Transcript Highlights:

• HOLDING BARRACKS AND IMPROVING RANGES AND FACILITIES THAT WE HAVEN'T SEEN IT COME TO CAMP BLANDING IN

Transcript Highlights:

• The Marine Barracks bombing killed 241 U.S. service members.
• Then on October 23rd, 1983, terrorists drove two truck bombs into our Marine barracks in Beirut, killing

Bills: HCR108 , HB3300 , HB7128 , HB7757 , HB7305 , HB7266 , HB7258 , HB7257 , HB3350 , HB4662 , HB5347 , HB8873

Keywords: HCR108, H. Con. Res. 108, War Powers Resolution, Lebanon, Lebanese Armed Forces, U.S. Armed Forces, hostilities, military withdrawal, troop removal, concurrent resolution, Congressional war powers, executive war powers, foreign policy, Middle East, diplomatic facilities, security cooperation, cease hostilities, military engagement, war authorization, non-authorization of force

Transcript Highlights:

• Building on that momentum, the Secretary of the Air Force has officially approved Jackson Barracks...
• Building on that momentum, the Secretary of the Air Force has officially approved Jackson Barracks as

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster. Laura Sori of the Department of Conservation and Energy said the agency has inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the earthquakes, found no permit violations, and is requiring monthly reporting of daily injection data. LSU and Tulane researchers explained that the swarm includes about 50 earthquakes detected by USGS since December 2025, including a 4.9 magnitude event on March 5, and that better monitoring is needed because Louisiana has very limited seismic station coverage. Dr. Cynthia Ebinger said her temporary array has detected more small quakes than USGS, that the pattern looks more like a swarm than normal aftershocks, and that the data suggest pressure changes in the subsurface, though no definitive cause was identified. Keith Hall of LSU described how other states responded to suspected induced seismicity with more monitoring, more frequent reporting, injection limits or moratoria, and “traffic light” systems that escalate regulatory responses as seismicity increases. Members asked about depths, fault locations, possible links to injection or fracking, and whether more monitoring and data-sharing should be pursued; several speakers said Louisiana likely needs a denser monitoring network and more structured data collection. A Texas geoscientist, William Berger, also testified that Texas uses large-scale data analysis and AI to study injection-related seismicity and argued for secure sharing of operator data to improve forecasting and risk management. The committee then took testimony on UAV and drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base. GOSEP said the incident was logged in WebEOC and the common operating picture, but that Barksdale did not request direct GOSEP resources and that the matter was handled through law enforcement channels. Louisiana State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose, but confirmed multiple drone sightings on the morning and evening of March 9 and continued monitoring for several days. State Police said they have created a task force with the Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs Association, GOSEP, and LSP, and that officers are receiving FBI-related training to help detect and, where authorized, mitigate drones. Members discussed whether the activity was nefarious, what counts as an incursion, and the need for better public education about drone restrictions near military and critical infrastructure sites. No formal action was taken, but members said the issue will continue to be tracked alongside pending legislation. Finally, the committee received a one-year update on the merger of GOSEP with the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department. Major General Thomas Freelieu and Brigadier General Jason Maffus said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, shifted administrative functions to the Military Department, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance. They said the agency has modernized its common operating picture, returned staff to in-person work, and continued statewide preparedness exercises. Freelieu highlighted Guard missions including cyber expansion, the new Air National Guard cyber squadron at Jackson Barracks, modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing, and ongoing support for homeland security missions in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Maffus said GOSEP’s core mission remains emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and that the merger is intended to make state support to parishes faster and more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• I could literally tell the person they had to move out of their on-base house and move into the barracks
• I could literally tell the person they had to move out of their on-base house and move into the barracks

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• You may recall there was a a missile from Iraq that hit the Army Reserve barracks in Duran, Saudi Arabia

Bills: HB39 , HB227 , HB930 , HB 1078 , HB39 , HB227

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration

Transcript Highlights:

• Troopers assigned to the F Troop barracks arrested two men in connection with separate criminal investigations
• /c><00:41:55.040><c> F</c> Troopers assigned to the F troop F Troopers assigned to the F troop F barracks
• 56.000><c> two</c><00:41:56.240><c> men</c><00:41:56.400><c> in</c><00:41:56.560><c> connection</c> barracks
• arrested two men in connection barracks arrested two men in connection with<00:41:57.119><c> separate

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Our facilities, even on the YRTC, you saw the older barracks versus a new one.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee held an invited-testimony hearing on LR 425, which examines the Whitehall campus in Lincoln and possible long-term options for youth currently served there. Chair Brian Hardin explained that Whitehall houses two separate programs for adolescent males: a substance use program and a youth-who-sexually-harm program. Testimony from DHHS officials described Whitehall as a Joint Commission-accredited psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) that provides about 40 hours of weekly programming, family involvement, school services, and community reintegration activities. Officials said the department is evaluating whether the programs should remain at Whitehall or move to another state-owned facility, with Hastings described as the department’s preferred alternative because it is more residential in design than a youth rehabilitation treatment center (YRTC).

Transcript Highlights:

• Our facilities, even on the YRTC, you saw the older barracks versus a new one.

Committee: Unicameral Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We lived in barracks on shelves, experiencing hunger beyond endurance.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, all of which were reported favorably by unanimous votes. The chair opened with remarks about student performance and assessment, then the committee took up House Bill 1111 by Rep. Valdes, which would eliminate the certificate of completion for students who do not meet standard high school graduation requirements. Supporters argued the certificate is a meaningless “participation trophy” that can mislead students and families, while the sponsor said students would instead be pushed toward additional support, concordance testing, or other pathways to a standard diploma. Members raised questions about effects on ESE students, timing, and alternative pathways; the bill passed 17-0. The committee next approved House Bill 921 by Rep. Overdorf, which adds cursive writing instruction for grades 2 through 5 and defines cursive proficiency. The sponsor and supporters said cursive has historical, cognitive, and fine-motor benefits and helps students read signatures and historical documents. The bill also passed 17-0. After a brief recognition of visiting students, the committee heard House Bill 423 by Rep. Bartleman, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to give parents written notice about which services in an IEP, 504 plan, ELL plan, or similar plan will be honored. Supporters framed it as a transparency and consumer-protection measure for families, especially those with children with disabilities; the sponsor emphasized it does not require private schools to provide specific services, only to disclose them. The bill passed 17-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 251 by Rep. Tendrich, which would recognize January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and public witnesses described rising antisemitism, the importance of remembrance, and the need for education about the Holocaust. Members from both parties shared personal reflections and support, and a survivor’s letter was read into the record. The bill passed 16-0. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted the committee had gone four-for-four on unanimous support and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our major barracks project a Novasel. Our major barracks project a Novasel.
• Our major barracks project a $113 million investment across the wire $113 million investment across the

Bills: HB10 , HB 12 , HB147 , HB1522 , HB422 , HB675 , HB204 , HB748 , HB912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature provided $20 million last biennium that resulted in the construction of three barracks
• The legislature provided $20 million last biennium that resulted in the construction of three barracks
• This next request for $34.7 million would pay for the construction of four barracks, a dining facility
• The legislature provided $20 million last biennium that resulted in the construction of three barracks
• And this next request for $34.7 million would pay for the construction of four barracks, a dining facility

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools. Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees. DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.

Transcript Highlights:

• there is no duty officer, then we've got to figure out, okay, so we need to call the State Police barracks
• the state out okay so we need to call the state police<01:27:38.159><c> bar</c><01:27:38.560><c> barracks
• in</c><01:27:39.040><c> the</c><01:27:39.199><c> right</c><01:27:39.360><c> town</c> police bar barracks
• in the right town police bar barracks in the right town over<01:27:40.159><c> that.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Enlisted barracks and the Military Housing Privatization Initiative require greater oversight to meet

Committees: Senate Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities , Senate Subcommittee on Seapower , Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces , Senate Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations

Summary: The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• The quest for racial equality extended far past the barracks or on the battlefield.
• The quest for racial equality extended far past the barracks or on the battlefield.
• racial equality extended far<07:50:02.878><c> past</c><07:50:03.200><c> the</c><07:50:03.440><c> barracks
• </c> far past the barracks far past the barracks or<07:50:05.120><c> on</c><07:50:05.280><c> the</c><

Bills: HB1531 , HB6644 , HB3190 , HB3390 , HB3682 , HB5616 , SB3705

Keywords: Taiwan, China, banking organizations, financial regulators, national security, Burma, sanctions, foreign relations, accountability, economic oversight, military accountability, discount window, Federal Reserve, Federal Reserve Act, Board of Governors, liquidity, bank liquidity, emergency lending, lender of last resort, financial stability

Transcript Highlights:

• First Responders Day of Gratitude and Remembrance, Juneteenth Day, Purple Heart Day, Beirut Marine Barracks

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, a Pre-born Day of Rights proclamation, and a tribute to retired public servant Carmen Green Smith. The chamber also welcomed various guests and groups in the gallery, including Arizona Right to Life, Reproductive Freedom for All, a doctor of the day, schoolchildren, and community visitors. A motion to suspend the rules and immediately advance SB 1396 on contraception rights failed by a vote of 12 ayes to 16 nays. The Senate then considered House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brad Brower, adopted it unanimously, observed a moment of silence, and transmitted the resolution to the House. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2072, HB 2307, and HB 2874. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal/renaming debate, drew extensive floor debate over a Miranda amendment to rename the day for farm workers; that amendment failed 12-15, and the bill was ultimately advanced as amended by the committee’s striker/repeal language. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility process, received committee and floor amendments and was advanced as amended. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and contributions, also received committee and technical floor amendments and was advanced as amended. On final third readings, HB 2874 passed 18-11 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House. HB 2307 passed 27-2 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House, with supporters emphasizing public safety and the emergency clause. HB 272 passed after a lengthy and contentious debate over whether to repeal or rename the holiday associated with César Chávez and the farm worker movement; supporters of repeal cited allegations against Chávez and the need for accountability, while opponents argued the holiday should preserve recognition of farm workers and the movement’s history. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report and assigned the bills accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• designated parking area, front steps, patios, Capitol annex building, Capitol gardens, and Pentagon Barracks

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on March 24, 2026, and heard a series of bills, with members generally expressing support for measures aimed at public safety, corrections, and criminal procedure. The committee first amended and reported HB 957, which removes the 72-hour advance notice requirement for sheriffs transferring prisoners, while adding notice to the prosecuting authority as well as the court. Testimony from the Louisiana Sheriffs Association said the change would help with overcrowding and security-related inmate moves, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then heard HB 106, which prohibits giving children non-prescription melatonin without parental consent. After debate over whether consent should be written, the committee rejected an amendment requiring prior written consent, but adopted a broader amendment making the bill apply to any person rather than only child care centers. Testimony from Gretna Police Chief Brett Lawson described a case involving a nanny and a one-year-old child, and child care representatives said licensed centers already require parental consent forms. HB 106 was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 111, which adds associate’s degrees to the existing sentence-reduction credits for incarcerated people who complete higher education programs; DOC said the programs are accredited and monitored, and supporters framed the bill as part of workforce reentry. Several other bills were advanced. HB 64 clarifies that judges may recall arrest warrants and requires notice to law enforcement when a warrant is recalled; former Rep. Joe Marino testified in support, describing problems with old or mistaken warrants remaining active. HB 53 adds certain gambling offenses as predicate acts under Louisiana’s racketeering law, with the Attorney General’s office citing illegal gambling operations and prison-based gambling rings. HB 152 updates the state controlled dangerous substances schedules to match federal changes, adding 13 opioids. HB 102 creates second-degree cruelty to elderly persons and persons with infirmities, with amendments adding the offense as a predicate felony and refining the penalty and affirmative-defense language; the bill drew emotional testimony from advocates and family members describing abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, and it was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported HB 137, which strengthens penalties for threats against schools and adds a civil cost component for false threats; the Speaker Pro Tem said the bill is meant to deter school threats and reduce disruption and emergency response costs. HB 57 was reported favorably to clarify that courts may consider criminal histories in ex parte temporary restraining order proceedings. HB 337 increases from two to four the number of special charitable bingo events allowed each year for licensed nonprofits. Finally, HB 100 was substantially amended so that driving 100 mph or more is treated as reckless operation rather than a new felony speeding offense, and HB 155 expands the prohibition on unlawful drone use to additional Capitol grounds locations; both were reported favorably as amended. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures favorably, with several bills supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups and a few receiving limited opposition or informational cards.

Bills: HR192 , HR193 , HR194 , HCR80 , HCR81 , HCR82 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HCR85 , HR188 , HR189 , HR190 , HR191 , SB134 , SB140 , SB281 , SB331 , SB384 , SB389 , SB415 , SB451 , SB458 , SB479 , SB504 , SB523 , HR38 , HR96 , HR160 , HCR31 , HCR61 , SCR19 , HB316 , HB549 , HB578 , HB646 , HB748 , HB798 , HB824 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1032 , HB1081 , HB1108 , HB1129 , HB1140 , HB1157 , HB1186 , HB1192 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1222 , HB1244 , SB73 , SB89 , SB128 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB238 , SB318 , SB340 , HB225 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HCR32 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB267 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB478 , HB610 , HB617 , HB745 , HB749 , HB752 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB896 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1166 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1207 , HB1218 , HB1223 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , SB256 , HB911 , HB306 , HB366 , HB1161 , HB1230 , HB59 , HB481 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1003 , HB1008 , HB1112 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB181 , HB1118 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB458 , HB459 , HB525 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB864 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1058 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234 , HB1240

Keywords: ACOG, maternal health, healthcare professionals, patient-physician relationship, obstetrics, gynecology, condolences, military service, veteran, community, memorial, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, property rights, carbon dioxide sequestration, expropriation, Landowner Bill of Rights

Transcript Highlights:

• where they were, or roadside, that they would have to go back presumably to a station or a troop barracks
• station<03:58:26.479><c> or</c><03:58:26.720><c> a</c><03:58:26.880><c> troop</c><03:58:27.120><c> barracks
• </c><03:58:27.520><c> or</c><03:58:27.680><c> somewhere</c> station or a troop barracks or somewhere
• station or a troop barracks or somewhere there<03:58:28.080><c> to</c><03:58:28.319><c> be</c><03:58:

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• That is purported to have happened in the barracks in Troop C.
• that is purported to have happened in that is purported to have happened in the<00:41:27.599><c> barracks
• </c><00:41:29.440><c> We</c><00:41:29.680><c> also</c><00:41:29.920><c> learned</c> the barracks in troop
• We also learned the barracks in troop C.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Contrast that with the conditions our military service members faced during the same time: moldy barracks
• </c><05:04:08.480><c> Moldy</c><05:04:09.040><c> barracks,</c><05:04:09.920><c> sewage</c> the same time
• Moldy barracks, sewage the same time.
• Moldy barracks, sewage overflows,<05:04:11.200><c> and</c><05:04:11.440><c> rodent</c><05:04:12.160><

Bills: HR377