Transcript Highlights:

• If you need to make a phone call, please step out and silence your cell phone.
• Okay, so I'm needed to be here for this vote, right?
• We are completely integrated into how the school functions.
• Do you need this to explain it all? I do need that. Okay, let's do it then. Copy of it.
• We need to adopt that amendment. Any objections to the amendment?

Bills: SR119, SCR65, HCR47, HB196, HB218, HB256, HB325, HB352, HB434, HB448, HB476, HB608, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB749, HB818, HB1059, HB1112, HB1242, HB1249

Keywords: SR119, Senate Resolution 119, D-D Breaux, Sara Breaux, LSU gymnastics, LSU Gymnastics Training Center, LSU Board of Supervisors, facility naming, honorary resolution, public buildings and grounds, women's athletics, Title IX, college gymnastics, SEC gymnastics, Louisiana State University, Tiger Athletic Foundation, women in sports, coach recognition, sports legend, campus naming

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with four members present and took up a long agenda of education-related bills. Early items included SCR 65, which would create a K-12 student success task force to study statewide career and academic pathway advising; the committee adopted a substantive amendment adding designees and then reported the resolution favorably. The committee also reported favorably on SCR 119, honoring Coach D.D. Breaux, after brief remarks about her LSU gymnastics legacy and the request that LSU study naming its gymnastics training facility in her honor. Several bills affecting school operations and student support were heard and reported favorably, including HB 434 on probationary school bus driver employment and superintendent authority over dismissal; HB 484 expanding scholarship benefits for children and spouses of fallen or disabled firefighters and police officers; HB 749 and HB 1059 on savings accounts and TOPS math eligibility alignment; HB 218 adding food insecurity questions to student questionnaires, which was amended and reported favorably; HB 325 expanding TOPS Tech eligibility through dual enrollment and part-time use; HB 476 requiring Safe Haven law postings in middle and high school restrooms; HB 1249 clarifying access to school-based health centers, with an amendment adopted; HB 1242 allowing more than one early learning center license at the same location under certain circumstances; HB 632 improving data protections and functionality for LA First; and HB 352 on behavioral health services for public school students, which was amended to address IEP and dispute-process concerns before being reported favorably. Two bills drew extended debate over transparency, privacy, and school autonomy. HB 608 would create confidentiality for intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing documents; LSU representatives argued the bill was needed to protect student-athletes and competitive information, while PAR and the Louisiana Press Association opposed it as an improper secrecy carve-out for state-generated revenue. Despite the opposition, the committee reported HB 608 favorably. HB 1112, which would exempt BESE-approved non-public pre-K programs from certain licensure and safety requirements and adjust related definitions, was amended and then heard with testimony from the Pelican Institute in support, arguing it corrects overreach from prior law and protects private school autonomy and parental choice.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we need... Of the past. And so we need our artists to thrive.
• We need to find the sweet spot, the good balance. In order to succeed, we need some rules.
• You need a framework. You need legislation.
• You need to be remunerated. Thank you. They need a license for this.
• You need to be remunerated. They need a license for this.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee and Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing at Stanford on the intersection of artificial intelligence, copyright, transparency, and California’s creative economy. Chairs and members emphasized that the hearing was not on a specific bill and no vote would be taken. Opening remarks framed the issue as balancing protection for artists and other rights holders with the need to keep AI innovation and related economic activity thriving in California, while noting that federal action is unlikely and that state policy may influence national standards. The first panel featured Professor Pamela Samuelson and Stanford researcher Rishi Bommasani. Samuelson reviewed the current copyright litigation landscape, including dozens of lawsuits over AI training, and explained the fair use framework, the Google Books precedent, and the uncertainty around newer theories such as market dilution. She said states can likely regulate transparency, deepfakes, privacy, and safety, but warned that some proposals may be preempted by federal copyright law. Bommasani described widespread opacity around training data among major California AI companies, discussed AB 2013 and the EU AI Act as transparency models, and identified gaps in disclosure design, enforcement, and whether transparency alone can address copyright and IP concerns. Members asked about open-source models, opt-outs, machine unlearning, user data, and state options for protecting creators. The second panel included SAG-AFTRA board member Jason George, Animation Guild president Danny Lynn, and OpenAI copyright counsel Mark Gray. George and Lynn argued that AI training on performers’ and artists’ work without consent or compensation threatens jobs, bargaining power, and reputations, and they supported stronger transparency and licensing requirements so creators can identify when their work is used. Gray said AI is already being used as a productivity tool and highlighted partnerships between AI companies and publishers, record labels, and studios, while arguing that specific harmful uses such as deepfakes should be regulated directly rather than restricting general-purpose AI development. Committee members discussed labeling and watermarking of AI-generated content, transparency around model use, and whether state law should require more detailed disclosure of training data; no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Courts could not function. authority. Courts could not function.
• numbers and not on needs. numbers and not on needs.
• [snorts] Our communities don't need mandates. They need assistance.
• who needs intensive care. who needs intensive care.
• need for safety. need for safety.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for near nearly 300,000 people in need for near nearly 300,000 people in need across<00:02:03.479
• maintain our our services and function maintain our our services and function successfully<00:49
• However, when the board attempted to implement the administrative functions needed to move forward with
• <01:29:00.280> needed<01:29:00.639> to<01:29:00.800> move administrative functions
• needed to move administrative functions needed to move forward<01:29:01.719> with<01:29:01.840

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• beyond special needs.
• special needs beyond um special<00:24:34.880> needs.
• special needs. special needs.
• that three months and not needing that three months and not needing Medicaid<00:41:55.920> for
• <00:42:05.680> to produce the stuff that they need to produce the stuff that they need to

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• still needed? still needed?
• still be a need.
• still be a need.
• still be a need.
• need now for this? need now for this?

Bills: HB2264, HB2336, HB2298, HB1518

Keywords: protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP

Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• to to wait until the grid needs it? to to wait until the grid needs it?
• Need a follow-up. >> Need a follow-up? >> Yes. Thank you. More like a comment.
• Need a >> to be incentivized. I'm sorry. Need a followup. followup. followup.
• New Hampshire needs energy security. New Hampshire needs energy security.
• You need a shortstop, you need a first base person, etc.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Zoom chat function will allow you to chat with the technical staff only.
• 00:07:19.120> chat testimony is complete the zoom chat testimony is complete the zoom chat function
• will allow you to chat with the function will allow you to chat with the technical<00:07:21.400>
• I think we need 150 for the plate to continue, so I just wanted to share that too.
• 216 um plate interest I think we need 216 um plate interest I think we need 150<00:16:59.079>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Culture and the Arts met on January 29 at 10:30 a.m. and heard four bills. HB 133, relating to surfing, drew testimony from the Department of Education and one individual in support. Committee discussion focused on the department’s estimated cost of about $44,000 per event, including judges, lifeguards, security, and administrative expenses. Members also asked about why surfing has been difficult to implement statewide and were told safety concerns, open-water conditions, and league-level decisions were among the barriers. The committee moved the bill forward with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation, and noted it wanted the Education Committee to review the cost breakdown further. HB 307, relating to special license plates for the island of Kahoʻolawe, received strong support from Protect K Ohana, the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, and other supporters in person and via Zoom. Testimony clarified the name of the receiving entity and noted a recent petition showing significant public interest. The bill was advanced with technical amendments, and the chair said the fund name was already correct and that the measure would not reflect DCCA but the bank account designation. HB 450 would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBEDT and move authority over the Works of Art Special Fund to DBEDT’s director. The State Foundation and DBEDT’s Creative Industries Division supported the measure. In response to questions, the State Foundation said it had researched the transfer, believed funding would not be lost, and requested about a year for the transition to avoid payroll and payment disruptions, along with consideration of an additional DBEDT staff position. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments, including adding the requested FTE and noting a two-year transition period in the report. HB 663, authorizing a special license plate commemorating the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, had little testimony and no one signed up to speak. The chair said OHA advocacy testimony was on file but that support for the measure appeared limited, and the bill was deferred. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• going in um but what the committee needs going in um but what the committee needs to<00:17:22.160
• months when we don't need heat.
• Do we need any updates from you?
• to be we need to be able to show need to be we need to be able to show them<04:02:12.479> that
• need where they need say um and put the need where they need and<05:01:03.558> then<05:01:03.840

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a Department of Corrections capital budget presentation on HB 25, focused largely on urgent maintenance and security needs at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men and other DOC facilities. DOC officials described the governor’s proposed priorities: boiler surge and radiator tank replacements, electronic controls and camera upgrades, and replacement of HVAC units using R22 refrigerant. They also outlined additional requested projects totaling $15.4 million, including a body alarm/man-down system at Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, steam line and trap repairs, fire alarm replacements, and removal of an underground diesel tank in favor of above-ground storage. DOC testified that many systems are well beyond their expected service life, including 40-year-old boilers, outdated analog cameras, and HVAC equipment using discontinued R22 refrigerant. They said the men’s prison is relying on a leased temporary boiler, has significant steam leaks causing major water loss and reduced boiler efficiency, and is dealing with frequent fire alarm faults and deteriorating wiring. On the body alarm system, they said the vendor no longer supports the equipment and replacement parts are no longer available. On the diesel tank, members questioned whether it could be abandoned in place or whether fuel could be reused; DOC said it had not explored all alternatives and would follow up, while noting the tank is underground and tied into the warehouse system. Members also asked whether some current investments could be reused in the planned new men’s prison. DOC said some items, such as air handlers, might potentially be moved, but most projects are needed to keep the current facility operational and would not be practical to transfer. Questions were also raised about the leased boiler arrangement, the use of the man-down system by staff and visitors, and whether the kitchen project could be converted to a modular unit. DOC said the modular kitchen approach is necessary because the existing kitchen cannot remain fully operational during repairs. The committee then moved to lapse extensions, and DOC identified several projects no longer needing extensions, including items numbered 64, 65, and 66 in HB 25, with the chair noting those balances would be deleted and that the lapse amount was $550,500.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have immediate effects on brain function, nerve function, that accumulate over time.
• We have immediate effects on brain function, nerve function, that accumulates over time.
• I believe we need a motion. We do need a motion. Do we have a motion? Do we have a second?
• I needed 23 stitches.
• And we are now in need of an author. I will page you. We are now in need of an author.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need insurers to stay in Minnesota, and we need to bring stakeholders together to identify real solutions
• But there's so many functions that are needed.
• But there's so many functions that are needed.
• need. Um this panel is really important. need. Um this panel is really important.
• <01:04:15.920> to of work needs to happen and we need to of work needs to happen and we need

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to, but we need to think about them.
• People that are housebound and need to drive to a location need to have the ability to get their needs
• We need more flexibility.'”
• I mean, I don't see the need to sell.
• I need to ask you to wrap up.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need prayer and we need to understand what he prayed for.
• He is consistently fatigued, needing 12 hours of sleep, or just to function.
• Programs need to be regulated, need to be kept out of the hands of children, need not to be marketed
• The bill needs, still needs some improvement.
• I don't need this. I don't need it either at that level.

Bills: SB3, SB810, SB965, SB1073, SB1119, SB1505, SB 3

Keywords: Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer

Transcript Highlights:

• So we need to fix that.
• to clean the snow, I don't need to clean the snow, or you need to clean the snow.
• you need to clean the snow,<01:01:21.119> I<01:01:21.200> don't<01:01:21.280> need<
• need I don't need to clean the snow, you need to<01:01:23.359> clean<01:01:23.520> the
• I need to get my version.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:46.559> to operating costs, funding needed to operating costs, funding needed to maintain
• and transition costs will not be needed. and transition costs will not be needed.
• This additional funding critical needs.
• It's a function of of scope of things.
• for um um that we need to do safety. for um um that we need to do safety.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met to review the Transportation Cabinet’s budget request and the recommended highway plan; no votes were taken. Secretary Jim Gray opened with praise for KYTC snow and ice crews, describing their response to recent winter storms and noting the scale of the effort, including about 2,300 workers, 1,438 pieces of equipment, and more than 948,000 miles driven in the first week. He then outlined the cabinet’s overall highway plan, saying it includes more than 1,300 projects and about $9.5 billion in anticipated state and federal funding over six years, with roughly 40% directed to existing pavements, bridges, and guardrails. He highlighted major priority projects such as the Mountain Parkway four-laning, the Brent Spence Companion Bridge, and the I-69 Ohio River crossing. Budget director Sean McCarron explained that the cabinet adjusted its request after the Consensus Forecast Group lowered road fund revenue estimates, and said the cabinet only included additional requests it viewed as essential. He described requests to support driver licensing regional offices, including funding to maintain temporary and contract staff used to reduce wait times, expand offices from 35 to 41 locations, and support improved customer service; he warned that without the current-year increase, wait times would rise again. He also discussed maintenance funding, saying the proposed increases would help cover rising costs for salt, snow and ice drivers, and mowing, while allowing continued litter pickup, vegetation management, pothole repair, and more in-house snow and ice work. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock addressed specific capital questions, especially the Brent Spence Bridge and Cairo Bridge. For Brent Spence, he said the requested $125 million in general funds is needed because construction costs have risen sharply, citing a 61% increase in highway construction costs from 2020 to 2025, and said Kentucky and Ohio are both contributing to keep the project moving. He added that if the legislature does not provide the $125 million, KYTC would have to shift $100 million in federal highway funds and $25 million in state match from other projects. Hancock also reviewed several project reauthorizations for maintenance facilities and aviation projects, and noted a $5 million federally funded truck parking project aimed at addressing statewide truck parking shortages, especially along interstates and in areas such as Louisville, northern Kentucky, Frankfort, Somerset, and western Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the census, not a function of my opinion.
• of the census, not a function of my opinion.
• And day one, regardless of those obstacles, we need you to vote.
• y'all need to make sure, listen.
• That y'all need to go after Republicans, y'all need to make sure, listen, hear me what I'm telling you

Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituting identical House Bill 1D, to establish Florida’s congressional districts. The opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were followed by procedural remarks, then extensive floor discussion focused almost entirely on the redistricting proposal, its timing, and its legal basis. Senator Gaetz, explaining the bill, said the Governor had transmitted the map two days earlier, argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is not prohibited by law, and said the Governor’s stated reasons were to address population growth and to draw race-neutral districts. He also said the legislature could accept, reject, or amend the proposal. Much of the debate centered on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Louisiana decision and whether it affected Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. Senators Smith, Rouson, Sharief, Polsky, Arrington, Bracey Davis, Bernard, Nathan, and others questioned the short notice, lack of public hearings, the use of partisan data, the absence of sworn testimony, and whether the map diluted minority voting strength or fragmented communities of interest. Gaetz repeatedly said he was not offering legal opinions, that the Governor’s counsel believed the Fair Districts race-based provisions were inconsistent with federal law, and that any legal challenge would be for the courts. He also said the Governor’s mapmaker reported using census and demographic data, along with political data as one of many inputs, and claimed the map’s compactness was comparable to the current map. A motion by Senator Smith to temporarily postpone consideration of the bill failed on a 12-23 vote. After the Senate returned from a 30-minute break to review the new Supreme Court decision, debate continued. The chamber then substituted HB 1D for SB 8D, read the House bill, and advanced it to third reading. The transcript ends during debate on final passage, with Senators Rouson and Bernard speaking in opposition and arguing the map was procedurally rushed, legally vulnerable, and politically motivated.

Transcript Highlights:

• I need four—I'm going to need two more chairs.
• high enough because the higher the need high enough because the higher the need you<01:19:57.920
• declining in their level of functioning declining in their level of functioning and<01:20:36.000
• The system needs to be looked at. It needs to be fixed.
• But it also needs to go to Labor, uh, it needs to go to Housing and Labor.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• needs.
• We need your assistance.
• We may need to look at that.
• Most importantly, we help to support those with access and functional needs in the impacted areas of
• needs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:26.800> it<00:08:27.120> just um needs to be um protected. it just um needs
• This bill is badly needed tattered.
• convinced that uh if I say, "Hey, I need convinced that uh if I say, "Hey, I need a<01:08:52.640
• I didn't think I needed to do that.
• We don't need to have this tax it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A building, our oldest functions.
• serve the zoo's needs going forward. serve the zoo's needs going forward.
• address two really urgent needs. address two really urgent needs.
• the growing needs, we need to operate the growing needs, we need to operate primarily<00:59:23.119
• uh clearly is in need of replacement. uh clearly is in need of replacement.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Zoo on its aging facilities and bonding needs. Zoo staff highlighted the zoo’s economic and educational role, its 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, and its Free to Explore program, while stressing that many of its 50-year-old buildings are in poor condition, with more than $78 million in backlog and safety concerns for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said the governor recommended $4 million for critical life-support systems and asked for an additional $6 million in asset preservation to renovate the original animal hospital building so a new hospital wing can function properly. Testimony emphasized that the renovation is necessary for staff space, storage, code compliance, asbestos removal, and safe animal care, and described recent injuries and close calls tied to outdated facilities. Members asked questions about porcupine quills, natural predators, and the meaning of the zoo’s incident rate. Zoo staff explained that quills are not poisonous but are barbed and can be difficult to remove, and that predators include larger cats, owls, and fishers. On incidents, staff said they include close calls and injuries linked to aging infrastructure, such as a tiger reaching farther through a wall after fencing shifted over time, and staff injuries during animal procedures in older spaces. Members also confirmed that the hospital project has shifted from a standalone building to a wing attached to the existing hospital because of rising construction costs. The committee then heard from Perpich Center for Arts Education. Perpich described its statewide role as both a public high school and an arts education resource center, serving students and educators across Minnesota. It said it hosted 313 events last year for nearly 2,000 educators and administrators and worked with 275 school districts across all 67 Senate districts. Perpich emphasized that nearly seven in 10 students rely on its residential programs because there are no comparable arts high school options in greater Minnesota, and noted strong student outcomes including a 100% graduation rate and national recognition as an exemplary school. For capital needs, Perpich said it received $1.26 million last year for HVAC and building automation work, is grateful for the governor’s recommended $1.3 million this year, and requested $6 million to create a secure, accessible main entrance and upgrade outdated restrooms to ADA compliance.