Transcript Highlights:

• So it is a savings to the state to switch to this method.
• Um so the um switch to this method.
• The method is kind of outdated.
• They're wearing out, and the method is kind of outdated. The method is kind of outdated.
• at methods of trying to address them. at methods of trying to address them.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there going to be a method to get that out? Which line can you refer to? I'm on page one.
• I'm just trying to see if there is going to be a method in which they notify, get that out, or who's

Bills: HB1039, SB423, SB436

Keywords: local sales tax, local use tax, sales and use tax, tax audit, local collector, tax collector, prescriptive period, prescription waiver, interest suspension, delinquency penalties, estimated assessment, arbitrary assessment, certified mail notice, audit notice, taxpayer rights, installment agreement, Louisiana tax law, Title 47, revenue collection, tax administration

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered Senate Bill 436 by Senator Cloud, which revises how annual aviation fuel estimates are calculated for the Aviation Trust Fund. Senator Cloud explained that the fund supports airport and aviation projects and has been supplemented in recent years with general fund dollars because the estimated balance has remained stagnant. The committee adopted amendments allowing DOTD’s Office of Multimodal Commerce to use federal and other public data sources, requiring Revenue to provide annual aviation fuel sales tax collections data, and making a technical change. After a brief question about existing airport disclosure requirements, the bill was reported as amended with support cards entered into the record. The committee then took up House Bill 1039 by Representative Desotel, dealing with local sales and use tax audit procedures. The bill was presented as a fairness and transparency measure for audits, but members and the author discussed substantial amendments that would remove or modify several provisions. The committee adopted the amendments except for Amendment 4, which would have required private auditing firms contracting with taxing authorities to be domiciled in Louisiana; that language was set aside for further work after concerns it could affect audits conducted outside Louisiana. Members also discussed provisions on waiving prescription periods, suspending interest and penalties by agreement, and concerns about multiple parishes auditing the same business at once. The bill was reported as amended, with several support cards and informational cards entered. Senate Bill 423 was voluntarily deferred, and there was no other business before the committee. The meeting adjourned after a motion to adjourn was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there going to be a method to get that out? Where, which can you refer? I'm on page one.
• I'm just trying to see, is there going to be a method in which they notify, get that out, or who's going

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered Senate Bill 436 by Senator Cloud, which revises how annual aviation fuel estimates are calculated for the Aviation Trust Fund. Senator Cloud explained that the fund supports airport and aviation projects and is used to draw down federal matching dollars, but its credited amount has remained flat for years despite changing fuel sales. The committee adopted a set of amendments allowing DOTD’s Office of Multimodal Commerce to use federal and other public data sources, requiring annual sales tax collection reports from the Department of Revenue, and making a technical change. The bill was then reported favorably as amended, with several supporters’ cards entered into the record. The committee next took up House Bill 1039 by Representative Desotel, dealing with local sales and use tax audit procedures. Desotel said the bill was intended to improve fairness, transparency, and consistency in local audits, especially where businesses face multiple simultaneous audits by different parishes. A nine-amendment set was offered; after discussion, the committee adopted all amendments except Amendment 4, which would have required private auditing firms to be domiciled in Louisiana, and authorized staff to make technical changes. Members raised concerns about whether the bill could unintentionally encourage delays in audits and about whether audits in one parish could trigger audits in others. Desotel said the goal was to add guardrails without harming parish taxing authority, and the bill was reported as amended. Several witnesses and committee members spoke in support of stronger limits on repeated parish audits, describing the burden on businesses and the need for a more uniform process. Support cards were read into the record from multiple individuals and organizations, including the Louisiana Retailers Association and NFIB. Senate Bill 423 was then voluntarily deferred, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We estimated that DCS learns about 1 in 10 insurance claims through some other method.
• We estimated that DCS learns about 1 in 10 insurance claims through some other method.

Summary: At the June 4, 2025 JLARC I-900 Subcommittee hearing, the State Auditor’s Office presented a performance audit on Washington’s child support insurance intercept law. The audit reviewed the mandatory reporting system for insurance claims tied to past-due child support, noting that collections increased after the law took effect in 2022, but that some eligible claims still are not being reported. Auditors said DCS learns about roughly 1 in 10 claims through other channels, and that insurers may miss reporting because they are unaware of the law, make administrative errors, or misunderstand the $500 threshold and timing requirements. The audit recommended that the Office of the Insurance Commissioner help educate insurers by adding information to its website and sharing insurer contact contacts with DCS, and also recommended that the Legislature amend the law to create monitoring and enforcement authority. The auditor said neither DCS nor OIC currently has authority to monitor compliance or take action against noncompliant insurers, though other states use insurance regulators or market conduct exams for this purpose. Committee members asked about possible coordinated enforcement between DSHS and OIC, which the auditor said was beyond the scope of the audit but could be considered by the Legislature. An OIC representative said the commissioner is willing to help educate insurers, post information on the OIC website, and share contact information with DSHS, and that the agency is open to further discussion. No public testimony was offered, and no votes or formal committee actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• All methods delivering public education shall be evidence-based, including educator training policies
• and any pedagogical methods.
• That would be in violation; that's not evidence-based. methods requirement all methods methods requirement
• all methods delivering<00:10:02.880> public<00:10:03.240> education<00:10:03.760> shall
• and then it goes into talking methods and then it goes into talking about<00:10:12.160> attached<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education. Department of Education testimony said the bill’s definition would conflict with the federal definition and be unusually restrictive, potentially affecting curriculum, educator training, and many existing state requirements. The department said it could force a broad overhaul of school programs and create a need for at least one new state position, with local districts likely facing significant unbudgeted costs. Members raised concerns about impacts on federal pass-through funding, curriculum materials, and whether the bill was workable at all. Several members said the proposal would be too costly and difficult to implement, especially during a tight budget cycle. Representative Papovich moved to retain HB 129, and the motion passed 7-0. Members who supported retention said they wanted to set the bill aside because of the scale of the concerns, while also stating they did not support the bill as written. The committee then opened HB 133, dealing with DMV follow-up on residency and licensing issues tied to voting and other interactions. Department of Safety/DMV officials said the bill would require a $40,000 technology update plus a full-time position to handle manual correspondence and review of possible matches, and that postage was not included in the fiscal note. They said the bill’s 60-day residency trigger is vague, that the DMV would be acting outside its normal role by investigating status after the fact, and that the measure could create privacy and operational problems. Members questioned whether the bill would effectively force people to buy a driver’s license to vote, whether non-driver and voter ID options would avoid that concern, and whether the Secretary of State rather than DMV would be the more appropriate agency to handle any follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• to find out what somebody has methods to find out what people<00:15:37.600> own.
• So the intent of this is to clarify under which circumstances displaying is an acceptable method.
• We already have it a acceptable method. We already have it allowed,<00:29:59.520> right?
• It would follow all of the same procedures, burdens of proof, methods of notice, service, enforcement
• It would follow all of the same procedures, burdens of proof, methods of notice, service, enforcement

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• all used to if you have a bank account that you interact with online, where users can select the method
• Method they prefer, be that a text message, a phone call, a passkey, as well as three levels of identity
• that we can have a variety of methods that we can use<00:34:59.280> to<00:34:59.839> to
• <01:13:55.360> for have I'd say really robust methods for have I'd say really robust methods
• <01:53:34.400> of more straightforward method of more straightforward method of submitting

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Defraying the cost of any new mandate is another method to subsidize the cost in the fully insured market
• Defraying the cost of any new mandate is another method to subsidize the cost in the fully insured market
• Defraying the cost of any new mandate is another method to subsidize the cost in the fully insured market
• Please introduce yourself. ...offering a comprehensive range of contraceptive methods.
• Thank you. ...long-term contraceptive methods.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on here it specifically says must consider traditional ecological knowledge, regenerative harvest methods
• on here it specifically says must consider traditional ecological knowledge, regenerative harvest methods
• on here it specifically says must consider traditional ecological knowledge, regenerative harvest methods
• , knowledge, regenerative harvest methods, knowledge, regenerative harvest methods, and<01:27:37.040
• regenerative harvesting methods regenerative harvesting methods aligned<01:28:03.400> with

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This method of removal is in addition to any other methods provided by law.
• on the dry fork CO2 capture uh methods on the dry fork power<01:05:55.359> plant<01:05:56.400
• created a process for, you know, how if you're going to do permanent storage, there's actually a method
• created a process for, you know, how if you're going to do permanent storage, there's actually a method
• Uh, there's actually a method and a way to meet the state regulations, and eventually the state, the

Bills: SJ0001, SF0017

Keywords: mineral leasing, federal lands, Wyoming, energy policy, local control, federalism, forestry management, good neighbor authority, state lands, employee funding, donations, revolving account, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We want a standardized method of testing because right now I'm currently being sued and it will always
• So we want to shore that up by making sure that we add a standardized method of testing.
• This is a new delivery method that will allow patients to utilize a faster acting administration method
• Those methods, not only do the methods not exist, the technology itself does not exist.
• Education and regulation are proven methods that reduce harm and keep our communities safe.

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:

• It's all about source and method, and they hang their hat on sources and methods.
• FaceTime call or how do you detect different types of frauds or what are the different types of fraud methods
• types<02:51:21.279> of<02:51:21.760> um<02:51:21.920> fraud<02:51:22.319> methods
• <02:51:22.560> that different types of um fraud methods that different types of um fraud methods

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's time to act on these merciless glue traps in favor of humane 21st-century methods of pest control
• It's time to act on these merciless glue traps in favor of humane 21st-century methods of pest control
• It's time to act on these merciless glue traps in favor of humane 21st-century methods of pest control
• It's time to act on these merciless glue traps in favor of humane 21st-century methods of pest control
• It's time to act on these merciless glue traps in favor of humane 21st-century methods of pest control

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed. The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.

Transcript Highlights:

• projects themselves without uh a projects themselves without uh a financing<00:19:35.919> method
• like<00:19:36.400> the<00:19:36.559> local<00:19:36.880> sales financing method
• <00:19:49.360> like if we don't have a financing method like if we don't have a financing
• method like the<00:19:49.760> local<00:19:50.080> sales<00:19:50.320> tax.
• So u that's really what I want methods.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They just said that's their preferred method, so it wasn't controversial in any way.
• They just said that's their preferred method, so it wasn't controversial in any way.
• Communication methods: Basin Electric has a very strong preference for in-person visits.
• That is the only method I have been a part of dealing with. You may continue.
• and gas wells that extend the life of the well through the use of complementary energy extraction methods

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The short answer on this is there are really two methods for us to estimate impacts.
• <00:43:33.839> for this is there are really two methods for this is there are really two methods
• But again, the short answer is using both methods.
• But again, the short answer is using both methods.
• I just laid out for you two different methods.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So within Article 5, just wanted to remind everyone that this reflects the method-of-finance swap of
• So again, it's going to depend on what the appropriation is for and essentially the method of finance
• Lindsay, on page two, you talked about the method of finance, but I'd like...
• Lindsay, on page two, you talked about the method of finance, but I'd like to know more about COVID-19
• Item 1, the method of finance swap.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunity to see how you work with a client, the information that you need, the safety equipment and methods
• opportunity to see how you work with a client, the information that you need, the safety equipment and methods
• opportunity to see how you work with a client, the information that you need, the safety equipment and methods
• opportunity to see how you work with a client, the information that you need, the safety equipment and methods
• opportunity to see how you work with a client, the information that you need, the safety equipment and methods

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we shared before, our study employs a mixed-method approach, gathering both qualitative and quantitative
• Mixed-method approach, gathering both qualitative and quantitative data through a variety of methods,
• five-day period, January 21 to the 25th, using a combination of landline, mobile phone, and text web methods
• whether or not there is a way, or we should try to figure out a way, or what would be a different method

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up a draft bill to make legislators’ and candidates’ residential addresses confidential in public records. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State explained the proposal was prompted by security concerns and would protect residential addresses while still allowing election officials to verify residency and keep candidate names and offices public. Members raised concerns about unintended consequences, transparency, and how the change would affect rural districts and residency enforcement. The Secretary of State suggested an amendment to end the confidentiality when a candidate’s term ends, and the committee agreed to hold the bill over for further discussion at the next meeting. The committee also reviewed follow-up materials on legislator security and best practices, including advice on situational awareness, internet hygiene, varying routines, and reporting threats, along with NCSL materials comparing capitol security practices in other states. Members discussed a recent security incident and the need to keep alert contact information current, and staff said they would continue working with the Highway Patrol on legislative-specific notifications. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to Garrity Consulting’s final report on mitigating the effects of legislative term limits. The consultants summarized survey, focus group, and stakeholder input showing concerns about loss of institutional knowledge, leadership turnover, onboarding demands, and workload pressures, while also noting public support for term limits and annual sessions. Recommendations included considering annual sessions or shifting biennial sessions to even-numbered years, restructuring organizational session and interim committee work, creating office hours and more structured orientation and mentorship, expanding ongoing training and staff support, improving public communication and virtual testimony rules, and addressing barriers to service such as employer support and travel costs. Members discussed the tension between making the legislature more effective and preserving a citizen-legislature model, and the report was received as a roadmap for future implementation rather than immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• it, whatever they do in Permian Basin and all through the Marcellus Shale, There's all different methods
• These methods are largely theoretical and lack evidence of effectiveness.
• But, you know, there are methods of CDR. In fact, we have the 1757 process happening now.
• But, you know, and there are methods of CDR. In fact, we have the 1757 process happening now.
• we should be fully funding that before—unless you're talking about R&D—because these other three methods

Summary: The committee first heard SB 14, which would direct state agencies to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste diversion at state facilities by updating integrated waste management plans, increasing reusable foodware use, reducing paper purchasing, and requiring better employee education and recycling/composting practices. Supporters from the California Compost Coalition, Republic Services, Waste Management, and others said the bill would help build composting and recycling markets and let the state lead by example. Several groups that had opposed earlier versions said they were now neutral after amendments, including the removal of a 90% requirement. The bill was moved out on a due pass as amended recommendation. The committee then took up SB 326 on wildfire mitigation. The bill would create a framework for Cal Fire to evaluate the risk-reduction benefits of fuels management and landscape resilience investments, and it would accelerate implementation of Zone Zero defensible-space standards, including grants for local enforcement and broader application to rental and sale properties and post-fire reconstruction. Support came from Stanford climate researcher Michael Mastrandrea and several local government, insurance, and climate groups. With no opposition, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. Next, SB 34 on port emissions and the South Coast Air Quality Management District drew extensive testimony. The author said the bill was narrowed by committee amendments to preserve the ports’ ability to reduce emissions while preventing cargo throughput caps and addressing concerns about automation, local control, and the timeline for port clean-air planning. Supporters included ILWU, business groups, and port-related stakeholders, while the South Coast AQMD and many environmental and community organizations opposed it, arguing it would weaken public-health protections and set a bad precedent. After lengthy debate, the committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to Transportation, with some members voting no and others abstaining. The committee also heard SB 279, which would expand composting options for farmers and small community composters by allowing limited on-farm composting after large biomass events and increasing the amount small operations may process and sell. Supporters said the bill would help address agricultural waste, expand composting capacity, and reduce landfill disposal. Commercial composting representatives opposed it, warning that the bill could create regulatory inequities, strand recent investments in permitted facilities, and allow too much unregulated food waste. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to Appropriations on a due pass vote. The transcript also briefly referenced SB 613 on upstream methane emissions data, described as having no opposition and intended to improve tracking of imported oil and gas emissions.