the change as closing a loophole for foreign funding of local candidates and measures.
After discussion, the Senate voted to accede to the House position, with the chair calling the vote and announcing that the ayes had it. The committee then discussed placing the measure on the consent calendar, but that plan was dropped because of an anticipated objection. The meeting concluded with adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 481 (05/22/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I call the committee of conference to order on Senate Bill 481. Who wants to talk first?
- >> Senator? >> Just is LBA here?
- >> This is a Senate bill, okay?
- >> This is a Senate bill, okay?
- This is a Senate bill, okay? So, I'm the This is a Senate bill, okay?
Summary:
The committee of conference met on Senate Bill 481, which concerns the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property and where the proceeds should go. The main disagreement was between the Senate version, which would send proceeds to the general fund if the sale occurs before June 30, 2027 and to the YDC settlement fund afterward, and the House version, which would send all proceeds to the general fund. House members argued the property sale is uncertain in timing and value, and that keeping the money in the general fund preserves flexibility and follows common practice for state property sales. Senate members said the House language conflicted with the intent of House Bill 2, which directed the property to be sold in 2027 and the proceeds to the settlement fund, and they noted the Senate’s general fund language was likely left in inadvertently from an earlier appropriation structure.
Members also discussed that the property is unique, potentially valuable, and may contain many buildings that could affect its sale and redevelopment. House members emphasized that victims’ settlement payments would still be funded through the established process and that the fiscal administrator would request whatever amount is needed. One member noted a direct conflict in House Bill 2 between sections referring to the general fund and to the settlement fund, and said the issue needed to be fixed. Another member observed that the relevant provisions may be session law and could become moot after June 30 of the following year.
After a brief Senate caucus, the committee voted to adopt the House position on the conference committee report. The meeting then turned to procedural matters, including adding a third name to the bill, signing requirements, and a deadline for signatures by 4:00 p.m. the following Thursday. No further business was raised, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Meeting of the Budget Conference Chairs May 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hooper, you are recognized for a motion. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Thank you, Senator Hooper.
- I move to nominate Senator Hooper to serve as the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Conference.
- Thank you, Senator Hooper, and the honor as well. I feel that honor as well.
- So, Senator Hooper, the House has... I feel that honor as well.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Meeting of the Budget Conference Chairs May 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hooper, the House has several offers for you again, as these have been noticed to the public
- If there is no further business before the Conference Committee, Senator Hooper moves that we adjourn
- Senator Hooper moves that we adjourn. Please remember, we are on one-hour notice.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Meeting of the Budget Conference Chairs May 22nd, 2026
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Hi, I'm Senator DeCoite.
- The structure of the final report, of course, derives from the requirements of the resolution, right?
- And what the resolution is asking basically is these five core research pillars.
- Then, the resolution put an emphasis also on this location-specific feasibility regarding NAIS said.
- If we look at the resolution, it's asking to look at these different types of gaming, right?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary, please read: Senate Bill 873, Senate Resolution 115, Senate Bill 1007, and Senate Bill 970
- Senator Res. Senate Resolution 102 by Senator Richardson, relative to National Safe Boating Day.
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 172 by Senator Nilo relative to Asthma and Energy Awareness Month.
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 177 by Senator Weber Pearson relative to World No Tobacco Day.
- We will now take up file item 2, Senate Resolution 115.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day weekend prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members also handled several procedural motions, including suspending blackout-period rules for budget subcommittee hearings, removing certain items from the inactive file and consent calendar, and confirming multiple gubernatorial appointments, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The body then took up a series of resolutions and bills. Resolutions approved included National Safe Boating Week (SR 102), Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month (SCR 172), World No Tobacco Day (SCR 177), Lupus Awareness Month (SR 107), and the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris (SR 115). Senators used those measures to highlight boating safety, asthma and food allergy risks, tobacco harms, lupus awareness, and the economic and cultural importance of California wine. The Senate also passed SB 1341 on bag-in-box beverage container processing fees, SB 1083 on school employee misconduct procedures, SB 1153 on wildfire preparedness for urban retail water suppliers, SB 1199 on prescription cost-sharing and out-of-pocket accounting, SB 1240 creating an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment, SB 1337 establishing an energy coordination working group, SB 1360 expanding language access for voters, SB 920 on gaming fee transparency, SB 1016 on mental health/Care Court evaluation options, SB 1198 on reckless driving penalties, SB 1213 on reporting prices for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, SB 1265 codifying the Go Green financing program, SB 1338 on post-repossession vehicle transport interference, and SB 1135 on wildlife coexistence. Most passed on unanimous roll calls; SB 1265 and SB 1135 drew a small number of no votes.
The session concluded with a lengthy adjournment-in-memory ceremony led by the Veterans Caucus, reading the names of 82 fallen service members and pausing in their honor. The President pro tempore then announced the Senate would recess and return for the next floor session on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-22 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Weinberg. Yes. Senator White. Senator Williams. Yay. Senator Hardy. Senator White.
- Senator White. Senator Williams. Yes. Senator Hardy. Senator Ram Hinsdale. Senator Sirotkin.
- Senator Williams. Yes. Senator Hardy. Senator Ram Hinsdale. Senator Sirotkin. Senator White.
- Senator White. Senator Williams. Yes. Senator Hardy. Senator Ram Hinsdale. Senator Sirotkin.
- Senator White. Senator Westman. Yes. Senator White. Senator Williams. Yes. Senator Hardy.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Fiscal Review Committee May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As a senator for the area, I'm asking for that. We have to close this gap.
- Thank you, Senator. I know you care about your constituents greatly.
- Senator Jackson overviewed kind of the history.
- I want to start with the senator. Thank you.
- I heard Senator Jackson say that we need to change our distribution.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on the troubled water system in Tallulah and whether to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the water utility. Senator Jackson described the system’s long-running failures, the need to expand repairs beyond the treatment plant to the distribution network, and the growing project cost, which he said had risen to roughly $26 million. Legislative Auditor’s Office staff explained that the system had received failing grades from LDH for several years, had entered joint receivership in 2024, and was placed under a public health emergency in 2025; they said the city’s adoption of limited fiscal administration in April 2026 made it eligible for additional state funding. Governor’s staff said the state, GOSEP, Magnolia, and the city had worked together to restore service and that the limited fiscal administrator would help unlock an emergency subfund and other financing sources.
The mayor of Tallulah supported the appointment, saying the state’s work had improved water quality and that the limited role would focus only on the water system rather than the whole city. She said the city was preparing an RFQ to move the project toward bidding. Two residents spoke in opposition. One argued that the city had recently elected a new council and should wait for new local leadership before proceeding. Another questioned the need for the appointment, criticized past management and contract arrangements, and objected to using emergency funds to pay prior project costs. State officials responded that the F grade and public health concerns justified the action, that the administrator would control water-system finances, and that the distribution system needed repairs to address leaks and water quality issues.
After discussion, a committee member moved to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the Tallulah water system. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition. The committee then moved to public comment and adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
State Bond Commission May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- President Senator Talbot? Here. President Senator Womack? Present. President Senator Rees? Here.
- Senator Talbot seconds the motion. Any objection?
- Senator Talbot seconds the motion. Any objection?
- Senator Talbot seconds. Any objection? Hearing none, the resolution is approved.
- Senator Talvers seconds. Any objection? Hearing now on the resolution is approved.
Summary:
The State Bond Commission met on May 21 with a quorum present and approved the April 16 minutes. The commission then reviewed and approved a large slate of local government and public authority financing requests, including election propositions for the November ballot, water and sewer infrastructure projects, fire protection and recreation district bonds, school board financing, and several refunding transactions. Most items were found to meet technical requirements and were approved on motions by Speaker DeVillier and seconded by Senator Talbot.
Among the more notable items were the East Baton Rouge City-Parish refunding bonds for the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, the City of Kenner’s retroactive approval request tied to a convention center agreement with GMB Basketball LLC, a Louisiana Housing Corporation financing increase for the Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, and preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport. The commission also approved financing for Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools/Harriet Tubman Charter School project. The Crescent City Schools item prompted questions about how MFP funds are used; staff explained that lease payments would support the bonds and that MFP funds are generally split between educational expenses and facilities-related costs.
The commission received six monthly cost-of-issuance reports, which required no action, and a status update on the state debt schedule. It also approved Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund the Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. During other business, New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morel thanked the commission for its role in helping address the city’s fiscal crisis and for approving a charter amendment election item aimed at strengthening budget oversight. The meeting adjourned after no further business.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Edmonds. Senator Hodges. Senator Bartholomew. Senator Jackson Andrews. Senator Miguez.
- Senator Mizell. Senator Owen. Four members present. All right. Good morning. Let's read in Ms.
- Senator Mizell and Senator Hodges move favorable on HB 1215. Any objections?
- Thank you, Senator. Senator Mizell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Yes, Senator.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/21/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris. >> Good afternoon, Madam President.
- Senator Gianaris. >> Let's now take up previously adopted Resolution 1984, Senator Brisport, and read
- . >> Senator Gianaris. >> And now let's take up previously adopted Resolution 2071 by Senator Myrie,
- and read the resolution's title and call on Senator Myrie. >> Secretary will read. >> Resolution 2071
- >> Senator Brisport on the resolution. >> Thank you, Madam President.
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care.
The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies.
The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders - 05/21/2026
Alcoholism And Substance Use Disorders
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senators. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Without rec.
- Our second bill is S. 4640A, sponsored by Senator Fernandez.
- Our second bill is S. 4640A, sponsored by Senator Fernandez.
- And our third and final bill is S. 9221, sponsored by Senator Ryan. Thank you.
- And our third and final bill is S. 9221, sponsored by Senator Ryan.
Summary:
The committee met for its final meeting of the year and opened with brief remarks thanking members for their participation and noting continued work on addiction services and substance use disorder issues, including efforts to reduce stigma and support funding in the budget. The agenda consisted of three bills related to harm reduction and drug checking.
The committee first considered S. 246, which would establish a wound care kit and testing strip distribution program; it was moved, approved unanimously, and reported to Finance. Next, S. 4640A would authorize on-site overdose response services and require certain venues to maintain opioid antagonists; it was also approved unanimously and reported to the calendar. The third bill, S. 9221, would create a program to test for medetomidine, benzodiazepines, xylazine, and other harmful contaminants; members discussed the changing drug supply and the need for drug checking, then approved the bill unanimously.
At the close, the chair thanked members for their work and adjourned the meeting, noting it was the last committee meeting of the year.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Luneau. Here. Here. Senator Boudreaux. Senator Bass. Here. Here. Senator Boudreaux.
- Senator Bass. Here. Here. Senator Cathey. Senator Foil. Senator Miller. Here. Senator Morris.
- And Senate Bill 230, I want to thank Senator Barrow for bringing this.
- Senator Luneau? Yes. Senator Boudreaux? Yes. Senator Bass? No. Senator Cathey? No. Senator Foil?
- Senator Miller? No. Senator Morris? We have two yeas and three nays.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Senator Waters, no. >> Senator Apprentice, no. >> Senator Gray, yes. >> Senator Inis, yes. >> Senator
- Senator Mcu, Senator Inennis, Senator Mcu, Senator Inennis, Senator<00:40:58.240>
Sullivan. - Senator Apprentice, no. Senator Gray, yes. Senator Innis, yes. Senator Ward, yes.
- Thank you, Senator. Senator. Senator.
- Senate members will be Senator Lang, Senate members will be Senator Lang, Senator<04:20:34.239>
Murphy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any other questions, Senator Trubourke?
- I want to thank Senator Archuleta and Senator Chao for signing the letter to support the compact and
- Senator Trope-Oak? Yes, thank you.
- Thank you for the question, Senator Archuleta.
- I have a few more questions, but I'm going to turn it over to my colleague, Senator Choboogh or Senator
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard May Revision proposals covering higher education, including the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, the University of California, California Community Colleges, the California Student Aid Commission, UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and trailer bill reporting changes. For the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, the administration proposed a one-time $10 million General Fund backfill to repay a special fund loan taken to cover litigation costs, plus provisional language to adjust for a pending legal expense and to repay the loan without interest. The LAO opposed shifting costs to the General Fund and raised legal concerns about an interest-free loan under Proposition 26. Senators asked about whether the $10 million would cover the litigation and about the estimated $245,000 in interest savings.
For UC, the May Revision maintained the Governor’s ongoing support and included budget language requiring campuses to grow by 2,968 California undergraduates in 2026-27. UC also sought $1.5 million in one-time General Fund support for the First Star foster youth program. UC described strong outcomes for the UCLA program, while the LAO recommended rejecting the new spending because UC already has overlapping outreach programs, including the Early Academic Outreach Program, and because the need for new state funding was not clear. Senators debated whether the proposal duplicated existing services and discussed the program’s reported college-going and completion rates. The committee also heard a request for $1 million ongoing General Fund for UC College of the Law, San Francisco, to maintain campus safety services; the college described its shared-campus model and public-interest mission, while the LAO noted the college was also raising tuition and that the proposal would maintain, rather than expand, current security spending.
The committee then reviewed community college proposals. Finance outlined a larger May Revision package centered on a 4.31% SCFF COLA, enrollment growth funding, categorical COLAs, a one-time Adult Learner Demonstration Project allocation, deferred maintenance, and other ongoing and one-time items. The Chancellor’s Office supported the package but asked for more enrollment growth funding, a higher growth rate, and additional policy changes. The LAO recommended at least funding the statutory 2.87% COLA, then considering whether to redirect remaining funds to enrollment growth, categorical COLAs, or one-time priorities; it recommended rejecting the Adult Learner Demonstration Project. Senators questioned the use of the discretionary COLA to cover paid pregnancy disability leave, the impact on hold harmless and basic aid districts, and whether the state should instead create a separate categorical. The Chancellor’s Office and Finance said the COLA approach was intended to provide flexibility, though Finance said it was open to further discussion about districts that would not receive direct funding.
For student aid, Finance described May Revision changes to Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship, including a one-time reduction tied to lower estimated costs and a later true-up, as well as proposals for the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. CSAC supported the financial aid investments but urged more time and clearer implementation planning for Workforce Pell, noting the need for state approval processes, data linkages, and likely ongoing administrative workload. The LAO recommended rejecting additional Golden State Teacher Grant funding and cautioned that the Workforce Pell trailer bill and one-time funding were premature given the new federal rules and unclear workload. Senators also raised concerns about the Middle Class Scholarship reduction, the need to support students facing higher living costs, and the decline in CADA/DREAM Act applications, with CSAC saying the drop did not reflect reduced need and that outreach should be strengthened. The final item was a set of technical trailer bill changes to shift some UC, CSU, and community college reporting from annual to biennial and consolidate reports; Finance said there were no programmatic changes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hurtado: Here. Senator Cabaldon: Here. Senator Smallwood-Quivas: Here.
- Senator Smallwood-Quabas?
- Senator Cabaldon? Senator Cabaldon: I love this project.
- Senator Cabaldon. Thanks.
- And so I also want to thank Senator Cabaldon for signing on in Senator Becker's letter.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard several May Revision proposals, primarily from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program under Proposition 12, a transition away from the state hemp program to USDA oversight by January 1, 2028, ongoing support for agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to the department’s indirect cost cap. The LAO generally supported the animal care, hemp transition, and statistics proposals, while also urging future review of the Prop 12 funding once litigation is resolved. The indirect-cost-cap language was described as technical and not increasing charges to programs, and it was held open with no objections from the LAO or Finance.
The committee also discussed the new federal Workforce Pell program and related Cradle to Career funding and trailer bill language. Finance said the state is still reviewing federal rules and is focusing on basic implementation steps, with the trailer bill assigning eligibility determinations to the California Student Aid Commission, requiring data sharing through Cradle to Career, and prioritizing public institutions first. The LAO urged caution because the federal rules were just finalized and said the Legislature should better define the process and costs before appropriating the $1.3 million requested for Cradle to Career. Members raised policy concerns about limiting the program to certain institutions and about aligning the proposal with pending legislation and broader workforce policy.
The Department of Technology presented a $1 million request for Poppy, the state’s digital assistant, to expand a secure GenAI platform for state employees. Members asked detailed questions about data security, model training, bias controls, and whether the system could eventually support local governments; CDT said the system uses state-controlled cloud infrastructure, does not use user data for training, and quarantines new models for review. CDT also sought provisional authority for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative to cover possible operating shortfalls while the network is still being built; the LAO remained concerned about broad spending authority, and several members questioned the revenue assumptions and oversight. FTB then proposed retaining a smaller set of CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, with the LAO saying the reduced staffing level was broadly reasonable but still worth legislative scrutiny. The committee also began hearing the administration’s revenue proposals, including a permanent limitation on business tax credits and a tax on electronically delivered prewritten software, with the LAO generally supporting the goal of raising ongoing revenue but recommending changes to the software proposal’s exemptions and business-use treatment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And, Senator, if I may, thank you.
- “Thank you, Senator.
- “Thank you, Senator.
- Thank you, Senator.
- Here's a real champ, Senator.
Summary:
The subcommittee first heard May Revision items for child support, child care, and related human services. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the LAO said raised no concerns. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a shift in how federal and Proposition 64 funding reductions would be absorbed, a 2.01% COLA, disaster-related child care infrastructure grants, an increase in in-contract administrative support costs for alternative payment agencies, reversion of prospective-pay implementation funding after a federal rule change, a one-time allocation to cover the first quarter of Cost of Care Plus payments in the next fiscal year, reappropriation for existing infrastructure grant closeout work, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The department also outlined trailer bill language on a single rate structure, site safety and emergency procedures, CalWORKs child care data sharing, and child care oversight.
The LAO recommended that the Legislature seek more justification for shifting reductions from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment Program, noting that CAP reductions affect more slots and that General Child Care has had significant unspent funds. It supported removing prospective-pay funding, but recommended rejecting the administrative cost shift to a percentage-based rate because it could create future General Fund pressure. It also suggested the Legislature review alignment between the disaster grants and the child care infrastructure program. Senators and members pressed the administration on why the budget would reduce child care slots and COLA percentages while the state still has waitlists and unspent funds, and questioned the need for early funding of Cost of Care Plus payments and the move from a flat administrative amount to a percentage. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, county offices, and infrastructure partners, urged full COLA funding, preservation of child care slots, support for prospective pay, and continued investment in child care access and facilities.
After a short recess, the committee moved to Part B on health and heard the Department of State Hospitals. DSH presented a May Revision budget of $3.2 billion and described proposals for a central utility plant replacement at Metropolitan State Hospital, an electronic health record implementation, reduced county bed billing authority due to phased-in LPS bed capacity, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscriptions, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal shifting some costs to Behavioral Health Services Act funds, including support for an additional psychiatric training cohort at Napa. The department also outlined IST-related savings and a trailer bill to remove the sunset on the independent placement panel program.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-21 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ask for the Senate support. ask for the Senate support.
- Senator from Chitten. question? Senator from Chitten.
- to the Senate proposal of amendment to the Senate proposal of amendment.<00:55:36.160>
Senator - Senator from Addison. amendment. Senator from Addison.
- Committee of conference is as follows: Senator Clarkson, Senator Brock, Senator Chittenden.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Cloud. Present. Senator Hensgens. Present. Senator Cloud. Present. Senator Hensgens.
- Senator Hodges. Present. Senator Luneau. Here. Senator Owen. Present. Senator Pressly. Here.
- Senator Jackson-Andrews, no. Senator Boudreaux, no. Senator Cloud, yes. Senator Hensgens, yes.
- Senator Jackson Andrews, no. Senator Budrow? No. Senator Cloud? Yes. Senator Henskins? Yes.
- Senator Boudreaux? Yes. Senator Cloud? No. Senator Hensgens? Senator Hodges? Senator Luneau? Yes.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first advanced SB 1224, which requires DCFS to look into cases where a child under 17 is involved in a pregnancy, with added oversight for children under 12; it was reported favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 1100, described as repealing an outdated statute. White Coat Day remarks welcomed physicians to the Capitol and thanked them for their service, including efforts to improve Medicaid reimbursement.
Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and physician licensure, was reported favorably. HB 1231 clarified that Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitoring applies to insulin-dependent patients, including those with gestational diabetes, and was also reported favorably. HB 198, which sets reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures such as colonoscopies, eye, ENT, and gastroenterology services, passed favorably. HB 1160, creating a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical graduates, prompted a lengthy exchange about delayed rulemaking and whether the board had added requirements beyond statute; despite concerns, it was reported favorably.
The committee also advanced several resolutions and oversight measures. HCR 67, prompted by a personal family experience with a special-needs child’s acute care needs, creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children; it was amended and reported favorably. HCR 27, calling for a statewide evaluation of autism services by LDH and the Department of Education, was reported favorably. HB 223, which recreates DCFS, was amended to shorten the sunset date and require law enforcement reporting through a secure web platform, then reported favorably. HCR 28, creating a task force on school nurse orientation and training for new graduates, was reported favorably after testimony from school nurses about the lack of standardized orientation and the risks of placing inexperienced nurses alone in schools.
The committee also took up HB 469, which would allow pharmacy license renewal applicants to designate a portion of fees to eligible schools including Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy; after opposition from Senator Cloud and a roll call, the bill was deferred. HB 1182, a cleanup bill changing the occupational therapy certifying entity and adjusting fees, and HB 1076, eliminating one of two sunset provisions for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board, were both reported favorably. HB 1216, a major rewrite of clinical laboratory personnel rules, was deferred after concerns that it would restrict existing phlebotomy and lab functions in ways that could conflict with recent law. Finally, HB 457 and HB 616, both by Representative Knox and focused on homelessness, drew extensive testimony: HB 457 established minimum standards for shelters and similar facilities and was reported favorably as amended, while HB 616 would allow audits of homelessness-related funding and databases; after debate over privacy, federal funding oversight, and accountability, the committee adopted an amendment changing enforcement language from "may" to "shall" and continued hearing testimony from opponents and supporters.