Transcript Highlights:

• We respectfully ask those who decided to testify before the committee to be prompt and respectful of
• rule of thumb, every $10,000 in parking construction costs is $100 in monthly rent that someone must pay
• At the time of the sale, that 40B homeowner would be required to pay all the differential costs that
• At the time of the sale, that 40B homeowner would be required to pay all the differential costs that
• It benefits everyone: people in need of housing, our state's residents who are forced to pay unmanageably

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on zoning, Chapter 40B, and related housing bills. Much of the testimony focused on the “Yes in My Backyard” bill (H. 1572/S. 962), which would expand by-right development of missing middle housing, reduce barriers such as minimum lot sizes and parking mandates, and support duplexes, triplexes, and other small-scale housing. Supporters included housing advocates, developers, local officials, and municipal leaders from places like Cambridge, Salem, and Braintree, who argued that state action is needed because local zoning often blocks needed housing and that the bill would help create more affordable, neighborhood-compatible homes. Several witnesses also backed a companion “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill (H. 2347), which would allow faith-based institutions to build housing on their property by right, with testimony emphasizing the potential for new units, added municipal tax revenue, and partnerships between religious organizations and housing developers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1021 to modernize Chapter 40R incentives. Senator Pavel Payano and others said the program’s payments have not kept pace with inflation since 2004 and should be increased to better encourage smart-growth zoning near transit and town centers. Another major topic was H. 2298 on site plan review, which would codify and standardize the process in state law. Rep. Kristin Kassner and witnesses from MAPC and NAIOP said current site plan review practices vary widely across the state, creating confusion, delays, and litigation, while a uniform framework would give municipalities clearer tools to review by-right projects without undermining local oversight. The hearing also included testimony on Chapter 40B reform, including S. 1005 and H. 1537. One witness supported further review of 40B and stronger regional planning, while another backed a proposal to allow certain pre-2010 40B condominium owners to sell at market value under a framework that would recapture some of the subsidy benefits. Committee members asked several questions about local zoning changes, housing goals by county, and how the proposed bills would affect communities. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs indicated that written testimony would be welcomed for technical details and additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• California residents pay the highest energy rates in the continental U.S., while our investor-owned utility
• of real uncertainty about skyrocketing costs, we want ratepayers to be confident that when they're paying
• What I heard was that there's been an increase in pushback on data requests that is prompting some of
• billion in federal tax credits as an infusion into the state's economy and create thousands of good-paying
• that, you know, is something that can be a, you know, a lifeline to many folks that are struggling to pay

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, clean energy, and consumer access. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection and accountability measure, while utilities and industry groups raised concerns about municipalization language and data-request procedures. After discussion about the scope of the bill and existing guardrails from prior legislation, the committee voted SB 327 out on a due pass as amended basis to Appropriations, with the roll left open and later updated to 12-2. SB 1350, a hydrogen bill, would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen in turbines. The author and supporters said it would help California meet clean energy goals, support the Lancaster hydrogen project, and create jobs, while opponents, especially environmental groups, warned about NOx emissions, the risk of paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on feedstocks and delivery. Members discussed amendments already taken and the need for continued work on environmental protections; the committee passed the bill 14-0 to Natural Resources. SB 868 would create a framework for plug-in or balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar, with safety standards and a cap on system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar, while utilities and some others raised safety and backfeed concerns and asked for more review through existing interconnection processes. The author and witnesses said the devices are small, non-exporting, and covered by safety certifications; the committee approved the bill 17-0, later updated to 18-0, and sent it to Appropriations. SB 1233 would require additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related information in existing reports to help inform rates and affordability. Utilities opposed the measure as duplicative of existing proceedings and potentially delay-inducing, while supporters said it would improve transparency for ratepayers. The committee passed SB 1233 10-3 to Appropriations. The committee also dispensed with the consent calendar, passing the remaining consent items, including SB 925, SB 667, SB 952, SB 742, SB 929, SB 943, and SB 1138, and noted that SB 905 had been pulled from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1066 by Representatives Bar-Uptain and Freiberg, relative to state supplemental pay for law
• enforcement officers, and to prohibit certain law enforcement officers from receiving supplemental pay
• His death prompted global tributes, with leaders noting that while his voice had been silenced by illness
• Shamahorn for a question on the bill, please pay attention so we're not asking repetitive questions.
• Shamahorn for a question on the bill, please pay attention so we're not asking repetitive questions.

Bills: HR210, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR214, HR215, HR216, HR217, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR118, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, SCR6, SCR18, HB79, HB165, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB603, HB646, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1099, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1245, HB1246, HB1247, HB1248, HB1249, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR19, SCR3, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB624, HB689, HB708, HB804, HB906, HB926, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1187, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HCR32, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB225, HB864, HB1166, HB1189, HB59, HB617, HB897, HB911, HB1223, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: renewable energy, job creation, veteran employment, economic development, energy security, asthma, allergy, awareness, healthcare, public health, Louisiana, St. Bernard Parish, special recognition, parish day, state capitol, Louisiana resolution, ceremonial resolution, honorary resolution, community celebration, local heritage

Summary: The House met on April 27, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of personal privileges recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy Day, Guarantee Corporation’s 100th anniversary, Delta Waterfowl, FFA and 4-H students, St. Bernard Parish Day, the Louisiana Notary Association, and New Orleans Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced several resolutions, including measures on Gulf States renewable energy, asthma and allergy awareness, St. Bernard Parish Day, and other commemorations. The floor then took up a long series of bills and resolutions. Among the notable measures were House Bill 316 on literacy and tutoring, House Bill 578 changing statutory references from gender to sex, House Bill 748 expanding toll exemptions for school board vehicles, House Bill 101 redesignating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, House Bill 1032 cleaning up DWI terminology, House Bill 1081 transferring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, House Bill 1108 creating a homeschool pride prestige plate, House Bill 1129 giving in-state auctioneers preference for selling surplus state property, House Bill 1157 creating a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank, House Bill 1192 creating a dental hygienist prestige plate, House Bill 1195 revising athletic commission rules and NIL-related provisions, House Bill 1198 barring arbitration in child custody and visitation matters, House Bill 181 allowing limited tax-data sharing for Medicaid/SNAP integrity, House Bill 1118 requiring disclosure of hospital ownership by real estate investment trusts, House Bill 1082 changing venue rules in suits involving municipal police employees’ retirement systems, House Bill 225 proposing a lifetime two-term limit for governor, House Bill 864 on municipal fire limits and storage of flammables, House Bill 1189 requiring captain’s licenses for certain freshwater charter guides, and House Bill 549 creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program. Most measures passed, often after brief debate and technical amendments. Several bills were recommitted or returned to the calendar, including House Bill 902, House Bill 1245, and House Bill 1247, while House Bill 225 failed on final passage. The House also considered and passed multiple Senate bills dealing with tax administration, child custody testimony, Supreme Court disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers, civil investigation demands in Medicaid fraud cases, service of process fees and notice, and permanent homestead exemption registration. The session ended with the House in recess after completing its bill agenda for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll also be keeping time for your opening, and we will give you a prompt if you get close to that time
• They don't care, really, that you're losing your job because you're still going to comply and pay your
• I would have to sit and spend five or ten minutes kind of explaining how we pay our employees more.
• passionate about environmental justice and feel like, you know, you're basically allowing people to pay
• passionate about environmental justice and feel like, you know, you're basically allowing people to pay

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several Governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Indira Cameron Banks to the Civil Rights Council, Sonar Loma Lee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and C. Don Clay and Joshua Pertula to the UC College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors. It also approved references to bills in two committees and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The main substantive hearing was on the appointments of Linda Hopkins and Patricia Locke Dawson to the Air Resources Board. Both nominees emphasized climate action, public engagement, and balancing environmental protection with economic impacts. Senators pressed them on cap-and-trade, leakage and job loss, agricultural costs, warehouse and truck traffic impacts, emergency vehicle and school bus electrification, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis and better communication with affected communities. Public commenters largely supported both nominees. The committee advanced Hopkins 4-0 and Lock Dawson 5-0 to the full Senate. The committee then heard Andrew Rakestra’s appointment as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety. He described his background in climate diplomacy and regulatory work and said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and responsiveness to both regulated entities and disproportionately burdened communities. Senators questioned him about DTSC reform, community engagement in places like Moss Landing and the Exide cleanup, the hazardous waste management plan, fee-setting, and the Environmental Justice Advisory Council. After supportive public testimony, the committee approved his nomination to the Senate floor on a 3-0 vote, with two members not voting or abstaining. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We pay over $900,000 to our landlord, collect over $700,000 in sales taxes, and pay around $40,000 in
• I can't pay to put gas in my car. ...pay for justice if I don't have the money, and if I can barely pay
• Particularly those people who are unable to pay lawyers' fees when faced against someone who can pay
• That’s the price you pay for this country. When you decide to go over that, you pay for that.
• The only thing the state pays for is the district judge; they pay for the full salary, and the county

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uniform timeline for all types of transfers and by requiring prompt coordination and acquisition of student
• We strongly support, and as an individual, I am a long-term paying member of AFT Guild 1931. affiliate
• For teachers there's a growing pay gap with other college graduates.
• A 2023 Economic Policy Institute study found a record 26.6% pay gap, a dramatic increase from 6.1% in
• Who would pay for that mandate and would that come from Prop 98 funds?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• O'Hara fell overboard while on the USS Iwo Jima, prompting an extensive multi-branch 72-hour search and
• O'Hara fell overboard while on the USS Iwo Jima, prompting an extensive multi-branch 72-hour search and

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texans already pay these taxes on their own electric bill, and they have to pay that tax again when their
• The amount we pay is enough to pay for an employee's salary, for example, or it's enough to replace a
• That is, Texans pay the MGRT once on their own electric bills and then indirectly pay it again when some
• All of the, all of the customers that are actually paying the tax are paying double taxation because
• pay the 2% on the amount of sales tax that you pay, and on the amount of the public utility commission

Transcript Highlights:

• So you have to pay it, and then you reduce the Potential principal.
• to pay that down.
• But let's say, for some reason, they couldn't pay in the third year; if they couldn't pay all of it,
• give them the loan money to pay it off until they have a mortgage on it.
• As a political subdivision for some time now, they still have to pay property taxes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I want to look at sales taxpayers who may not pay.
• Either, you know, they're not able to fund a budget to pay appraisers or pay to hire additional staff
• Under criminal justice and public safety, $330.6 million is provided to pay for a pay increase for correctional
• The pay as you go limit has capacity of $11.6 billion.
• We do know that renters pay property taxes.

Transcript Highlights:

• become critical in a short amount of time if not corrected soon, and projects that require reasonably prompt
• 45.360><c> that</c><01:25:45.520><c> require</c><01:25:45.920><c> reasonably</c><01:25:46.760><c> prompt
• </c> projects that require reasonably prompt projects that require reasonably prompt attention<01:25:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, but if I just say, I'm not paying it, I'm not paying $10 now.
• If I just say, I'm not paying it, I'm not paying $10 now. How's that work?
• You just don't pay it.
• You just don't pay it.
• And they know that I won't pay more than $3.85 for it, but they know that you would pay $5.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on Wednesday, April 22, with a quorum present and heard several bills. HB 1195, relating to the Louisiana State Athletic Commission, was amended with technical changes and a fee-related amendment tied to student athlete agents, then reported favorably. Members asked about criminal penalties and whether the bill would affect prison athletic events; the author said he would follow up on those questions. HB 798, the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, was amended to clarify definitions, federal compliance, notice requirements, and severability, then reported favorably after extensive debate over whether providers already give adequate notice, whether a separate notice is necessary, and whether the bill would be preempted by federal law. Charter Communications testified in opposition, saying the bill was duplicative and would add costs, while the author argued it was needed to ensure clear, conspicuous notice of price increases and cancellation rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm paying $140 for it right now.
• I'm paying $140 for it right now.
• Okay, but if I just say, I'm not paying it, I'm not paying $10 now. How does that work?
• You just don't pay it.
• And they know that I won't pay more than $3.85 for it, but they know that you would pay $5.

Bills: HB471, HB798, HB947, HB1140, HB1186, HB1195, HB1222

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, consumer protection, automated decision systems, data privacy, broadband, cable service, price increase, notification, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, telecommunications, spoofing, call authentication

Transcript Highlights:

• salary, but could afford to pay 60%.
• Counties pay for things and what we pay for things.
• It would only affect those who pay, or do all subdivisions pay? Impact these, all developments?
• , but the taxpayers end up paying it.
• or staff pay in some cases.

Bills: HB26, HB73, SB 14, HB46

Keywords: HB26, law enforcement contracts, sheriff, constable, county commissioners court, commissioners court, private security, special law enforcement district, property owners association, POA, municipal utility district, school district, junior college district, local government, contract policing, supplemental police services, large counties, population over 3.3 million, Texas Local Government Code, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• Who pays for that?
• Who pays for that?
• Who pays for that?
• Who pays for that?
• Who pays for that?

Bills: HF3396

Keywords: property tax, task force, assessment, state revenue, local government, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ... the state then pays for those benefits.
• We're saying you can't pay them that fee anymore.
• does not return, the court keeps the cash, pays fines, pays court costs, and also pays restitution.
• Felony charge had to pay $35.
• a percentage to the court and pay for some of your fines. pay for some of your fines and costs in the

Bills: HB43, SB81, SB178, SB138, SB89, SB183, HB27, HB188, HB199, HB190, SB117, HB43, HB27

Keywords: criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, violent crimes, Alabama Supreme Court, employment, criminal record, certificate of employability, occupational licensing, negligent hiring, rehabilitation, limited relief, tribal police, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• 47.119><c> that</c><01:48:47.440><c> this</c> This raises the concern that this legislation is meant to pay
• ,</c><03:08:27.040><c> and</c> should be about service, promptness, and should be about service, promptness
• There’s another part in this piece as it relates to co-pays.
• as<04:23:43.199><c> it</c><04:23:43.439><c> relates</c><04:23:43.600><c> to</c><04:23:43.760><c> co-pays
• </c> as it relates to co-pays. as it relates to co-pays.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• surprising, especially because there was flexibility that was built into the grant, like you could pay
• You could pay a stipend so that you could do it on a weekend out of those grant dollars.
• They might range from $15 to $40 to pay for the materials.
• They might range from $15 to $40 to pay for the materials.
• So that’s why districts loved having those...” “...in-district funds to be able to pay for materials

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Someone who's paying for that, if it's behavioral health, even addiction issues.
• For example, in AOT, a complication would be the availability of resources if insurance doesn't pay for
• it or Medicaid doesn't pay for it.
• What are the resources that family has to pay for the testimony affidavit evaluation?
• But, you know, I guess what prompted my interest in this particular topic, and I'm very pleased we're

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm paying like everybody else.
• Children being able to pay attention, follow rules, and manage emotions.
• The delay in contracting and the delay in paying profits them.
• There’s a whole fee schedule that the state pays for non-Medicaid services.
• These, and if they don't, then they start paying the patient interest.