Video & Transcript Research : 'native forests'

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AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

ALC-PEER Jun 16th, 2026

ALC-PEER

Transcript Highlights:
  • Department of the Interior to restore and maintain 4,000 acres in the Ozark National Forest.
  • They have a grant from the USDA Forest Service for the Pine to Hardwood Reforestation cost-share program
Keywords: 1204, all
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE Apr 28th, 2026

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • They have a grant from the USDA Forest Service to strengthen wildfire response and preparedness capabilities
  • They have a grant from the USDA Forest Service to strengthen the capacity of state and local fire protection
Summary: The committee heard a series of appropriation requests and contract reviews across multiple sections. In Section B, members approved temporary appropriations for the Court of Appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics, and Insurance-related payments and refunds. Section C ARPA requests from DHS were approved to return unused federal funds. Section D infrastructure-related appropriations, including wildfire preparedness, broadband BEAD funding, forestry support, recycling, and oil and gas sample preservation, were approved after questions about broadband audit controls and performance safeguards. Section E DHS reallocations were approved, including large transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical to private and public nursing home lines, along with smaller transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services; members asked about the source and purpose of the medical services transfer. Sections F and G were reviewed, covering cash fund requests, federal grants, and miscellaneous grants, including community college storm repairs, corrections commissary and maintenance, 911 enhancements, maternal health, disability determinations, state police equipment, digital newspaper archiving, and CDL data improvements. In Section H, the committee reviewed pay plan appropriations and performance fund transfers tied to the new Class and Comp pay plan. Section I reviewed three methods of finance for UA Little Rock, UAMS, and the University of Arkansas system. In Section J, the committee reviewed discretionary grants, including a $1.4 million HIV services grant and nine tobacco prevention subgrants through UAPB. Members questioned the effectiveness, metrics, and addresses of some tobacco-cessation arts-based grantees, especially Arts Absolutely Inc.; after discussion, Representative Kavanaugh moved to expunge the vote on J2 and refer it back for review at a later ALC meeting, and that motion passed. J3, a Department of Energy and Environment grant for propane safety training and e-waste recycling services, was then reviewed. The committee also reviewed contracts in Section K. K-1 ratified emergency management nuclear planning work performed during a transition between agencies. K-2 construction contracts included architectural and engineering services for corrections, National Park College signage, a Razorback Road parking facility, and UAMS cyclotron installation. K-3 intergovernmental contracts covered health, education, autism waiver, stroke, newborn screening, Medicaid evidence review, and radiation testing services. K-4 out-of-state contracts included staffing, IT, tobacco prevention, audit, marketing, planetarium, recruitment, and janitorial services; Senator Irvin noted one contract appeared to belong in the out-of-state list rather than intergovernmental. K-5 in-state contracts covered staffing, cleaning, re-entry and treatment services, foster care and disability services, hearing officers, asbestos abatement, campus IT support, and janitorial work. The meeting ended after a brief personal update from Senator Irvin about tornado damage in Stone County and thanks to members for their concern, followed by adjournment.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Community Affairs Jan 20th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our focus is on working agricultural lands, ranch land, farmland, and forest land.
  • Our focus is on working agricultural lands, ranch land, farmland, and forest land.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of bills, mostly local claims and growth-management or permitting measures. SB 16, SB 14, and SB 24 were uncontested claims bills providing relief for injuries or damages involving the City of St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade County; each was described as settled or favorably reported by a special master, and each was reported favorably without debate. SB 288, a negotiated bill on rural electric cooperatives, was presented as a clarification to protect co-op authority over generation and power purchases while preserving consumer protections; it drew support from industry stakeholders and was reported favorably. SB 830 created a public-records exemption for certain local administrators and their families’ personal information, citing threats against city managers, and it also passed favorably. The committee also considered several land-use and permitting bills. SB 1138 would create a registry of qualified professionals to conduct pre-application review for plats and development, aiming to reduce delays and backlogs; local government groups raised concerns about preemption and preserving quasi-judicial authority, but the bill passed favorably with one no vote. SB 168 expanded public nuisance law to include gambling houses, increased penalties, and authorized attorney’s fees and foreclosure of unpaid fees; it was reported favorably. SB 686 revised the agricultural enclave statute to create a public-hearing process for certain residential projects in urban service areas, with a sunset date later amended to June 30, 2026; conservation and planning groups raised concerns about local planning authority and public participation, but the bill passed favorably. SB 548, a growth-management and impact-fee cleanup bill, clarified plan-based methodology, extraordinary circumstances, interlocal agreements, and refund procedures for impact fees. Local government and development stakeholders testified that it would improve predictability while preserving flexibility, though some sought further refinement on fee increases and refunds; the bill was amended and then reported favorably. SB 1234 addressed building permits and inspections, including permit validity, small-project exemptions, temporary hurricane protection, standardized permit forms, and expanded use of private providers; county officials objected to reduced oversight, while builders and private-provider advocates supported the measure. After testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Jones requested to be recorded on several votes, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS Senate Floor - 14 January, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • On behalf of my colleagues from Lamar County and Forest County, we have some mayors here with us this
  • On behalf of my colleagues from Lamar County and Forest County, we have some mayors here with us this
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Brother Justin Cheney of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, and then adopted routine motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and the titles of bills and resolutions. Several guests were introduced and welcomed, including Dr. Brianna Herd Pinho and a student shadowing her, multiple mayors and local officials from around the state, and several groups of gifted students, teachers, and parents visiting the chamber. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2016, which creates the Mississippi Department of Tourism. The bill transfers tourism-related powers, duties, property, contracts, staff, and obligations from the Mississippi Development Authority’s tourism division to the new department effective July 1, 2026. It also establishes an executive director, authorizes grant programs and tourism promotion efforts, creates a state treasury fund for the department, and forms a Mississippi Tourism Association Marketing Advisory Board. The bill’s sponsor said the change would better support an industry that brings significant revenue and goodwill to the state and requested passage by use of the morning roll call. No objections were raised, and the bill passed. Afterward, the Senate completed its calendar and moved to announcements. Senator Frasier announced a 3:30 p.m. meeting of the community colleges and workforce subcommittee of Appropriations, and Senator Younger noted a Highways and Transportation meeting after adjournment. The presiding officer also reported that about 1,128 bills had been filed for drafting, with roughly 300 already allocated, and the Senate then agreed to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m. or until the last committee report was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • centers around the state, $257 million for wildfire suppression areas, crafted through the Texas A&M Forest
  • Service, and $192 million to ensure the backlog of requests to the Texas A&M Forest Service Volunteer
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • created a Sierra Blanca Regional Task Force for economic diversification in our communities after the forest
  • make some money off of it, that'd be great because what we're trying to do is start thinning the forest
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 18 March, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ladies and gentlemen, this is the appropriation for the Board of Registration for Foresters.
  • Jud B will meet today at 1:30 in room 113. >> Announcements by the members. >> Gentleman from Forest,
  • >> Gentleman<01:23:01.199> from<01:23:01.360> Forest,<01:23:01.840> Mr.
  • >> Gentleman from Forest, Mr. Bird. >> Gentleman from Forest, Mr. Bird.
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through routine organizational business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the journal reading, and introducing pages and several visiting groups. Recognitions included the Calhoun City High School Wildcats for winning the 2025 Class 1A state championship, the Florence High School girls soccer team for winning the Class 5A state championship, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, a Kosciusko-Attala business delegation, an empowerment group from Oxford, a pediatrician of the day, law enforcement leaders, and other guests. The chamber also adopted House Resolution 63 honoring the House softball team for winning the Battle of the Tombigbee. The main floor action centered on concurrence or conference motions on several bills. The House concurred in HB 1404, HB 1546, HB 1577, HB 1265, HB 895, HB 1923, HB 1937, and HB 1940, with votes ranging from near-unanimous to 99-14 and 108-8; HB 895 was amended by unanimous consent to correct a line reference. Members explained that HB 1404 added knowingly/willfully/unlawfully language, HB 1546 shortened the human-trafficking expungement period from five years to three, HB 1577 adjusted false-claims reporting language, HB 1265 removed a repealer from the Debt Management Services Act bill, HB 895 restored 12-month card validity and a two-year caregiver license period for the cannabis bill, HB 1923 funded the Athletic Commission at $174,000, HB 1937 finalized the Library Commission budget, and HB 1940 was a large deficit/appropriations bill covering settlements, public safety headquarters construction, MIMA grants, court support, DHS software, health litigation expenses, and student aid. The House also voted to invite conference on a number of bills, including HB 1390, HB 1651, HB 1649, HB 1653, HB 1654, HB 1752, HB 1648, HB 1934, HB 1935, HB 1936, HB 1938, HB 925, HB 1640, HB 1927, HB 1928, HB 1929, HB 1930, HB 1931, and HB 1924. During debate on HB 1940, members questioned the need for outside counsel and the size of legal and settlement costs, especially for Jackson water litigation; the sponsor said the Attorney General sometimes needs specialized outside attorneys. The bill ultimately passed concurrence, and the chamber continued with additional introductions and recognitions after the major votes.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

October 14, 2025 - 11:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • NOT ALL NON NATIVE SPECIES ARE CONSIDERED INVASIVE.
  • IN INVASIVE SPECIES OCCURS OUTSIDE OF IT'S NATIVE RANGE AND CAUSES OR IS LIKELY TO CAUSE ECOLOGICAL OR
  • IN THE STATE NON NATIVE SPECIES ARE RELINQUISHED WITH A HIGHER FREQUENCY THAN OTHERS AND NON NATIVE REQUIRE
  • THEY ARE THREATENED SPECIES NATIVE TO FLORIDA.
  • PLANTS THAT ARE IMPACTING THE NATIVE GRASSES THAT SUPPORT MANATEES.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on Tribal Relations, January 28, 2026

Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • here because there's a lot of non-native here because there's a lot of non-native kids<00:16:17.360
  • big drum and they tied up our Native big drum and they tied up our Native American<00:36:26.960>
  • :40:36.399> American federal programs and Native American federal programs and Native American
  • non-Native students.
  • So I'm one of the members of the native So I'm one of the members of the native native<04:08:06.000
Keywords: 916, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It restores stable, reliable funding to rural counties that host federal forest by reauthorizing the
  • It restores stable, reliable funding to rural counties that host federal forest by reauthorizing the
  • It restores stable, reliable funding to rural counties that host federal forest by reauthorizing the
  • It restores stable, reliable funding to rural counties that host federal forest by reauthorizing the
  • It restores stable, reliable funding to rural counties that host federal forest by reauthorizing the
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • But first up is the 520 Native American Language and Cultural Certification, and Natasha is our lead
  • for the opportunity. opportunity to present our policy brief on Senate Memorial 9 regarding the 520 Native
  • And I may have said this: are some of the schools teaching mostly in their native language?
  • Catherine's Native American School and have family up north too, and some of the Pueblos.
  • Who have native language instructors who can support this work as well. Thanks, Mr.
Keywords: 996, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/13/25

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • two-year Community College for Natives two-year Community College for Natives and<00:04:23.600><
  • It's 95% non-Native. The difference is you have to actively recruit and seek out qualified Natives.
  • <00:13:58.199> and<00:13:58.480> but native natives in the country and but native natives
  • Most of our students are Native American or Alaska Native.
  • <00:43:07.240> uh<00:43:07.359> we Native American or Alaska native uh we Native American
Keywords: 1183, house
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 6th, 2026 at 11:27 am

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • to support policies that respect tribal sovereignty and create opportunity for Native families and Native
  • to support policies that respect tribal sovereignty and create opportunity for Native families and Native
  • You don't just have to look Native American.
  • a basketball team together for Native...
  • And Native students.
Keywords: 996, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/28/2026)

Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, and it competes with native plants, eliminating biodiversity and other native species.
  • It does not grow in dense forests.
  • It does not grow in dense forests.
  • It does not grow in dense forests.
  • It does not grow in dense forests.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EIG-TCA, EIG Public Hearings 03-25-2025

Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, but we did feel like the list could improve, uh, as far as Native Hawaiian representation.
  • So, we're working with the Native Hawaiian Communications Firm, Pakai, to really find the appropriate
  • Um, but we did feel like the list could improve, uh, as far as Native Hawaiian representation.
  • So, we're working with the Native Hawaiian Communications Firm, Pakai, to really find the appropriate
  • So, we're working with the Native Hawaiian Communications Firm, Pakai, to really find the appropriate
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Committee on Transportation, Culture, and the Arts heard several resolutions, with most public testimony focused on Senate Concurrent Resolution 159 and Senate Resolution 129, which urge continued U.S. support for the Ukrainian military. Testimony on those measures was largely opposed, with witnesses arguing Hawaii should prioritize local needs such as homelessness, infrastructure, and cost of living over additional aid to Ukraine; one support testimony was noted from the Democratic Party of Hawaii. Despite the opposition, both committees recommended passage with technical, nonsubstantive amendments, and the recommendations were adopted. The committees also considered transportation-related resolutions. Senate Concurrent Resolution 182 and Senate Resolution 152 would initiate a summer streets pilot program, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 200 and Senate Resolution 180 would ask AMPO to coordinate a transportation management training program. Testimony on the summer streets proposal included support and opposition, with one witness saying community input should be gathered through existing district and community meetings rather than creating a pilot. The training-program measure drew opposition from a witness who argued it would add unnecessary bureaucracy. Both pairs were recommended for passage, with the summer streets resolutions passed unamended and the training-program resolutions passed with technical amendments. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee, Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 and Senate Resolution 14, concerning relocation of the Pearl City post office to Navy property, were recommended for passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Concurrent Resolution 136 and Senate Resolution 150, which call for a geothermal energy working group. Supporters included the State Energy Office, PUC, consumer advocate, and others, though the energy office asked to move the report deadline to 2027. Opponents raised concerns about cost, health impacts, environmental risks, and Native Hawaiian representation. The chair proposed amendments to add a Native Hawaiian member, the consumer advocate, and the House and Senate energy committee chairs, clarify participation by utility, geothermal, and nonprofit representatives, and extend the report deadline to 2027. The resolutions were then recommended for passage with amendments, and all recommendations were adopted before adjournment.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Tue Apr 1, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • around Native Hawaiian practices. around Native Hawaiian practices.
  • I we do just from our perspective as a Native Hawaiian health board would like to see the convenings
  • <00:20:36.880> traditional<00:20:37.280> native<00:20:37.600> Hawaiian native traditional
  • native Hawaiian native traditional native Hawaiian healers.<00:20:39.120> um<00:20:40.080>
  • from our perspective as a native from our perspective as a native Hawaiian<00:24:21.360> health
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held a resolutions hearing on April 1, 2025, and considered a series of measures largely focused on housing, domestic violence, corrections, Native Hawaiian issues, and public safety. Early items included HCR 158 HD1 and HR 153 HD1, which request a Judiciary-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions to increase housing supply; Hawaii Realtors testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 55 and HR 51 on studying the effectiveness of domestic violence, restraining order, and stalking laws. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said some requested data may exceed judicial authority but that useful Judiciary data exists, while the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the intent but urged broader, better-funded, survivor-inclusive analysis across all counties and islands. Members asked for clarification on the proposed draft, and the witness emphasized narrowing the scope, including stalking, and extending the timeline. The committee then took up HCR 23 HD1 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center. The Public Defender supported adding a courtroom but objected to language about transporting released detainees away from residential communities or public spaces as unconstitutional; the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the measure and said one multipurpose courtroom would be sufficient, and that most released inmates are picked up by family or programs, with others transported to a bus depot. HCR 174 HD1/HR 170 HD1, on in-school based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew strong support from Debt Free Justice Hawaii, which said the resolution was youth-led and could help replace fees and fines with community service and rehabilitation opportunities. HCR 185, on an audit of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices, received comments from Pāpa Lokahi supporting the concept but warning that reimbursement issues are complex, that the community should restart broader conversations, and that the measure should not be rushed or unfunded; members questioned whether the resolution was the right vehicle and whether it could affect ACA implementation. Several Native Hawaiian and community measures were also heard. HCR 147/HR 147, creating a legislative working group on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands funding, had support from DHHL and the Democratic Party of Hawaii. HCR 193 HD1/HR 186 HD1, on transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management to OHA, was strongly supported by OHA, which also proposed adding recognized lineal and cultural descendants to the working group membership; the committee noted multiple supporting testimonies and no opposition on the House draft. HCR 8/HR 8, urging DOJ inclusion of Hawaii in the missing and murdered indigenous persons outreach program, was supported by OHA, which cited a task force report showing Native Hawaiian women and girls make up over 40% of missing persons cases despite being about 10% of the population. HCR 124 HD1/HR 120 HD1 on Hawaiian language resources had no testimony. HCR 180 HD1 on collaborative homelessness response drew comments from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions and three support testimonies. HCR 72/HR 65 on county ethics standards also drew support only. HCR 100/HR 96 on competency in LGBTQ+ and culturally specific gender identity training received support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, which stressed the need for training that reflects Native Hawaiian and other Polynesian understandings such as mahu and fa’afafine. The committee continued with additional measures that were mostly noncontroversial. HCR 30/AHR 29 on enforcement against out-of-state vehicles had support from the Department of Transportation. HCR 43 HD1, studying highway patrol and speed cameras, had one opposition testimony. HCR 119 HD1/HR 115 HD1, endorsing Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, was supported by DBEDT. HCR 62 HD1 and HR 57, on flying the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia flag year-round at the Capitol, had no testimony, though DBEDT supported the related measure. Throughout the hearing, members generally asked few questions, and the transcript reflects testimony, comments, and stated positions rather than any final committee votes or deferred actions.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (01/08/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Forest Service has a rule and prohibits them within the alpine zone, ski areas, or within a quarter
  • of a mile of National Forest System road trails.
  • The Forest Service has a rule and prohibits them within the alpine zone, ski areas, or within a quarter
  • of a mile of National Forest System road trails.
  • of a mile of National Forest System road trails.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • But not all non native species are considered invasive.
  • species. ability to x-ray shipments for non native species.
  • Some non native species are Lancaster Rehomed higher frequency than others.
  • 1700 of the 7,000 requests to Rehome Non native pets.
  • And on Babcock, Webb WMA, but use can impact native native species such as gopher tortoises.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 21st, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Elementary, Tiffany Life, Claiborne Elementary, Kenyna Gilbert, Crestworth Elementary, Veronica Fincahane, Forest
  • Elementary, Tiffany Life, Claiborne Elementary, Kenyna Gilbert, Crestworth Elementary, Veronica Fincahane, Forest
  • Elementary, Shane Woods, Marydale Elementary, Kimberly Brabham, Northeast Elementary, Dmitria Thomas, Park Forest
Bills: SR134, SR135, SR136, SR137, SR140, SR141, SR142, SCR75, SCR77, SCR12, HB75, HB1199, HB221, HCR89, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, HCR58, HB9, HB177, HB181, HB198, HB202, HB223, HB225, HB387, HB398, HB457, HB459, HB540, HB591, HB616, HB766, HB775, HB783, HB797, HB895, HB906, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1052, HB1057, HB1076, HB1100, HB1139, HB1155, HB1160, HB1182, HB1186, HB1220, HB1222, HB1223, HB1224, HB1228, HB1231, HB1245, HB1256, SCR3, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB426, SB435, SB487, SB488, SB523, SB56, SB163, SB341, SB504, SB322, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR31, HCR47, HCR41, HB363, HB368, HB377, HB380, HB386, HB392, HB431, HB441, HB559, HB664, HB685, HB715, HB741, HB822, HB856, HB908, HB980, HB990, HB999, HB1010, HB1243, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1198, HB1246, HB27, HB143, HB205, HB259, HB267, HB288, HB308, HB403, HB405, HB414, HB417, HB478, HB546, HB548, HB555, HB557, HB609, HB670, HB672, HB740, HB779, HB786, HB796, HB812, HB848, HB915, HB917, HB921, HB930, HB933, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1187, HB1195, HB1230, HB316, HB511, HB799, HB1039, HB12, HB66, HB145, HB167, HB196, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB256, HB291, HB326, HB352, HB401, HB430, HB433, HB434, HB448, HB456, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1038, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB17, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB211, HB226, HB271, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB750, HB759, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1018, HB1036, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB441, SB449, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB149
Summary: The Senate met with 23 members present, opened with prayer and the pledge, and then took up a long calendar of resolutions and House bills. Early action included adopting numerous Senate resolutions, such as studies on the Upper Pontchartrain Basin, economic development boards, remote notarization, retirement system investments in China, and several commendations. The chamber also concurred in House Concurrent Resolutions on the Louisiana Maneuvers museum/trail study, roundabout education, plumbing code review, and economic ties with Taiwan, with most of these adopted unanimously or near-unanimously. A special recognition was also held for 2025-26 Teachers of the Year from Senate District 15. On the bill calendar, the Senate advanced a wide range of measures. Several bills dealt with education, public safety, and local government, including allowing virtual school students to participate in school activities, requiring mayoral training, updating rules for justice of the peace jurisdiction, and increasing penalties or fees in certain local matters. Other measures addressed health and human services, such as suicide prevention signage and 988 hotline placement on school IDs, Medicaid and provider payment rules, medical records fees for veterans, mental health protective custody procedures, and housing support for trafficking survivors. The chamber also passed bills on insurance, insurance-related venue rules, prompt payment to contractors, hazardous waste cleanup funding, and motor vehicle insurance requirements for out-of-state vehicles. The Senate also approved several criminal justice and public safety measures, including school threat penalties, autopsy photographs as evidence, impaired driving-related provisions, and restrictions on cell-cultured food products and labeling. Additional bills covered economic development and business regulation, such as wood pellet and brick manufacturing incentives, digital asset custody, CPA licensure pathways, and licensing for motor vehicle/recreational product dealers. Most bills were passed by wide margins, though a few drew notable opposition, including the constitutional and policy measures on gender/sex terminology, child custody arbitration, and the out-of-state vehicle insurance bill. Many bills were amended on the floor before final passage, and motions to reconsider were routinely laid on the table.