Video & Transcript : 'parish board of election supervisors' :
Page 59 of 500
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 26th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- They form their board of directors, which is like your councilman.
- My volunteer job is I'm the Board Chairman of Mission Heritage Partners.
- As Judge Simmons said, each of these four missions has a very active local Catholic parish.
- Chairman and members of the committee, as a member of the National Parks Conservation Association Board
- Furthermore, the adoption of Chapter 140 Local Government Code must be accomplished via an election,
Bills:
HB1583 , HB1775 , HB1832 , HB1836 , HB1837 , HB1866 , HB1983 , HB2029 , HB2217 , HB2318 , HB2363 , HB2486
Keywords:
mental health, emergency detention, peace officer, mental illness, prevention of harm, border security, private landowners, study and report, General Land Office, participation, controlled substances, opioid antagonists, law enforcement training, substance abuse prevention, Texas-Mexico border, criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, National Park Service, arrest powers
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight REVISED: SB1304 - Added Apr 15th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Health and Human Services Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- The Medical Board licenses and extracts supervise all licenses for several of our licensed professions
- Of changing, getting rid of the marijuana bonds that aren't working in lieu of a fee that would go into
- of this bill.
- Is it kept from inside of the Department of Mental Health?
- Would this bill allow that sort of testing and that sort of treatment to occur in the state of Oklahoma
Bills:
SB1983 , SB444 , SB1503 , SB1561 , SB592 , SB1501 , SB1946 , SB1567 , SB1833 , SB2026 , SB904 , SB2178 , SB1651 , SB1558 , SB1565 , SB1553 , SB1257 , SB65 , SB1749 , SB1242 , SB1642 , SB640 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1484 , SB1562 , SB1794 , SB1644 , SB1533 , SB933 , SB1555
Committee:
House Health and Human Services Oversight
Keywords:
SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions, foster parent recruitment, foster parent retention, private child-placing agency, Title 10A, Oklahoma
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- types of app.
- So I still have kind of a little bit of confusion.
- of Supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
- Appeals Commission, Thomas Rabenskopf, and David Woods, to the Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida
- Appeals Commission, Thomas Rabenskopf, and David Woods, to the Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Keywords:
virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, ADS-B, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, aviation, airports, airport fees, landing fees, departure fees, touch-and-go landing, general aviation, pilot privacy, airspace radius, aircraft tracking
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> um,</c><00:37:29.200><c> legal</c> many of you are aware of, um, legal many of you are aware of,
- room and board 6 months ahead<01:00:57.640><c> of</c><01:00:58.200><c> uh</c><01:00:58.280><c> the</
- So, the idea of kind of bypassing or kind of overstepping the work of this work group to kind of bring
- So, the idea of kind of bypassing or kind of overstepping the work of this work group to kind of bring
- > of</c> breakdown of kind of breakdown of kind of who's<01:34:04.760><c> all</c><01:34:04.920><c> there
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Because of the sensitive nature of the treatment method, this...
- its end-of-life date.
- of State funding the general election, and this is avoiding the Secretary of State needing to...
- And this is avoiding the Secretary of State needing to dip into the operating reserve after the election
- So just be aware of that. On the bottom of this page, this starts. Be aware of that.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
Keywords:
telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue and Fiscal Affairs May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- One of those is Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, Calcasieu Parish, and the state. ...is Orleans Parish
- , Jefferson Parish, Calcasieu Parish, and the City of West Monroe, where they can charge slightly higher
- Okay, the board is clear. What is the will of the committee on HB 593? Is there a motion?
- Okay, the board is clear. What is the will of the committee on HB. 593? Is there a motion?
- Okay, the board is clear. What's the will of the committee on House Bill 514?
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 11, 2026, approved the April 27 minutes, and then took up several House bills. HB 618, by Rep. McMakin, would update Louisiana Economic Development fees and filing charges by indexing them to inflation and allowing some discretion to waive or reduce fees for small businesses; it was reported favorable. HB 732, by Rep. Owen, drew extensive discussion because it combined two issues: temporary OMV relief for a hospice-related ID problem and a suspension of the new hybrid vehicle road usage fee. Members and the OMV commissioner raised constitutional and drafting concerns about waiving or eliminating obligations, and the committee discussed how newer vehicle classifications blur the line between electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. The committee ultimately reported HB 732 favorable, with the understanding that amendments and further work would be needed before floor action.
The committee also reported favorable on HB 217 and HB 214 by Rep. Henry, which would authorize local governments to grant property tax exemptions for the rehabilitation of blighted property and place the related constitutional amendment before voters. Testimony emphasized that the measure is permissive for local governments, applies only after a property is formally blighted and rehabilitated, and is intended to encourage redevelopment while preserving some tax revenue. Members discussed the exemption level, duration, and the need for clearer definitions of blight, but no objections were raised. HB 593, also by Rep. Henry, would raise the maximum service fee for OMV public tag agent offices statewide; the commissioner explained that many offices are locally operated and that the increase would help cover costs, and the bill was reported favorable.
Later, HB 514 and HB 961, by Rep. Foreman, were reported favorable. HB 514 would allow local governments, by referendum, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors who meet income and freeze requirements, with phased age-based eligibility steps; HB 961 would extend a similar concept to certain homesteads held in trust. Members discussed the optional local nature of the program and the need to avoid overly broad rules. HB 908, by Rep. Mina, would increase certain Secretary of State business services fees to support operations and system upgrades; agency officials said the fees had not been comprehensively adjusted since 2013 and remained below regional averages, and the bill was reported favorable. The committee then heard an informational update on the capital outlay bill from the Division of Administration, including the use of bundled projects for universities and DOTD, the status of P1/P2/P5 funding, and available cash capacity. Finally, HB 1010, by Rep. Deshotel, was reported favorable after brief discussion; it would require assessors to report property tax collections to the Louisiana Tax Commission for centralized public reporting.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- However, I also sit before you as a college professor, an elected member of the Lafourche Parish School
- I'm a resident of East Baton Rouge Parish.
- As you well know, many of you on this board voted in favor of passing this program two years ago.
- Your parish is a lot like the rest of my parishes. It's rural and a good community to be a part of.
- I'm the Executive Director of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, and I'm currently serving as the Board
Committee:
Senate Finance
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And the makeup of the board.
- In 2027, the DARS Board has five of its eight elected trustees up for election.
- We're deleting the language that the Board of Trustees adopt rules to administer the trustee elections
- We're deleting the language that the Board of Trustees adopt rules to administer the trustee elections
- which is stating the timelines of which the elections for the board members would consist of.
Committee:
House Retirement
Summary:
The Retirement Committee met on March 19, 2026, adopted prior meeting minutes without objection, and then heard a series of retirement-system bills. Representative Wiley presented three bills for the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Pension and Relief Fund: HB 33 would expand the back deferred retirement option program from four to five years for members with 35 years of service; HB 34 would allow certain members to retire at age 50 with an actuarially reduced benefit instead of waiting until 55; and HB 35 would allow up to 3% of employer contributions to be credited to the fund’s deposit account to help manage future costs and benefit increases. Witnesses for the sheriffs’ fund described its strong financial condition, including assets over $6 billion and a funded ratio above 90%, and said the bills were intended to reward long service, aid recruitment and retention, and provide flexibility in managing the fund. All three measures were reported favorably without objection.
Representative Baralt presented HB 15 and HB 47 for the Assessor’s Retirement Fund. HB 15 sets procedures for correcting administrative errors in benefit payments, including interest on underpayments and repayment terms for overpayments. HB 47 revises the fund’s cost-of-living increase rules and funding deposit account provisions; Baralt noted the system has no unfunded liability and that the changes are tied to pre-funded COLAs. Both bills were reported favorably without objection.
Representative Ilg presented HB 17, HB 18, and HB 19 for the District Attorneys’ Retirement System. HB 17 adds the Louisiana District Attorneys Association to the definition of employer and addresses reemployed retirees, with amendments removing a local funding restriction, requiring reporting of reemployed retirees, and adding a sunset in 2031. HB 18 staggers trustee elections so no more than two board seats are up in a year, and HB 19 removes references to the State Medical Disability Board because the system now works directly with physicians. All three bills were amended where applicable and then reported favorably.
Representative Bacala presented HB 8, HB 48, and HB 22. HB 8 allows legislative staff designated by the committee to attend executive sessions of state and statewide retirement boards for a term-based authorization. HB 48 allows Louisiana Supreme Court court criers commissioned with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office to participate in the Sheriffs’ Pension and Relief Fund, with amendments allowing an election between systems and clarifying employer responsibilities. HB 22 revises the Clerks of Court Retirement and Relief Fund’s COLA rules, raising the maximum COLA to 3% under certain funding conditions and tying increases to the fund’s deposit account; a technical amendment adjusted the timing language. All three bills were adopted favorably, with amendments where offered.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Kashyap Patel, of Nevada, to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice. Jan 30th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Only in that one of the members of the board has that LLC for his outside business. Andrew Ellis?
- that would have affected the outcome of the election.
- Did you say in February of 2021 that the election stuff was never my job and I stayed out of that stuff
- And we have had a peaceful transfer of power here in very contested elections.
- Senator, millions of Americans express concern going back to multiple elections over election integrity
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget 3rd Reviion: SB1427 added to agenda Apr 21st, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- I was unaware of that.
- Just for a couple of points of clarification, currently, the battery portion of this language is essentially
- of manufacturing and generation.
- SB1360 is a numeracy bill for the Department of Education. For questions. This was part of this.
- Also, we have increased the obligations of the board to have to meet regarding regulatory enforcements
Bills:
SB44 , SB237 , SB248 , SB985 , SB1204 , SB1239 , SB1307 , SB1360 , SB1390 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1427 , SB1428 , SB1732 , SB1832 , SB1859 , SB1989 , SB2018 , SB2143
Committee:
House Appropriations and Budget
Keywords:
sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, ad valorem tax, manufacturing facilities, exemption, battery energy storage, employment, payroll, state tax regulation, tourism, revolving fund, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, real property, fund management, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Technically, I only represent the land of Grand Isle and none of the water in Jefferson Parish.
- Tammany Parish, born and raised around the city of New Orleans.
- Tammany Parish, born and raised around the city of New Orleans.
- Tammany Parish, born and raised around the city of New Orleans.
- Bernard Parish instead of other coastal parishes with oyster men and oyster beds.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of coastal, seafood, wildlife, and environmental measures. House Bill 851 by Rep. Ilg, which adds intentional mass balloon releases to the gross intentional littering statute, drew support from agriculture, wildlife, and environmental groups because of impacts on livestock, wildlife, power lines, and waterways; members clarified it targets organized intentional releases, not accidental releases by children, and it was reported favorably. House Bill 652 by Rep. Broe adding a non-voting Department of Agriculture appointee to the Oyster Task Force was also reported favorably, as were House Bills 349 and 588 by Rep. Domain to expand the imported seafood safety fund’s uses and add oyster, crab, and finfish representation to the Seafood Safety Task Force. House Bill 721 by Rep. Kerner setting a 5:30 a.m. shrimp trawling start time in certain bays, House Bill 857 clarifying labeling rules for commingled imported and domestic seafood, House Bill 669 expanding state property use for Grand Isle oyster research, and House Bill 889 creating bulk tagging for oysters were each supported by industry and agency witnesses and reported favorably. House Bill 688 by Rep. Ogeron adding Atlantic tarpon to the definition of saltwater game fish was backed by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and fishing guides and was also reported favorably.
The committee spent significant time on House Bill 653 by Rep. Beham, which would require one of two United Commercial Fishermen appointees to the Oyster Task Force to be a St. Bernard Parish resident. Rep. Beham argued the parish deserves a guaranteed voice because of oyster industry impacts from freshwater intrusion and the BP spill, while opponents including the Oyster Task Force chairman said the parish-specific requirement would make vacancies harder to fill and should be worked out through the task force or by amending another bill. After debate, an amendment was adopted, but the bill itself ultimately received a favorable report. Testimony throughout the meeting emphasized the economic and cultural importance of Louisiana seafood, the need to combat imported seafood fraud, and the role of oyster cultivation and shrimping in coastal communities.
House Resolution 20 by Rep. McCormick, urging the Department of Conservation and Energy to study industrial water use from Caddo Lake, prompted a broader discussion about data centers and water withdrawals. Department witness Monique Edwards explained current state limits on regulating surface water withdrawals and said more authority may be needed for comprehensive water management; committee members asked for a future departmental presentation on data center water use. The resolution was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Sawyer moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Apr 7th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 3919 allows a board of county commissioners to establish by vote a five-member board of directors
- for the Free Fair Association, who are elected for a term of three years.
- One board member must be elected by each county commissioner's district, and the remaining two board
- A nine-member board, what we're finding is that a lot of the board members don't want to show up except
- If you look at the list of authors in the House, in This kind of reads like a who's who of experts of
Committee:
Senate Local and County Government
Keywords:
counties, county officers, education, training, sunset law, county purchasing, procurement practices, budget management, public accountability, emergency procurement, reverse auction, bidding process, competitive bidding, public procurement, city council regulations, public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- After I was elected but before I took office this term, some of the teachers complained to me that under
- This passed the State Board of Education with zero no votes.
- Madam Chair, members of the committee, my name is Kelly Curry, and I'm a member of the Advisory Board
- My name is Megan Gilbertson, and I'm with the Arizona Board of Regents.
- On behalf of Arizona's governing boards and students, we respectfully ask for your support of SB 1598
Keywords:
foreign relations, university governance, research security, international agreements, Arizona Board of Regents, interscholastic activities, student eligibility, criminal offenses, school district, youth sports, academic participation, conduct, planned communities, homeowners association, HOA, community documents, pet restrictions, dog breed restrictions, breed-specific ban, size limits
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here to brief you on House Bill 1823 that modifies provisions of the Transportation Improvement Board
- The board is composed of 21 members representing cities, counties, WSDOT, and other transportation-related
- For the record, I'm Ashley Probart, Executive Director of the Transportation Improvement Board, and as
- busy agency and elected officials like yourselves of the many ways that investments in increased rail
- busy agency and elected officials like yourselves of the many ways that investments in increased rail
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match, grant funding, transportation grants, county roads, city streets, transportation benefit district, urban county, small city program, active transportation, pedestrian, bicycle, bike routes, transit, public transit
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Mar 31st, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- I was assigned to the Committee on Bill of Rights and Elections to draft our new Bill of Rights for the
- And this was an opportunity of two of the largest companies in the world coming to Allen Parish, creating
- “We obtained information for expropriation cases in 49 of 64 parishes, as information from 15 parishes
- to say members of the community, community, neighbors, and friends of Livingston Parish in the state
- I'm a resident of Vernon Parish. Also one of the local fire chiefs down there.
Committee:
House Natural Resources & Environment
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Judge Adam Haney of the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court.
- The board is clear. Seeing no questions, what's the pleasure of the committee?
- courts, and the state-paid actual salary of the judge of the city courts and parish courts shall be
- That bill simply raises the jurisdictional amount in first and second parish courts of Jefferson Parish
- amount in 1st and 2nd Parish Courts of Jefferson Parish from $20,000 to $35,000.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary A
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I've had a number of conversations with my parish school board members, with my parish administration
- But I do know, I’ve spoken with the— I was an avid school board attendant in my parish, as a matter of
- I'm a native of East Feliciana Parish.
- Danzler Jr., East Feliciana Parish School Board; Pager Sims, East Feliciana Parish School Board; Richard
- Danzler Jr., East Feliciana Parish School Board; Pager Sims, East Feliciana Parish School Board; Richard
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
school safety, emergency operations plan, crisis management, active shooter, drills, training, classroom security, primary health services, behavioral health, school health providers, medical necessity, student health care, education, school week, instructional time, public schools, performance score, student athletes, cardiovascular health, sudden cardiac arrest
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce May 18th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It's allowing everyone to be part of 811, requiring everyone to be part of 811 except two parishes.
- The board can make a consent offer, an offer of judgment, essentially for the ending of a case.
- I'm the executive director for the cosmetology board. I would like to speak on behalf of our board.
- of different things, a lot of them parish-driven, a lot of them state-driven, or desires by parishes
- The governing authority of the parish, right? Yes.
Summary:
The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process.
The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended.
Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- However, I also sit before you as a college professor, an elected member of the Lafourche Parish School
- I'm a resident of East Baton Rouge Parish.
- As you well know, many of you on this board voted in favor of passing this program two years ago.
- As you well know, many of you on this board voted in favor of passing this program two years ago.
- Your parish is a lot like the rest of my parishes. It's rural and a good community to be a part of.
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The committee met for public testimony on the Finance budget, with the main discussion focused first on funding for disability services and then on the LA GATOR scholarship program. Several individuals testified in support of fully funding Families Helping Families and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), describing how advocacy, transition services, and direct support workers help people with disabilities access education, employment, and independent living. Witnesses urged the committee to preserve or increase state general funds to draw down federal matching dollars, and provider groups said current reimbursement rates and staffing shortages are leaving agencies in deficit, creating waitlists, overtime costs, and difficulty retaining workers. Committee members thanked the speakers and noted that the testimony would be used to compare the governor’s, House, and remaining budget requests.
The committee then heard extensive testimony in support of increasing funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program. Supporters included policy groups, school leaders, parents, and students who argued that the program expands educational choice, helps low-income and special-needs students find schools that fit their needs, and should be fully funded at the level of demonstrated demand. Speakers from Catholic and Christian schools said GATOR funding had helped students thrive academically and spiritually, but that shortfalls left many eligible students without awards, hurt kindergarten enrollment, and forced schools to raise private donations to cover gaps. Several witnesses emphasized that the program is not a zero-sum attack on public schools, but a way to let education dollars follow students.
A few committee questions focused on the fiscal impact and on whether choice programs improve outcomes without harming public schools. Testimony cited enrollment growth, parent demand, and data from other states to argue that school choice can improve student and parent outcomes and may also strengthen traditional public schools through competition. No votes or formal actions were taken during the public testimony portion of the meeting.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Wouldn't some of that information come out of board training? It could very well.
- I think the vice president of the Orleans Parish School Board is coming up here to sit at the table with
- I'm the vice president of the Orleans Parish School Board.
- The Orleans Parish School Board passes through 98% of its revenues to our charter schools.
- I just ask that you provide more power to the School Board of Orleans Parish to help them make the best
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 690 by Rep. Amedee, which would prohibit education agencies and vendors from contracting with foreign adversaries, foreign terrorist organizations, or their agents, and would apply to education service providers, vendors of educational products, and some schools. Supporters argued the bill would protect school tax dollars and prevent foreign influence, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, citing similar actions in Florida and Texas. Some members raised questions about due process, how ineligibility would be determined, and whether payments would stop before appeals were resolved. A technical amendment changing “terrorists” to “terrorist” was adopted, and HB 690 was reported as amended without objection.
The committee then took up HB 1078 by Rep. Freiberg, which would allow higher education institutions to offer standalone online courses, not just online programs tied to a degree, and to offer online programs even when there is no equivalent on-campus program. LSU officials said the bill would give flexibility for professional and workforce-related courses and certificates. Members asked about tuition-setting, prerequisites, and whether non-degree students could enroll. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
HB 113 by Rep. Phelps, which sought retroactive application of the uniform 10-point grading scale to students who were ninth graders in 2023-2024, drew significant concern. Members questioned fairness, inconsistency if only some districts could recalculate grades, and the fiscal impact of retroactivity. Phelps said he had intended to capture that cohort and was willing to work with the Department of Education, but after debate the committee voted 2-9 against reporting the bill, so the motion failed.
The committee also heard HB 632 by Rep. Spell on LA FIRST data sharing. The bill would streamline how student data is shared for the state’s longitudinal data system, and amendments were adopted to remove a five-year look-back and clarify data matching and de-identification. Members debated privacy, opt-out rights, and whether the bill should require or merely allow districts to participate; concerns were raised about sharing personally identifying information and the lack of clear opt-out protections. Rep. Carlson offered an amendment to change “shall” to “may,” but later withdrew it so the bill could be deferred for further discussion. Finally, HB 1132 by Rep. Carver, carried by Rep. Carlson, was introduced to expand lab school authorization within the University of Louisiana system; an amendment was offered to limit the change to new schools established after August 1, and discussion began on that amendment as the transcript ended.