Transcript Highlights:

• She hires me to do outdoor play, sensory play in the community in nature.
• When a doctor prescribes outdoor time for depression or chronic disease management, insurance will cover
• This formal acknowledgement of the importance of spending time in the outdoors, I believe, could be a
• the general population of how to take care of ourselves and each other by prioritizing time in the outdoors

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of health insurance and public health bills, with most speakers focused on expanding coverage for specific treatments and services. Bills discussed included H. 1187/S. 792 on rehabilitation counselors, H. 1173/S. 692 on patient navigation, S. 2600 on scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, S. 2599 on medically necessary treatment for port wine birthmarks, H. 1164 on licensed educational psychologists for child and adolescent mental health services, S. 754/H. 1254 on autism diagnosis and treatment by nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, S. 714/H. 1137 on infectious disease response and coverage, and S. 791 on making nature a prescriptive therapeutic intervention. Speakers generally argued these bills would improve access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and address gaps in current insurance reimbursement rules. Testimony in support emphasized personal stories and clinical evidence. Cancer patients and providers described the benefits of patient navigation and scalp cooling for dignity and quality of life during treatment. Boston Children’s Hospital staff and families said port wine birthmark treatment is medically necessary, can prevent complications, and should not be denied as cosmetic. Rehabilitation counselors and school psychologists argued their services are effective, cost-saving, and underused because they cannot bill insurance. Autism advocates said current insurance statutes are outdated because nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists already provide evaluations and should be recognized for reimbursement to avoid delays in early intervention. Public health and GLAD Law testimony supported stronger infectious disease coverage to remove barriers to testing, treatment, and PrEP access. The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 1172, a bill requiring insurance coverage for detransition-related care. Supporters said it would ensure coverage for medically necessary care for people who regret or reverse gender transition, while opponents argued it would legitimize anti-trans narratives or, conversely, that detransition care is needed because transition procedures can cause harm. The committee also heard strong support for S. 791 from advocates who described nature access as a health intervention that could help with trauma, anxiety, substance use recovery, and environmental justice, with claims that insurance coverage and reduced park fees would improve access. No votes were taken during the transcript, and the chair repeatedly thanked speakers and moved through the long list of public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, that sounds encouraging, so you're creating more outdoor opportunities for Louisiana's users
• To say that I love and care about the outdoors is an understatement. Thank you.
• To say that I love and care about the outdoors is an understatement.
• Being on the water and enjoying the outdoors, hunting and fishing, that is my life.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was brought forward, admirably, to give kids a certain minimum amount of time outdoors, but given
• a minimum of a certain amount of certain a minimum of a certain amount of time<01:51:20.720><c> outdoors
• 22.000><c> given</c><01:51:22.240><c> the</c><01:51:22.399><c> way</c><01:51:22.560><c> that</c> time outdoors
• , but given the way that time outdoors, but given the way that it's<01:51:22.800><c> drafted,</c><01:

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This category includes outdoor experiences, hands-on youth education, and natural resources training.
• project um<00:36:28.560><c> it's</c><00:36:28.800><c> the</c><00:36:29.079><c> the</c><00:36:29.160><c> outdoor
• </c><00:36:29.599><c> recreation</c> um it's the the outdoor recreation um it's the the outdoor recreation

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another example is outdoor dining.
• Our city of Los Angeles' temporary emergency order outdoor dining program increased our seating capacity
• However, current building codes for additional restrooms on outdoor patios do not reflect the value that

Committee: Senate Health

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the testimony, I heard that the drones can move outdoors up to 100 miles an hour.
• Louisianians more than most Americans really love to indulge and take opportunities in our great outdoors
• will become more than familiar; they'll become proficient in wildlife identification and management, outdoor

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on May 12, 2026, and first approved SB 518, which gives LSU limited authority to buy and sell certain real estate within one mile of campus as a two-year pilot program. Supporters said the bill would let LSU respond more quickly to deteriorating properties near campus and improve the student experience, while keeping protections such as appraisals and fair-market-value requirements. Members asked about whether the authority would affect residential property or be expanded to other universities, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then advanced SCR 33, creating a one-year Work-Based Learning Coordination Task Force to study and better align apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and related programs across state agencies and employers. Testimony emphasized the need to reduce duplication and improve coordination so students and employers can more easily connect. HR 168 also passed, directing the Board of Regents to study collegiate athletic program funding after concerns raised by athletic directors about deficits and accounting practices. Members next approved SB 488, establishing a school safety drone response pilot program to supplement school crisis plans. The bill drew detailed testimony from a vendor describing drone deployment, response times, and coordination with law enforcement; an amendment was adopted to require coordination with the Department of Education, State Police, and the Sheriffs’ Association. The committee also favorably reported HCR 97, asking BESE and Wildlife and Fisheries to study adding age-appropriate hunting, conservation, and shooting sports education in grades 5-12, with members clarifying that no live firearms would be used on campus. Finally, the committee approved SB 112, allowing local school boards to adopt parental-consent release-time policies for religious instruction, with amendments adding instructor qualifications, reporting requirements, electronic delivery flexibility, and constitutional safeguards. It also reported SB 504, expanding individual graduation plans to include vocational options and apply to charter schools, with an amendment for standalone elementary charters. The committee then passed SB 346 and SB 347, both dealing with deepfakes—one prohibiting their use against K-12 students and the other adding unlawful deepfakes to campus power-based violence rules—and SB 353, authorizing postsecondary systems to digitize student IDs for use in LA Wallet. Several members raised concerns about naming LA Wallet specifically, but the bill was still reported favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so this is what—this is just basically a big outdoor, outdoors, yes, just a rodeo arena.
• Outdoor space. Okay. And the university can no longer really maintain it.

Summary: The House met for prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal, which passed 121-2 for February 26 and by voice vote for February 27. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including tributes to law enforcement officers killed and wounded in Christian County, expressions of support for the affected families and departments, and recognition of a local racquetball championship and visiting guests, including U.S. Representatives Mark Alford and Eric Burlison and a child’s birthday. The chamber then took up numerous bills on third reading. HB 2097/1905, an elementary agriculture education pilot program, passed 148-0. HB 2167, authorizing the Attorney General’s Office to employ post-certified investigators in-house, passed 97-50, but its emergency clause failed 88-58 after debate over whether a unique emergency existed. HB 2747/2047, the Clean Slate expungement bill, passed 140-7 despite concerns about a fiscal note and implementation costs. HB 2587, addressing unmanned aircraft threats around large public gatherings and critical infrastructure, passed 140-2 and its emergency clause was adopted 133-11 ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Kansas City. Other bills passed included HB 1977 on civil detention for mental health evaluation (137-9), HB 2593 on National Guard and veterans-related matters including cybersecurity and tuition assistance (144-2), HB 1948, a fatherhood bill aimed at helping fathers overcome barriers to involvement with their children (141-4), and HB 2473, which clarifies handling of interest in real estate broker escrow accounts (149-0). The House also moved several bills to perfection, including HB 1786 on Highway Patrol purchase authority, HB 2105 on landlord water and sewer billing transparency, HB 2397 on water district dissolution thresholds, HB 2108 on Jefferson City viaduct and land conveyance issues, HB 2818 to annex St. Joseph Memorial Airport into city limits, and HB 1980 expanding peer review protections to EMTs and paramedics. The day ended with announcements, including an elections committee meeting and a rescheduled freshman meet-and-greet with the Attorney General.

Transcript Highlights:

• G2 is a letter from Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Outdoor Recreation.
• Catherine Andrews, Director, Office of Outdoor Recreation. Hey, guys, thanks.
• supported by a grant from the walton family foundation g2 is a letter from parks heritage and tourism outdoor

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , we completed our first review cycle, and we adopted restrictions on intentionally added PFAS in outdoor
• We also adopted a reporting requirement for PFAS in outdoor furniture.
• We also adopted a reporting requirement for PFAS in outdoor furniture.

Summary: The committee held a work session covering PFAS regulation and impacts, no-cost allowance allocation for emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries (EITEs), and regional resource adequacy and data center load growth. Senator Victoria Hunt was welcomed as a new member. The Department of Ecology reviewed Washington’s Safer Products for Washington PFAS work, including completed restrictions on PFAS in outdoor furniture, carpets, rugs, stain/water-resistant treatments, and newer rules adopted in November restricting PFAS in most apparel, cleaning products, and automotive washes, with reporting requirements for some other products such as cookware and firefighting gear. Ecology also described Cycle 2 PFAS reviews now underway, including artificial turf and paints, and answered questions about compliance, online sales, sell-through periods, and how Washington’s approach differs from broader bans in states like Maine and Minnesota. The Department of Ecology also presented on PFAS in biosolids, describing a 2024 sampling study, limitations in testing methods, and a 2025 statutory amendment requiring additional sampling between 2027 and 2028 and a report to the legislature in 2029. The Department of Health then updated the committee on PFAS in drinking water, reporting that most Group A public water systems have completed sampling, that 317 sources and 188 systems are expected to exceed new contaminant levels, and that treatment costs for public systems are estimated at about $970 million, leaving a large funding gap; members also asked about private wells, health effects, bathing exposure, and home filters. The Board of Health’s new state action levels are being aligned with federal MCLs, and the department said it expects to continue monitoring and notification under state rules. Ecology also briefed the committee on no-cost allowance allocations to EITEs under the Climate Commitment Act, explaining the leakage-mitigation rationale, the current allocation schedule through 2034, and a forthcoming report on policy options for 2035-2050; members asked about industry barriers, competitiveness, and whether facilities might leave the state. Finally, E3 presented a regional resource adequacy study showing rising load, retirements outpacing additions, limited winter reliability value from wind, solar, and batteries, and a projected shortfall beginning in 2026 that could grow to about 9,000 MW by 2030 if planned projects are not built. The presentation emphasized winter cold-weather events, hydro variability, the importance of permitting and transmission, and longer-term options including nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, carbon capture, and long-duration storage. EPRI then introduced its DC Flex initiative, which is studying how data centers can provide flexible load through workload shifting, cooling optimization, and on-site backup or bridging resources to reduce grid stress and protect ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• spent the better part of the morning checking air quality numbers to decide if I'd be able to enjoy outdoor
• spent the better part of the morning checking air quality numbers to decide if I'd be able to enjoy outdoor
• And that same weekend I saw a message from Outdoor activities that I'd planned for the day.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because this bill applies whether or not the event is indoor or outdoor, whether or not the drone operator
• Because this bill applies whether or not the event is indoor or outdoor, whether or not the drone operator

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Corinna Saldana. The chamber also received a proclamation honoring Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s centennial and a visit from university representatives, and briefly highlighted the House softball championship trophy. Early business included a motion to return SB 1113 to the Senate for further amendment and a motion to reject Senate amendments to HB 2133 and send it to conference committee. The House then considered a series of Senate bills in Committee of the Whole. Bills receiving due pass recommendations included SB 1038, SB 1042, SB 1133, SB 1327, SB 1431, and SB 1447. SB 1429 and SB 1566 were amended before receiving due pass recommendations. SB 1124, SB 1167, SB 1214, SB 1315, SB 1635, and SB 1763 were also amended and recommended for passage, while SB 1501 was retained on the calendar. Debate focused especially on SB 1327, concerning foreign funding and public universities, SB 1315, concerning school-law enforcement interoperability plans, and SB 1635, which opponents argued was overbroad and threatened speech and community safety efforts. After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the House placed several bills on third reading and then passed SB 1067, SB 1160, SB 1235, SB 1620, and SB 1668. Recorded votes showed SB 1067 passed 1-0 with six not voting, SB 1160 passed 32-23 with five not voting, SB 1235 passed 45-10 with five not voting, SB 1620 passed 48-7 with five not voting, and SB 1668 passed 55-0 with five not voting. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• the bus, but we need to understand what some of these cuts are going to do because we all love the outdoors
• So... ...because we all love the outdoors and we all love green trees.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Camp Cherry Lake program, that taught me to build friendships, to find new opportunities, to do that outdoor
• You have heard today, By getting youth outdoors and immersed in hands-on applied experiences, we can

Bills: S0806

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Keywords: right to repair, repairability, consumer repair, independent repair provider, authorized repair provider, portable wireless device, smartphone repair, cell phone repair, mobile device, agricultural equipment, farm equipment, tractor, combine, diagnostic information, repair manuals, parts availability, tools, embedded software, firmware, security module

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture took up SB 806, a consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill sponsored by Senator Truenow. The bill was described as expanding repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. Two amendments were adopted: one clarified that portable devices do not include motor vehicles, and another was a technical staff amendment. Testimony included support for the general goal of repair access, but opposition from a John Deere dealership representative, who warned the bill could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, increase downtime, and create emissions-compliance risks. The Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state laws, a private right of action against manufacturers, and inconsistencies with other states’ repair laws. After closing remarks from Senator Truenow, the committee voted to report CS for SB 806 favorably. The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers and alumni, who highlighted 4-H’s role in youth development, leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living. They described statewide participation of more than 216,000 youth, the impact of camps and hands-on programs, and efforts to raise funds for facility improvements, including Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee. Members asked about how youth discover 4-H, what drives participation, and the organization’s growth goals, including reaching 300,000 youth. Next, Florida FFA state officers presented on agricultural education and FFA’s role in preparing students for careers in agriculture and related fields. They emphasized the three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and FFA leadership activities, and noted Florida’s membership growth to more than 65,000 students, supported by state funding that allows all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. Members discussed the need for technology and AI to help meet future food-production demands, and the presenters stressed innovation, urban agriculture, and efficiency as key to feeding a growing population. The meeting concluded with general comments of support and a request for a group photo with the students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Municipal outdoor water use remains a major opportunity for conservation.
• And then also think about how to address municipal outdoor water use through irrigation standards, native

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• described regularly having to alter their daily lives in response to these conditions, avoiding time outdoors
• program for loose batteries to include medium-format batteries, such as those found in e-bikes and outdoor

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tool in the toolbox, 100%, but we also believe that Floridians and our visitors want access to the outdoors
• Sandy Creek State Forest will offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor education

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture convened with a quorum and heard presentations focused on land conservation and agricultural preservation in Florida. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services briefed the committee on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, explaining that it protects active agricultural lands through permanent conservation easements while keeping land in private ownership and on the tax rolls. The presentation emphasized eligibility for greenbelted active agricultural operations, required best management practices, and the program’s role in protecting food supply, water resources, habitat, and military buffering. Officials said the program’s 2025 ranked list includes 428 projects, with about 75 projects expected to start this year, and noted strong partnership funding from federal, local, and conservation partners. Committee members asked about eligibility, annual re-ranking, local government involvement, and the number of projects likely to receive funding. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida testified in support of continued and increased funding for land conservation, arguing that Florida is losing agricultural and natural lands and that conservation easements and fee-simple acquisitions are complementary tools. She said land trusts work with willing landowners to protect ranches, wetlands, forests, and wildlife corridors, and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum so projects do not stall as land values rise. In discussion with senators, she said public access to conserved lands depends on the specific deal and the landowner’s goals, and that access is more commonly provided through lands acquired for parks, forests, and other public green space. The Department of Environmental Protection then updated the committee on the Florida Forever program. DEP said the program uses both conservation easements and fee-simple acquisitions, with about half of acquisitions done through easements, and that it provides benefits including water quality, habitat protection, recreation, and military readiness. Officials reported 60 projects on the 2025-26 work plan, most in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and said the state has invested more than $1.4 billion since 2019, acquiring over 374,000 acres. They highlighted recent acquisitions for Sandy Creek State Forest, Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, and a new state park in Walton County, as well as the program’s 200th conservation easement. The committee also discussed funding levels, payment in lieu of taxes impacts on small counties, and broader priorities such as citrus, roads, and support for agriculture; no votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> TV advertisements TV advertisements are<01:24:58.640><c> deceptive.
• </c> uh from advertising on TV. uh from advertising on TV.
• . advertisement. advertisement.
• </c> look at some of these advertisements look at some of these advertisements advertisements<01:40:00.080
• </c><01:45:09.040><c> There's</c> than just TV advertisement. There's than just TV advertisement.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity to lay out House Bill 1093 that relates to requirements for notice advertising
• a lien sale on a publicly accessible internet website that generally advertises auctions for personal
• I definitely recommend them for your advertising needs.
• for lean states, and 7 of those states don't require any advertising at all.
• Let me just again reiterate that this bill does not stop or eliminate printed advertising.

Bills: HB 186

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• But if someone is advertising under the definition of what a kennel license is, and the short version
• But if someone is advertising under the definition of what a kennel license is, and the short version
• There are these platforms that advertise these services everywhere.
• They have to be pushing it forward. advertisements really in a perfect world they should be checking
• But without there being rules around how these are advertised, you can advertise, and it's crazy to think

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is mostly about their advertising of land and material sales.
• Third, when a sale of valuable materials does not get any bids, currently the full advertising process
• Third, when a sale of valuable materials does not get any bids, currently the full advertising process
• There are a lot of requirements with that advertisement.
• They have to make sure that they have proof that the advertisement actually had happened.

Bills: HB2104 , HB2348 , HB2454

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language, regulatory burdens, small producers, infrastructure materials, economic growth, manufacturing, 904, all