Transcript Highlights:

• If the company is committing fraud, there are certainly mechanisms that the federal government and the
• Chair, Representative, it's certainly a concern, but I can assure you that, you know, there are mechanisms
• And if we struck, if we follow my amendment, which strikes most of the regulatory mechanisms, we’re simply
• So we will continue to allow the recorders and the Secretary of State to operate in law, no mechanism
• for ensuring consensus, with provisions for handling deadlock, which Michigan does have, by the way.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard an extended presentation and discussion on Arizona higher education research security, focused heavily on Arizona State University’s foreign funding, international partnerships, and alleged ties to Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research collaborations, especially those involving the Chinese “Seven Sons” universities, and said the committee would pursue a congressional referral and other federal review. A strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 was described but then withdrawn; the underlying SB 1327 was then taken up as a companion measure requiring ABOR to adopt university research security policies and submit annual reports on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000. The committee heard testimony in support from Marina Macklin, who said the bill would help protect dual-use and defense-relevant research from being funneled to China’s military ecosystem, and she answered questions about biosecurity, semiconductors, AI model theft, and election systems. After debate, SB 1327 was approved on a 4-2 vote, with Delos Santos and Marquez voting no and Colloden, Powell, and the chair voting yes; the chair stated his support was to keep missile, armor, guidance, and other technology safe from the Chinese government. The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans’ consumer-protection bill regulating private companies that help veterans file disability claims. The bill would prohibit unaccredited persons from preparing, presenting, or prosecuting veterans’ benefits matters, require service agreements to be filed with the Attorney General, cap compensation, ban certain practices such as overseas call centers and in-house doctors, and create consumer-fraud enforcement authority. Sponsor Sen. Gallin said the measure was intended to add guardrails for veterans and prevent bad actors from taking excessive fees or misleading claimants. Testimony from Veterans Guardian representatives supported the bill as a way to create transparency and preserve veterans’ choice while regulating the industry; they said many veterans seek private help after unsuccessful attempts with free services and that the bill would not eliminate competition. Opponents and skeptical members questioned whether the bill would effectively legalize one business model while restricting others, whether the contingent-fee structure was consumer-friendly, and whether the companies were engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The discussion also referenced prior federal and state litigation involving similar laws and the possibility of future federal accreditation reform. The transcript ends during continued questioning on SB 1803, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:21.280><c> University</c> Agricultural and Mechanical University Agricultural and Mechanical
• Senate Confirmation Number 98, appointing Tracy Doughty to the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
• Briggs to the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees, receives a favorable
• 00.440><c> with</c><01:16:00.640><c> us</c><01:16:01.000><c> and</c><01:16:01.160><c> so,</c> any consensus
• to work with us and so, any consensus to work with us and so, you<01:16:01.960><c> know,</c><01:16:02.080

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine business including excusing absent senators, adopting the prior journal, and recognizing several guests in the gallery. The chamber also paused to honor Dr. Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, with a Senate resolution commending him as the Alabama Education Association’s 2025-26 outstanding superintendent of the year. Senator Smitherman and Dr. Sullivan both spoke, with Sullivan highlighting Birmingham’s academic gains, reduced failing schools, and lower chronic absenteeism. The Senate then processed a series of House messages and confirmations. It concurred in SB 288 on agriculture authorities and SB 317 on the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services, but non-concurred and sent SB 174 on natural resources and SB 32 on solid waste collection fees to conference. The chamber confirmed numerous appointments, including Rex Jones, William Donahue, Jim Massey, Jason Windham, Alexander Atwater, Charles Dean, Steve McKinnon, Bonnie Temple, Shaniqua Johnson-Enam, Dwayne Jenkins, Troy Skipworth, Gloria Watts, Tracy Doughty, Kevin Ball, Joe D. Briggs, Josh Bryant, Dylan Turk, David R. Pruitt III, and Carol Smitherman, with most confirmations passing on near-unanimous rolls. Committee reports advanced several House bills, including favorable reports on HB 224, 591, 614, 609, 444, 248, 611, 622, 92, and 556, with HB 248 amended. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the University of Alabama women’s wheelchair basketball team for winning the 2026 national championship, and another resolution recognizing the seriousness of the national debt and urging Congress to establish regular budget order. A resolution honoring retired Brigadier General Vandiver H. Carter as the 2026 Marion Military Institute Alumnus of the Year and a resolution commending John R. Cooper were also adopted. In local legislation, the Senate passed HB 635 for Choctaw County, HB 639 for Escambia County, SB 10 for Tuscaloosa County, HB 315 for class one municipalities after adopting a committee substitute and a friendly amendment, and HB 404 for class one municipalities. Finally, the Committee on Rules reported and the Senate adopted a special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing a wide range of bills for priority consideration, including measures on solar power facilities, homestead exemptions, education, guardianships, tax increment districts, legal tender, college tuition, crime victims compensation, motor vehicles, entertainment industry issues, campus chaplains, tax abatements, alcoholic beverage producers, data privacy, constables, insurance, municipal audits, income tax, public high schools, taxation, state health planning, and University of Alabama matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• But any mechanism by which to avoid the committee process is not a good idea.
• But any mechanism by which to avoid the committee process is not a good idea.
• But any mechanism by which to avoid the committee process is not a good idea.
• You know, so so the the mechanism<01:15:25.640><c> that</c><01:15:25.800><c> occurs</c><01:15:26.280>
• <c> now</c><01:15:26.640><c> is</c> mechanism that occurs now is mechanism that occurs now is a<01:15

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think the best-case scenario, in my opinion, is to work in a manner to get broad-based consensus
• We're meeting to lay out the mechanics of what a constitutional convention would be under the premise
• What I do believe is we do have mechanisms in place that, in the event that you got a call from a constituent
• I have a mechanical engineering degree from Mississippi State University.
• But either the law, either the situation, or mechanisms in place make it almost impossible, or, for lack

Summary: The committee first approved the May 20 minutes and then advanced HCR 95, which would create a more uniform tax base for future state and local tax exemptions and credits, requiring a two-thirds vote of both chambers to deviate from that uniformity. HB 648 was deferred by the author. HB 1049, dealing with public meeting procedures and notice requirements, was amended after discussion with the Police Jury Association, school boards, and local government groups; the amendments removed a requirement for a lawyer at every meeting and clarified notice and posting language, and the bill was reported with amendments despite opposition from local government associations and the City of Baker. The committee then heard HB 615, which would expand livestreaming and two-year archiving requirements to more public bodies, including non-elected boards and commissions with taxing or rulemaking authority. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure, while local government and association witnesses argued it would impose an unfunded mandate, especially on small volunteer boards, and raised concerns about costs, staffing, record retention, and reliance on social media platforms. The bill was not advanced. HB 1201, as amended, would provide legislators reimbursement for travel and limited out-of-session expenses, including housing and mileage, beginning with the next term; members discussed the need to make public service more financially feasible and to broaden who can afford to serve. The committee reported HB 1201 with amendments. The committee also considered two constitutional convention-related bills. HB 244 would set guardrails for any future convention by capping delegates at 144, specifying delegate selection, requiring a two-thirds delegate vote to send proposals to voters, and requiring both a majority of voters and approval by three-fourths of the parishes for ratification; after debate over whether the parish threshold was too high, the bill was reported favorably on a roll call vote. HB 4, as amended, was narrowed to require the Senate and House Governmental Affairs committees to meet in the off-season to discuss the mechanics of a possible convention, but members viewed it as more of a study resolution than binding legislation, and the committee voted to keep it in committee. The meeting then moved to confirmation hearings. Courtney Myers, nominated for Deputy Secretary for the Office of Juvenile Justice, and Ernest Jacob Reade Jr., nominated as Assistant Secretary, testified about their backgrounds and priorities, emphasizing juvenile rehabilitation, education and vocational programming, mental health services, credible messengers, family contact, and better communication with legislators and families. Nathan McBride, nominated as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality, testified about his engineering and government affairs background and said he would focus on legislative work, waste tire management, permitting modernization, and constituent service.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there are a lot of mechanisms in other states to try to address these things.
• I believe there's consensus that they have been, and they have been making up the deficit that had been
• I will say I'm not happy about the mechanism.
• I continue to hope that you consider a different mechanism. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• And, Representative, what I'll say that I like about this mechanism in particular is that it is based

Bills: HB99 , HJR5 , HM39 , HB206 , HB213 , SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: House House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 99, a medical malpractice reform measure. Sponsor Chair Chandler and Minority Leader Armstrong described months of stakeholder negotiations aimed at balancing patient compensation with concerns from physicians, hospitals, and insurers about litigation costs, punitive damages, and access to care. The committee substitute kept the existing monetary damage caps but changed several provisions, including definitions of “occurrence” and “value of medical care,” treatment of future medical expenses, a higher clear-and-convincing standard for punitive damages, a two-step process before punitive damages can be pled, and a lower punitive-damages cap for smaller providers versus a higher cap for large hospital systems. Supporters said the bill would help recruit and retain doctors and stabilize the malpractice market; opponents argued it weakens accountability, especially for corporate and out-of-state hospital systems, and several speakers urged a stronger amendment to preserve patient rights. After debate, the committee voted 10-0 to give the House Judiciary Committee substitute for HB 99 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 5, which would amend the state constitution to allow legislative compensation. Sponsors and supporters said paying legislators would make service more accessible to working people, parents, rural residents, and others without independent wealth, and would broaden representation. Several advocacy groups and individual commenters backed the proposal, while members raised questions about the pay formula, with the resolution tying compensation to the state median income. Some members supported the idea but preferred a salary commission or a different mechanism. The committee approved HJR 5 on a 7-3 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing House Memorial 39, which calls for a task force to study the current state of sexual assault examination kits and report on backlog progress. Sponsor Rep. Ferrari and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs explained that a prior task force a decade ago found more than 5,000 untested kits and led to policy changes, including the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights and a statewide tracking system. The memorial is intended to reassess whether backlogs remain and recommend further fixes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there's no mechanism to sanction that individual.
• Non-consensual exposure to another sex's genitalia or even sexual assault.
• This bill does not have the necessary mechanisms, this bill does not...
• The law enforcement mechanisms are traumatizing. Men are not held accountable to the law.
• This does nothing but give vaguely language, and no enforcement mechanism. It will only harm us.

Bills: SB240 , SB1183 , SB1184 , SB1577 , SB2043 , SB2051 , SCR42 , SJR68

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:16:07.440><c> tell</c> um as as well uh we mechanics tell um as as well uh we mechanics tell
• He added that there are very honest mechanics out there, but also less honest mechanics, and that some
• mechanic mechanic there's<03:25:17.160><c> a</c><03:25:17.359><c> complaint</c><03:25:17.800><c> line
• </c> same mechanic or the different mechanics same mechanic or the different mechanics within<04:29:20.600
• </c> caused by some some kind of a mechanical caused by some some kind of a mechanical failure<04:46:

Summary: The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles. Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules. Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• facility and were locked in there for several weeks, horrible things happened to them that were non-consensual
• Those young ladies' images, non-consensual images, are still up online and for all the world to see,
• ensuring a robust oversight and enforcement framework, including thorough public incident reporting mechanisms
• while most insurers voluntarily comply with actions proposed in the report, there's not a clear mechanism

Summary: The Senate began with a roll call, a moment of silence for the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The body then moved through gubernatorial appointments, confirming Julia Montgomery as General Counsel for the Agricultural Labor Relations Board and reappointing Dr. Cynthia Glover Woods, Dr. Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez to the State Board of Education, and George Cardona as Chief Trial Counsel for the State Bar. The Senate also heard a guest introduction welcoming Cal Lutheran University students, faculty, and staff to the gallery. The chamber then took up several resolutions, including SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Phobia, and Transphobia; SCR 129 designating part of Highway 152 as the Rusty Arraes Highway; SCR 169 proclaiming October 2026 as Women's Small Business Month; and SCR 173 designating May 2026 as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month. All of these resolutions passed, with members speaking in support of Arraes, women-owned businesses, and the public safety and community roles of fairgrounds. The Senate also passed a series of policy bills. These included SB 1154 on best-value procurement for community college public works, SB 1369 on judicial recall safeguards, SB 1106 shortening the data broker deletion timeline under the Delete Act, SB 1417 increasing transparency for mutual water companies, SB 1408 authorizing a future Contra Costa transportation sales tax measure, SB 1172 adding guardrails to local tax sharing agreements, SB 1383 protecting locally adopted labor standards in density bonus projects, SB 1371 barring waste haulers from suspending service during lawful labor disputes, SB 908 streamlining residential window replacement permits, SB 1361 limiting actions taken solely to avoid transit-oriented housing standards, SB 1014 requiring early fee and improvement estimates for housing projects, SB 1272 giving homeowners more time to fix preexisting code violations, SB 1406 targeting the Montana tax loophole, SB 1238 increasing HOA transparency and oversight, and SB 868 creating a plug-in solar framework. Most passed on largely party-line votes, with some Republican members objecting to labor-related or regulatory measures. Later in the day, the Senate approved additional health, education, privacy, and AI measures, including SB 950 on early-onset Alzheimer’s treatment coverage, SB 874 on Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment oversight, SB 1049 on correcting health plan claims, SB 1067 on early math screening, SB 1202 on Medi-Cal outreach amid federal changes, SB 944 on acupuncture coverage, SB 957 on notice for federal subpoenas to social media companies, SB 998 on discrimination prevention coordinators, and SB 1000 on AI content transparency. The final item shown, SB 1056 on protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims, was introduced with the author noting ongoing work on amendments, but the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've reached a consensus of having five factors focused on age, income, minority status, disability
• We've reached a consensus of having five factors focused on age, income, minority status, disability
• around how the new levels were determined, how that compares to other departments, what would be the mechanisms
• And once you're done with your assessment, I mean, obviously, what is the mechanism in which you then

Transcript Highlights:

• , providing definitions, establishing a competitive grant process, and incorporating a reporting mechanism
• As we can see with the opposition here today, there's no consensus that this is a fix.
• in good faith and work with all of the stakeholders and do our very best to come to some kind of consensus
• We appreciate the effort to modernize and streamline any reporting mechanisms, and we also appreciate

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> were not only non-consensual were not only non-consensual uh<01:08:51.920><c> as</c><01:08:52.159
• </c><01:20:33.120><c> It's</c><01:20:33.280><c> a</c><01:20:33.520><c> consensus</c> project process.
• It's a consensus project process. It's a consensus building<01:20:34.400><c> process.
• /c><01:20:40.880><c> through</c><01:20:41.120><c> the</c><01:20:41.280><c> project</c> could get consensus
• through the project could get consensus through the project teaming<01:20:41.840><c> process</c><01:

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• We had consensus. Everyone was happy with the product and we went home.
• We had consensus.<00:32:28.159><c> Everyone</c><00:32:28.559><c> was</c><00:32:28.720><c> happy</c><00
• :32:28.960><c> with</c><00:32:29.120><c> the</c> consensus.
• Everyone was happy with the consensus.
• So when I say it's just a degree, it goes all the way from statutory rape where it's consensual, but

Transcript Highlights:

• they're uncomfortable, but thinking that if we can identify some provisions where there is in fact consensus
• folks to do the same, and we'll see if there are questions that folks have or if there seems to be consensus
• </c> and see if there is a general consensus and see if there is a general consensus at<00:02:42.959>
• </c><00:03:10.080><c> with</c><00:03:11.120><c> uh</c> there seems to be consensus with uh there seems
• to be consensus with uh adoption<00:03:12.000><c> of</c><00:03:12.239><c> this</c><00:03:13.120><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, uh, we need consensus on this. No? All right, yeah, a motion. You got...
• Oh, by the way, would you also... could we agree by consensus that that motion is with respect to both
• </c><01:07:06.119><c> that</c><01:07:06.359><c> that</c> uh could we agree by consensus that that uh
• could we agree by consensus that that that<01:07:07.440><c> that</c><01:07:07.799><c> that</c><01:07:
• consensus consensus issue<01:17:51.360><c> and</c><01:17:51.600><c> and</c><01:17:51.840><c> and</c>

Summary: The subcommittee work session of the Education Policy and Administration Committee focused on House Bill 131 and House Bill 781, which were described as nearly identical bills addressing student cell phone use in schools. Members noted that HB 781 is an early bill and therefore needed committee action by Wednesday, while HB 131 did not face that deadline. The chair and members discussed the bills’ shared goal of requiring school boards to develop and adopt policies on student personal device use, with debate over whether the state should set minimum standards or leave more to local control. A major topic was funding. One member urged the committee to avoid creating an unfunded mandate and asked for some funding support, while others argued it was too early to commit money and that the committee should first establish the policy framework. The governor’s proposed funding was discussed, including a $1 million figure in the budget and a separate $250,000 amount referenced in the bill, but several members said the money would likely be insufficient to cover all students or pouch systems statewide. The committee also reviewed a handout reflecting proposed budget language that would require school boards to adopt policies on personal device use during the school day, with schoolwide implementation and exceptions for medical disability or language proficiency needs, and a DOE-administered grant program. Members spent considerable time on drafting details, especially deadlines and exceptions. They debated whether the bills should require school boards to “develop,” “adopt,” or also “implement” policies, and whether the effective date of the act should also serve as the deadline for school boards. They also discussed whether exceptions for classroom instructional use should be mandatory or merely encouraged, and whether the bills should explicitly include or exclude charter schools. Additional proposed exceptions included IEPs, 504 plans, English learners, and medical needs such as glucose sensors or insulin pumps, with some members suggesting medical issues be certified by a physician. No final vote or formal action was taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And really there's two primary wealth-building mechanisms.
• were able to make advancements within the bakery because we were able to work together and come to consensus
• together<00:31:32.880><c> and</c><00:31:33.880><c> come</c><00:31:34.000><c> to</c><00:31:34.080><c> consensus
• c><00:31:34.720><c> on</c><00:31:35.240><c> how</c><00:31:35.360><c> we</c> together and come to consensus
• on how we together and come to consensus on how we want<00:31:35.640><c> to</c><00:31:35.720><c> move

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you to adopt this narrow consensus you to adopt this narrow consensus common<00:51:22.480><c> sense
• years and we support this bill<00:52:30.319><c> as</c><00:52:30.640><c> the</c><00:52:30.800><c> consensus
• </c><00:52:31.359><c> outcome</c><00:52:31.839><c> of</c><00:52:32.079><c> that</c> bill as the consensus
• outcome of that bill as the consensus outcome of that study<00:52:32.720><c> commission.
• We felt that we couldn't get a consensus to pass the bill.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• would be understanding that and working through the various differences and trying to come up with consensus
• would be understanding that and working through the various differences and trying to come up with consensus
• And then hopefully, you know, you have enough kind of energy and consensus so that we're not battling
• c><01:16:22.480><c> of</c><01:16:22.719><c> energy</c><01:16:23.120><c> and</c><01:16:23.360><c> consensus
• </c><01:16:24.040><c> so</c> enough kind of energy and consensus so enough kind of energy and consensus

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition. Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:16:07.440><c> tell</c> um as as well uh we mechanics tell um as as well uh we mechanics tell
• There are very honest mechanics out there, and then there’s less honest mechanics.
• </c> victims of dishonest mechanics who use victims of dishonest mechanics who use the<03:21:57.800><
• </c><03:32:45.239><c> can</c> mechanics are and other mechanics can mechanics are and other mechanics
• It's what the mechanic says.

Summary: The Transportation Committee opened its public hearing with HB 249, sponsored by Representative Seth Miller, which would allow bicycles, human-powered vehicles, and electric bicycles to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs in certain situations. Miller argued the bill would improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer injuries and crashes. He emphasized that the proposal would remain optional for cyclists, who would still be required to yield to cross traffic and obey right-of-way rules, and said the bill is intended to help riders maintain momentum and avoid the instability that comes from repeatedly starting from a full stop. Committee members raised concerns about uncertainty for drivers and pedestrians, liability, and whether the bill would create a special class of road users with different rules. Representative Crawford asked about the red-light left turn language, and Miller explained it was included because bicycles may not trigger some traffic signals. Representative Hill questioned how other road users would know what a cyclist intended to do at an intersection, and Representative Gon noted the bill did not appear to address liability the way some motorcycle-related laws do. Miller responded that cyclists would still be expected to yield appropriately and said he would be open to an amendment if liability language was needed. Representative Emble also questioned whether the bill would create a special vehicle class, and Miller replied that bicycles already have different roadway rules and that the bill was meant to improve safety and flow. Several supporters testified in favor of the bill. Michael Frank, a cyclist and League cycling instructor from Spofford, said he regularly rides a cargo bike for errands and that stopping fully at intersections leaves him exposed longer and makes it harder to restart on hills. He said the bill would let cyclists slow, assess traffic, and proceed safely while maintaining momentum, and noted that he had not personally received a ticket for rolling through a stop sign, though he had been warned by police. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy, and helps bicycles move through intersections faster and more safely. No vote or committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• this fairly ominous letter in early May to all the governors of PJM states, warning that without mechanisms
• And it does that through a couple of different mechanisms to address those.
• And it does that through a couple of different mechanisms to address those.
• There's a growing consensus that large-load entities fund the infrastructure and other costs.
• So I believe on Senate Amendment 2 around line 50 references a commission-approved mechanism for the

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on energy, public safety, and environmental cleanup. House Bill 455 would create a historic preservation license plate to raise funds and awareness for Delaware preservation efforts, and House Bill 471 would tighten rules and penalties for off-highway vehicles on shared private roads, with golf carts excluded. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 439, the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, would require clearer disclosures when selling electric mopeds and electric motorcycles so consumers understand classification, power, and licensing/insurance requirements. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 407, related to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act and brownfields, would shift funding for brownfield cleanup from the original realty transfer tax approach to a dedicated share of the hazardous substance cleanup fund and raise civil penalties for fraudulent acts. The committee also approved the June 18, 2026 minutes once quorum was reached. Most of the meeting centered on House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 233, as amended, a large-load/data center bill intended to protect ratepayers from costs tied to massive new electricity users. The sponsor and Public Advocate said PJM’s warnings about a coming reliability backstop auction made it urgent to establish a Delaware framework now, requiring large energy users to sign utility agreements, cover their share of transmission, distribution, and capacity costs, and comply with curtailment and other protections. Supporters from environmental groups and some labor and business voices said the bill was needed to prevent cost shifts to households and small businesses, while opponents argued it was being rushed, could deter investment, and might unintentionally affect other industries; several asked for more time and clearer definitions. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also took up House Bill 470, which would authorize Delmarva Power, with PSC approval, to build and operate utility-owned battery storage and spread costs across the customer base. The sponsor and Delmarva said the bill would improve reliability quickly and help avoid outages, while the chair expressed concern that the state had not yet fully studied whether utility-owned or competitively procured storage is the best model, noting a recent SEU storage study and broader policy questions. Supporters said utility storage could be deployed faster and help with peak shaving, while others urged a competitive process; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 470.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I spoke with Senator Edmonds, and he said that, you know, he felt like it would come into consensus
• But it does not change, again, the mechanism at all.
• But it does not change, again, it does not change the mechanism at all.
• So in this case, the fact finder would be the chief, again, as a mechanism to protect, to have the best
• It's just a streamlining mechanism. Again, it's still the same effect.

Summary: The committee met at 5:13 p.m. on April 15 with 14 members present and took up several local and municipal bills. HB 87, which would increase the per diem for the Livingston Parish Gas Utility District No. 1 board, was presented as a local bill with no opposition and was reported favorably without objection. HB 162, authorizing the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention and Improvement District to levy a fee after a local vote, was also moved favorably without objection. A lengthy discussion centered on HB 481, which would change the rate for publishing official proceedings and public notices. Supporters from the Louisiana Press Association said a prior agreement intended a 15% to 20% reduction in newspaper revenue, but a calculation error meant the current law would instead cut revenues by about 40% to 50% when it takes effect in 2027. Representatives from police juries and other local-government groups argued the bill should be corrected to restore the intended compromise, while some members questioned whether the change would break a prior deal and whether small or single-newspaper parishes would be harmed. The committee ultimately reported HB 481 favorably by a 10-5 vote, with members urging further negotiation and possible floor amendments. HB 573, as amended, would restructure oversight of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board by giving the New Orleans City Council and mayor more authority over operations, contracts, and accountability measures. Representative Hilferty and Mayor Helena Moreno argued the current structure diffuses responsibility and has failed residents, while one witness from the Louisiana Justice Institute warned the bill could shift control without fixing infrastructure problems and could raise equity and financial concerns. Despite that opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also advanced HB 368, increasing fines for unauthorized demolition of historic properties in New Orleans; HB 441, clarifying that Sewerage and Water Board employees remain in city civil service; and HB 257, which would give the elected police chief of Central authority to hire, fire, and discipline police personnel, subject to consultation with the city attorney and a delayed effective date. All of those bills were reported favorably after discussion and, where needed, adoption of amendments.