Transcript Highlights:

• And I would say that as a business owner, you can also depreciate non-competes as well on your taxes.
• ...depreciate non-competes as well on your taxes.
• addition of some language that would disallow private right of action based on any of the items that were added
• - of some language that would disallow private right of action based on any of the items that were added
• I know there's been some added language around schools, which I'm appreciative of, but I don't think

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, the flag was escorted by the Muckleshoot Veterans Color Guard, and the day opened with a prayer from Dennis Anderson Sr. The House approved the previous day’s minutes, welcomed representatives from the Urban Native Education Alliance, and then moved through caucuses and Senate messages before taking up a long series of third-reading votes on bills that had returned from the Senate. Several measures drew debate over Senate amendments. House Bill 1069, concerning bargaining over supplemental retirement benefits for certain public employees, passed 78-17 after supporters said it would help correctional workers and critics said the Senate changes weakened the bill. Second Substitute House Bill 1128, creating a child care workforce standards board, passed 68-27 amid arguments over child care shortages, wages, and affordability. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155, banning non-compete agreements, passed 62-33; supporters framed it as pro-worker and pro-entrepreneurship, while opponents said contracts should be voluntary and important in business sales. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1187 on ambulance billing and collections (93-2), Substitute House Bill 1390 phasing out the Community Protection Program (51-44), Engrossed House Bill 1501 on housing-related local requirements (58-37), House Bill 291 on bargaining communication rights (92-3), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2110 on ambulance staffing/training (95-0), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 on impersonating peace officers (66-29), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2219 on child care regulations and opioid-related safety language (67-28), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266 on housing siting and local flexibility (56-39), Substitute House Bill 2350 on notice and accountability for developmental disability services (95-0), Substitute House Bill 2360 allowing schools to keep and administer albuterol with parental-notification changes (79-16), Second Substitute House Bill 2384 on financial transparency for continuing care retirement communities (78-17), Second Substitute House Bill 2429 on behavioral health planning and appropriations (95-0), Substitute House Bill 2496 protecting tribal sacred sites (71-24), and House Bill 2510, on which the House did not concur in Senate amendments. The chamber also granted conference requests on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bills 5998 and 605 and appointed conferees for each.

Bills: SB169 , SB1991 , SB1992 , SB1204 , SB1339 , SB182 , SB1847 , SB1360 , SB1346

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: longevity pay, state employees, Oklahoma government, salary increase, emergency declaration, capital planning, funding allocation, state budget, infrastructure, emergency measures, income tax credit, qualified project, economic development, infrastructure funding, small population areas, school employees, teachers, support personnel, support employees, public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• child abuse and neglect, driver's license suspensions, child support enforcement, determinations of tax
• The session was vetoed by the governor because, as he stated, he was extremely busy cutting property taxes
• There are no other costs added to it.

Bills: HCR141 , SB438 , SB1495 , SB1964 , HB 1225

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: HCR 141, House Concurrent Resolution, NASA, Houston, Space City, Johnson Space Center, Mission Control, Apollo 11, moon landing, aerospace, commercial space, space exploration, Texas Space Commission, space policy, federal resolution, memorial resolution, Congress, Washington D.C., headquarters relocation, space industry

Transcript Highlights:

• We are changing the method of financing for these six and adding 17 new FTEs for a total of 23.
• Thirdly, It establishes and adds to the Star of Texas Award, adding coroners to honor those who are seriously
• under subsection A1 of Chapter 614, focusing on mental health for first responders, and it's just adding

Bills: HB 1065 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB3009 , HB3420 , HB3626 , HB3649 , HB4956 , HB4993 , HB5293 , HB5308 , HB5528 , HCR118 , SB36 , HB4023 , SB 36

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Schedule C, which is designed for commissioned law enforcement positions, it is not seeking to be added
• , and the companies misclassifying their employees are not collecting... state and federal payroll taxes
• And so circumventing, paying them the extra taxes and different things that they should be paying?
• To handle that is just to get rid of the Social Security and income tax. That's easy.
• It already has the databases, and it's just adding one more deal to it.

Bills: SB 36 , HB 1065 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB3009 , HB3420 , HB3626 , HB3649 , HB4956 , HB4993 , HB5293 , HB5308 , HB5528 , HCR118 , SB36 , HB4023

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that's why this last section was added. Thank you. last section was added. Thank you.

Bills: HB322 , HB346 , HB336 , HB384 , SB237

Committee: Senate Healthcare

Keywords: postpartum depression, postnatal care, maternal mental health, perinatal depression, postpartum screening, new mother, birth mother, newborn discharge, hospital discharge materials, public health education, maternal health, depression screening, health care providers, physicians, nurses, Alabama Department of Public Health, medical liability, standard of care, retired physicians, volunteer medical care

Transcript Highlights:

• And so then what would you like added to that that didn't happen?
• What we would like to see added to that that did not happen is a...
• , TV ads, and things like that.
• That's, you know, I think this guy is going to raise your taxes.
• We don't have $50,000 to hire my best friend to make your ads. He works for y'all making ads.

Bills: HB304 , HB401 , HB556 , HB1475 , HB1489 , HB2259 , HB2424 , HB2773 , HB2811 , HB3323 , HB304

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: voter ID, citizenship proof, provisional ballot, election security, Texas, voting rights, deep fakes, misleading videos, election integrity, criminal offense, digital misinformation, deep fake, political manipulation, misinformation, artificial media, political influence, artificially generated media, election influence, Texas Election Code, healthcare reform

Bills: SSB1104 , SF42 , SF28 , SSB1094 , SSB1010

Committee: Joint Local Government

Keywords: consumer fireworks, display fireworks, novelties, fireworks regulation, local control, home rule, county ordinance, city ordinance, public safety, nuisance, property damage, noise complaint, July 4, Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, holiday fireworks, state preemption, Iowa Code 727.2, simple misdemeanor, emergency medical services

Transcript Highlights:

• But for now, when we don't have those things, we should not be adding new items...
• It has nothing to do with the underlying bill that if this is added in and it stays in, Mr.
• Speaker, it should be added as a general element in the Carbon is burned. Mr.
• Speaker, it should be added as a general element in the GMA. I urge its adoption.
• That will cause added expense and may in fact jeopardize completely some of these projects. Mr.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278 , SB5831 , SB5915 , SB5963 , SB6025 , SB6046 , SB6084 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , SB6188 , SB6291 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think this tax expansion that we did last year has helped anybody, and I think it's hurt a lot
• The underlying bill changes slightly a tax that was put in place by this body of $80 on every mortgage
• You're still paying $240 of a tax on purchasing your first home. And where is that money going to?
• , which is why it's a tax and not a fee.
• opens up a lot of specialized funding, tax incentives for infrastructure, flexible land use planning

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278 , SB5831 , SB5915 , SB5963 , SB6025 , SB6046 , SB6084 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , SB6188 , SB6291 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278 , SB5831 , SB5915 , SB5963 , SB6025 , SB6046 , SB6084 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , SB6188 , SB6291 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Transcript Highlights:

• As it stands, we're adding layers onto what we're asking the landlords or the housing providers to do
• It has nothing to do with the underlying bill that if this is added in and it stays in, Mr.
• Speaker, it should be added as a general element in the ...carbon is burned. Mr.
• Speaker, it should be added as a general element in the GMA. I urge its adoption.
• That will cause added expense and may, in fact, jeopardize completely some of these projects. Mr.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278 , SB5831 , SB5915 , SB5963 , SB6025 , SB6046 , SB6084 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , SB6188 , SB6291 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Summary: The House received several messages from the Senate announcing passage of engrossed or substitute versions of House Bill 2294, House Bill 2472, Senate Bill 606, Senate Bill 6335, engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6266, and engrossed substitute House Bill 3. The chamber then moved through second and third reading on a series of measures, often suspending the rules to advance bills to final passage. A major floor debate centered on Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406, which would reestablish the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health and expand its membership. Amendment 2131, offered to keep the committee at its current size rather than expanding it, was rejected after debate over fiscal restraint, committee scope, and whether the body functioned like a “proxy legislature.” The resolution then passed 83-10. The House also passed engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6200 on portable cooling devices for renters and mobile home occupants, Senate Bill 6084 on clarifying the prohibition on voting in more than one election, second engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5105 on sexually explicit depictions involving minors, and Senate Bill 6046 authorizing the Civil Air Patrol to be used by the governor in emergencies; each drew debate over policy scope, enforcement, and state-federal authority, but all ultimately passed. The House next passed substitute Senate Bill 6054, limiting HOA and common-interest community restrictions that conflict with wildfire-hardening measures; substitute Senate Bill 6091, requiring greater transparency in real estate broker practices; Senate Bill 6291, giving more time to train and certify on-site wastewater inspectors; substitute Senate Bill 6081, creating a Public Records Act exemption for sex designation information to protect transgender people from doxxing and harassment; Senate Bill 5963, automatically enrolling certain vulnerable students in the Washington College Grant; and substitute Senate Bill 6226, addressing audiology scope-of-practice and telemedicine concerns. Most of these bills passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew dissent over added regulation, privacy, or scope-of-practice issues. The final portion of the transcript focused on Senate Bill 6106, which the Speaker ruled had an out-of-scope amendment related to agricultural seasonal workers; the bill itself passed 75-18 after debate over layoff notices and tribal sovereignty. Substitute Senate Bill 6014, dealing with pregnancy accommodations and related public records issues, saw a failed amendment to replace gender-neutral language with “pregnant woman” and then passed 68-25. The House also debated Senate Bill 5820, with multiple amendments concerning freight rail, greenhouse gas calculations, county planning, property rights, and rail safety; the excerpt ends amid that amendment debate before final action on the bill is shown.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278 , SB5831 , SB5915 , SB5963 , SB6025 , SB6046 , SB6084 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , SB6188 , SB6291 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it also includes something that was accidentally omitted, which is state non-educational ad valorem
• </c> uh the state sales tax and use taxes up uh the state sales tax and use taxes up to<01:21:58.000>
• </c> non-educational adorum tax abatements. non-educational adorum tax abatements.
• They are getting almost $30 million in ad valorem taxes a year from those from a data center.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Oh, it's a tax is what it is. &gt;&gt; Oh, it's a tax is what it is.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 28 senators present. The body agreed to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading and adopt the previous journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The presiding officer also recognized several guests on the floor and in the gallery, including an intern from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and guests of Senator Chambliss. Committee reports focused on confirmations for Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees. Patricia Anne Jones (Confirmation 79), Angela Star (Confirmation 80), and Bobby Singleton (Confirmation 78) each received favorable committee reports and were confirmed by the full Senate, with roll-call votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support. The chamber spent considerable time in lighthearted debate and personal remarks during Singleton’s confirmation before adopting the motion and confirming him. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 81 commending the Coach Safely Foundation for youth sports injury mitigation, and several other resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, including Johnny Williams, Jim America, Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff, and retired Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prricett. A resolution encouraging Alabama public high schools to form a consortium was also adopted. On local bills, the Senate passed Senate Bill 243 regarding Jefferson County and House Bill 532 regarding Shelby County, both by using the previous roll and with no opposition. The Rules Committee then reported a special order calendar for the 22nd legislative day, which the Senate adopted 30-0. The special order calendar included bills on the Board of Funeral Services, the Public Service Commission, tax abatements, electric utilities, child support, dogs, school lands, Chambers County, and real property. The first special-order bill taken up was Senate Bill 107 by Senators Figures and Gudger, concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services. Senators discussed the bill’s purpose of funding the board’s increased duties, the effect on funeral home license fees, and an amendment offered by Senator Bell to reduce certain fees. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was explained as not affecting pre-need funeral arrangements. Debate continued as members asked questions about costs to families and funeral homes, but the chamber had not yet reached final disposition of the bill by the end of the excerpt.

Bills: HB1752 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB1515 , SB2835 , HB2282 , SB3083 , SB2031 , SB2519 , SB2667 , SB2140 , SB2544 , SB2069 , SB2697 , SB874 , SB2043 , SB888 , SB2721 , HB2152 , HB1334 , HB2385 , HB1643 , HB2314 , HB1688 , HB1692 , SB2568 , SB2983 , SB2108 , SB3136 , HB1959 , SB3156 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1824 , HB2137 , HB1810 , HB2279 , HB2309 , HB1548 , HB2078 , HB2293 , SB3262 , SB2169 , SB2607 , SB2964 , SB3255 , HB2576 , HB1481 , HB1864 , HB1550 , SB2818 , SB3067 , SB2061 , HB1728 , HB1881 , HB2361 , HB2395 , HB1823 , SB2050 , SB2397 , SB2876 , SB2175 , SB2852 , SB847 , SB3001

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, state budget, performance metrics, salvage vehicles, vehicle title transfer, electronic signatures, insurance, administrative efficiency, bribery, corruption, statute of limitations, public servant, criminal justice, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication

Transcript Highlights:

• the executive director's designee, to serve as the co-chairperson of the working group, and also adding
• the executive director's designee, to serve as the co-chairperson of the working group, and also adding

Bills: SB2876 , SB3253 , SB2125 , SB2781 , HB549 , HB1768 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB1515 , SB2835 , HB2282 , SB3083 , SB2031 , SB2519 , SB2667 , SB2140 , SB2544 , SB2069 , SB2697 , SB874 , SB2043 , SB888 , SB2721 , HB2152 , HB1334 , HB2385 , HB1643 , HB2314 , HB1688 , HB1692 , SB2568 , SB2983 , SB2108 , SB3136 , HB1959 , SB3156 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1824 , HB2137 , HB1810 , HB2279 , HB2309 , HB1548 , HB2078 , HB2293 , SB3262 , SB2169 , SB2607 , SB2964 , SB3255 , HB2576 , HB1481 , HB1864 , HB1550 , SB2818 , SB3067 , SB2061 , HB1728 , HB1881 , HB2361 , HB2395 , HB1823 , SB2050 , SB2397 , SB2175 , SB2852 , SB847 , SB3001

Keywords: natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're adding a couple things to that petition.
• But you have added fees, right?
• Only in an ad hoc position, correct?
• Senate Bill 180 by Senator Foil is a joint resolution to amend the Constitution relative to ad valorem
• tax exemptions.

Bills: HR244 , HR245 , HR246 , HR247 , HR248 , HR249 , HR250 , HR251 , HCR101 , HCR102 , HR223 , HR224 , HR225 , HR226 , HR227 , HR229 , HR230 , HR231 , HR232 , HR234 , HR235 , HR236 , HR237 , HR238 , HR239 , HR240 , HR241 , HR242 , HR243 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR96 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR99 , HCR100 , SCR31 , SCR33 , SCR35 , SCR37 , SCR56 , SCR57 , SB171 , SB251 , SB252 , SB353 , SB367 , SB433 , SB461 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , HB66 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB454 , HB455 , HB484 , HB513 , HB603 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB766 , HB793 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB940 , HB947 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1215 , HB1228 , HB1251 , HB1252 , SCR2 , SB26 , SB28 , SB29 , SB30 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , SB233 , SB326 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB89 , HB341 , HB451 , HB456 , HB579 , HB595 , HB621 , HB818 , HB841 , HB1064 , HB1101 , HB1191 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , HCR32 , HB955 , HB284 , HB617 , HB730 , HB926 , HB1125 , HB1194 , HB1203 , HB798 , HB998 , HB1084 , HB1223 , HB646 , HB824 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB59 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB911 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89 , SB68 , SB149

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Pastor Neil Bernard of New Wine Christian Center, and recognized a number of visiting groups and observances, including AMI Kids, Mother’s Day, the Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, the American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network, Municipal Day for the Louisiana Municipal Association, Recreation and Parks Association Day, St. John Day, Hoopla basketball activities, Main Street program participants, Leadership North Shore, the Lack of Seeing High School basketball team, Literacy Champion recognition, Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodford, and LACE Day for chamber executives. Majority Leader Steve Scalise also addressed the chamber, praising recent economic investment in Louisiana, coastal restoration funding, and the state’s improved national reputation. The House received Senate messages and Legislative Bureau reports on numerous Senate bills, many of which were referred to committee or laid over, and several House and Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, largely commemorative or study-related measures. The chamber then took up several House bills in regular order. HB 89, concerning district attorney retiree health insurance coverage in the Third Judicial District, was amended and passed 87-5. HB 451, dealing with ATC notice procedures, passed 98-0 after technical amendments. HB 456, revising workers’ compensation petition requirements and allowing employers broader access to disputed claims, drew extended debate over whether it would burden injured workers; it passed 67-30. HB 579, expanding the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights and related confidentiality and complaint provisions, passed 98-0. HB 595, requiring local authorities to respond timely to permit-related matters affecting natural resource development, passed 92-3. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy components and updating waste rules, passed 99-0. HB 818, requiring school systems to publish annual assessment schedules and related testing information, passed 98-0. Additional bills considered included HB 841, creating a code of conduct for landmen negotiating pipeline easements and authorizing penalties for bad-faith conduct, which passed 98-0; HB 1060, establishing a two-year domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District with coordinated services and data collection, which passed 86-13; and HB 1101, a workers’ compensation measure defining maximum medical improvement, adjusting benefit durations, and addressing misrepresentation and fraud, which was under debate at the end of the excerpt. Throughout the floor session, members repeatedly emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify procedures, improve transparency, or address public safety and economic development, while opponents of some measures raised concerns about added burdens on workers or injured claimants.

Transcript Highlights:

• He added that it is desperately needed.
• Would you all be okay with us adding the ports?
• Would you all be okay with us adding the ports?
• So would you be open to adding airports and ports as an amendment?
• You know, houses bring ad valorem tax to communities versus a mobile home trailer, which is no big deal

Bills: HB1163 , HB1168 , HR252 , HR253 , HCR103 , HCR108 , SB80 , SB131 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB384 , SB414 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: fireworks, retail sales, fire safety, legislation, holiday celebrations, construction standards, precast concrete, DOTD, building regulations, minimum requirements, public projects, private projects, consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction

Transcript Highlights:

• So why was it necessary that we added here? Did you not have it in your bill? Added here.
• House Bill 287, by Representative Bourriaque, to amend Title 47 relative to ad valorem property tax assessments
• by the Tax Commission.
• They get the federal tax credit as well as the state and local tax credit.
• Senate Bill 436 by Senator Cloud provides relative to aviation fuel taxes, annual estimates of fuel taxes

Bills: HR275 , HR276 , HR277 , HR278 , HR279 , HR280 , HR281 , HR282 , HR283 , HR284 , HCR112 , HCR113 , HR265 , HR266 , HR267 , HR268 , HR269 , HR270 , HR271 , HR272 , HR273 , HCR107 , HCR108 , HCR109 , HCR110 , HCR111 , SCR63 , SCR66 , SCR67 , SB414 , SB484 , SB513 , HR168 , HR174 , HR194 , HR216 , HR264 , HCR54 , HCR74 , HCR79 , HCR85 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR104 , SCR23 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR38 , HB75 , HB705 , SB54 , SB56 , SB72 , SB79 , SB97 , SB105 , SB123 , SB125 , SB129 , SB163 , SB171 , SB252 , SB287 , SB375 , SB386 , SB461 , SB466 , HR84 , HR188 , HR205 , HR3 , HR197 , HR243 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , SCR20 , SCR24 , SCR35 , HCR6 , HB301 , HB359 , HB657 , HB675 , HB680 , HB727 , HB39 , HB58 , HB112 , HB134 , HB155 , HB187 , HB287 , HB462 , HB782 , HB825 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB1200 , HB4 , HB623 , HB944 , HB986 , HB1098 , HB1222 , SB45 , SB58 , SB71 , SB81 , SB92 , SB100 , SB109 , SB141 , SB156 , SB181 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB207 , SB213 , SB214 , SB216 , SB229 , SB257 , SB274 , SB290 , SB304 , SB374 , SB379 , SB396 , SB410 , SB425 , SB427 , SB429 , SB479 , SB522 , SB34 , SB164 , SB172 , SB198 , SB208 , SB232 , SB281 , SB286 , SB317 , SB322 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB409 , SB417 , SB421 , SB430 , SB439 , SB447 , SB458 , SB510 , HB842 , HB633 , HB1191 , HB625 , HB1255 , HB251 , HB582 , HB646 , HB819 , HB998 , HB1257 , SB197 , SB436 , SB78 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HB284 , HB302 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB82 , SB89 , HB258 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441

Summary: The House met with a quorum and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several personal privileges recognizing National Police Week, fallen law enforcement officers, a young Olympic weightlifter, a community sports agent, a deceased coach, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day, the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, aviation professionals, and a birthday tribute. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and a long series of resolutions and bills, many of which were adopted or concurred in without objection. Several measures were returned to the calendar, while others were advanced with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on resolutions honoring or commemorating people and groups, including National Police Week, Barron Baker, Paul T. Derezel II, Coach Emilio Tese, Alpha Phi Alpha, Louisiana Realtors Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, and various memorial highway designations. The House also adopted or concurred in resolutions on topics such as DOTD signage, shrimp procurement, geothermal energy, opioid settlement reporting, hospital design standards, Medicaid redetermination flexibility, chronic wasting disease management, remote online notarization, and a task force on intestate succession. Testimony on these items was generally supportive and brief, with sponsors explaining that most were technical, commemorative, or requests for study. The chamber also took up several substantive bills and Senate amendments. Among the measures concurred in were bills on peace officer citizenship requirements, post-conviction bail limits, portable benefits for independent contractors, workforce development, construction debris burning, license plate coverings, insurance and captive insurers, oil field indemnification, and rural infrastructure financing. One notable bill, HB 39 on peace officer citizenship, drew questions about National Guard members and legal permanent residents before the House concurred in the Senate amendments by a 74-22 vote. HB 134 on harmful material and interactive computer services had its Senate amendments rejected, while HB 359 on nonaffiliated candidates was temporarily returned to the calendar. The most extended debate came on the conference committee report for HB 842, which addressed Louisiana election law in response to the federal Callais decision. Members questioned how the report would affect the current congressional election cycle, absentee ballots, qualifying dates, signature requirements, and whether the closed party primary for U.S. House races had been canceled in favor of an open primary in the fall. The sponsor explained that the report cancels the current closed party primary for congressional races, voids ballots cast in that canceled election, returns qualifying fees, lowers petition-signature requirements, and sets new dates for the open primary and runoff. The House suspended the rules to consider the report the same day it was received, and the discussion highlighted concerns about election administration, district maps, and the scope of the changes before the chamber moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I'm here to present Senate Bill 41, which is an ad valorem tax bill.
• If a taxing entity raises taxes over 4%, it must be put on the ballot.
• If a taxing entity raises taxes over 4%, it must be put on the ballot.
• Don't raise property taxes over 4%. What Don't raise property taxes over 4%.
• his tax bill.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 11, a proposal to create a matching-grant program for neighborhood storm shelters in rural Kentucky. Sponsor Steve Meredith and supporters from the Kentucky League of Cities and the City of Morgantown said the idea was to use FEMA-style funding to help residents who live far from community shelters, noting that in some rural counties it can take 30 to 45 minutes to reach a shelter during severe weather. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 11-0, with no nay votes. The committee then considered Senate Bill 41, which would require a ballot referendum whenever a taxing entity raises property taxes more than 4 percent, rather than relying on the current petition process. Sponsor Gary Boswell said the bill would give taxpayers more direct control and argued that local governments should simply avoid raising taxes above the threshold. Superintendents from Rockcastle and Casey counties opposed the bill, saying it would weaken local control, add election costs, delay budgets, and make it harder for school districts to keep up with inflation, insurance, transportation, and construction costs. After debate, the committee passed the bill 7-3 with favorable expression. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 59, which would add criminal penalties to KRS 65.013, the law barring public funds from being used to advocate for or against ballot questions. Sponsor Steve Rawlings said the measure was prompted by reports of school officials using public resources to oppose a 2024 ballot issue and argued the law needs real enforcement to protect taxpayers and election integrity. Members raised concerns about First Amendment issues and the bill’s gray areas, especially for public employees speaking on their own time; Rawlings said the substitute removed volunteer references, allowed balanced issue debates, and clarified that employees acting on their own time and resources would not be prohibited. The committee passed the bill 8-3 with favorable expression. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 57, as substituted, from Senator Danny Carroll. The bill would create a nuclear-ready site readiness pilot program under the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, with up to three projects receiving up to $25 million each to help cover early site permitting and related licensing costs. Carroll, along with witnesses from the UK Center for Applied Energy Research and the Public Service Commission, said the goal is to build a nuclear energy ecosystem in Kentucky, with safeguards including surety bonds, deadlines, and cost-recovery provisions. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.