Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to add for the governor to appoint, because they left that out on the previous draft.
• Chair, the governor to appoint what?
• So we're just saying the governor will appoint the members. It's kind of a technical amendment.
• So we're just saying the governor<02:33:24.960><c> will</c><02:33:25.120><c> appoint</c><02:33:25.520
• </c> governor will appoint the members. governor will appoint the members.

Bills: SB2613 , SB2543 , SB2398 , SB2046 , SB2800 , SB2818 , SB2973 , SB2367 , SB2907 , SB3067 , SB3053 , SB2944 , SB2074 , SB2596

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2613, SD1, HD1, relating to public school land transfer. The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Education supported the bill’s technical cleanup of Act 307, but strongly opposed a new provision that would convey school parcels containing public and school library facilities to the Hawaii State Public Library System. They argued the added transfer language conflicted with Act 307’s purpose of consolidating school land for more efficient school operations, and said existing law already allows co-located library use through rights of entry, licenses, or other agreements. The library system supported the bill and said it was trying to resolve longstanding operational conflicts on shared school-campus libraries, especially where public access, construction, and campus safety issues arise. Members questioned whether the Board of Education should simply mediate the dispute, whether the bill was the right solution, and whether a formal memorandum of agreement might be a better approach than a land transfer. The library system described years of difficulty coordinating with DOE on projects and said it needed a clearer process to complete work and spend CIP funds. Discussion also touched on a Kauai parcel in the bill, identified as a tennis court, and whether resurfacing could be completed before any transfer. The Attorney General indicated that if the goal is to preserve library uses while keeping title with the state, DLNR or another documented arrangement may be more appropriate than transferring fee title to the library system. The committee then heard SB 2543 SD2 HD1, relating to state construction projects. DAGS supported the measure, and the Hawaii Ironworkers Stabilization Fund and Hawaii Building Construction Trade Council strongly supported it, saying the bill would help spot-check high-cost projects and reduce waste from overruns and delays. One testifier opposed the bill, arguing the proposed construction manager role was too limited and that DAGS needed more training, decentralized authority, and better internal decision-making rather than a new layer of oversight. Supporters said the bill was intended as a pilot program to address repeated cost overruns and improve accountability on state construction projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even if the Governor won't.
• Bush and I've served under every governor since Governor Brewer.
• Bush and I've served under every governor since Governor Brewer.
• What I would say to the governor.”
• or Governor Hobbs?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We urge you to support House Bill 2117 and look for your support for the governor appointing the representative
• And it doesn't specify how the governor is to do that.
• You know, if I were governor, I would maybe rotate between east and west over time.
• by the governor following consultation with each tribe.
• Locke and former Governor Lowry.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills, with most of the discussion focused on tribal representation and natural resource management. On HB 2117, which would add a tribal representative to the Board of Natural Resources, the prime sponsor and DNR officials said the bill would strengthen government-to-government relationships without replacing existing consultation duties. Tribal leaders from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation testified in support, as did the Commissioner of Public Lands and DNR’s tribal relations director. County and timber interests said they were not opposed to tribal representation but raised concerns about trust responsibilities, beneficiary interests, and whether the representative should come from a tribe with commercial forest management experience. The committee later closed testimony on HB 2117 and read into the record 192 pro, 124 con, and zero other sign-ins. The committee also heard HB 2516, which would impose a two-year moratorium on the use of certain anticoagulant rodenticides and bromethalin after a Department of Agriculture report and while the Washington State Academy of Sciences studies alternatives and impacts. The prime sponsor argued the bill balances rodent control with concerns about wildlife, groundwater, and human exposure, while opponents from the pest management industry warned it would remove effective tools and worsen rodent problems, especially for low-income and manufactured-home communities. Supporters included the Washington Poison Center, wildlife rehabilitators, Birds Connect Seattle, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and other advocates who cited poisonings in wildlife and children and pointed to non-toxic alternatives and integrated pest management. The committee read into the record 754 pro, 176 con, and five other sign-ins. For HB 2554, which would repeal RCW 77.110 and related language tied to Initiative 456 and tribal fishing rights, the sponsor and the Attorney General’s Office said the statute is unconstitutional and inconsistent with federal treaty law and court rulings. The Department of Fish and Wildlife also supported repeal, describing the measure as removing an unenforceable anti-tribal statute. The committee then moved on to HB 2327, a bill directing JLARC to audit the county forest board lands trust and DNR’s management of those lands. The sponsor, former Rep. Jim Buck, county representatives, and forest industry witnesses supported an independent review of the trust structure and performance; some asked for amendments to address reconveyance options, broader legal and ecological considerations, and consultation with tribes and the Board of Natural Resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Lieutenant Governor for always being a champion on this issue.
• I want to thank again the governor and the lieutenant governor for continuing to make this a priority
• Governor, for proposing SB 9. It's a really clever piece of legislation.
• He was court-appointed.
• So I wanna thank the chairman, I wanna thank lieutenant governor, the governor, Senator Huffman, all

Bills: SB9 , SB1047 , SB1048 , SJR17 , SJR49 , SB40 , SJR1 , SJR5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 1

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Even if the Governor won't.
• Bush and I've served under every governor since Governor Brewer, and the Constitution places, as we all
• You and the governor, you as the head of the agency and the governor as the head of the state of Arizona
• Did you advise the Adjutant General at the time to advise the governor, whether that be Governor Ducey
• You had the governors of Alaska, Iowa... ...you had the governors of Alaska, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska

Committee: Senate Director Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• As noted earlier, we are here because Governor Hobbs has nominated me for reappointment to the Arizona
• I was first appointed by Governor Ducey in June of 2016.
• Has the governor come down or no? Is it an answer to text?
• Committee I see when it doesn't have members appointed by the minority leaders.
• by the governor.

Summary: The committee first considered the reappointment of Troy L. Campbell to the Arizona State Liquor Board. Campbell described his nearly 10 years of service, his role as chair since 2019, and his focus on fairness, public safety, and applying the law consistently. He answered questions about the board’s workload and authority, noting it hears roughly 40 to 50 cases a year and does not issue fines. With no public testimony, the committee voted 6-0 to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard several liquor and consumer-related bills. SB 1478, an annual liquor-policy cleanup bill, made technical changes to liquor statutes, including conforming the definition of cider to federal tax law and clarifying other terminology. The bill drew support from industry stakeholders and neutral testimony from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control; the committee adopted a clarifying amendment and recommended the bill do pass as amended. SB 1108 would require Swedish rounding of cash transactions when pennies are unavailable, with signage and enforcement provisions; an amendment removed an individual-item exemption and clarified tax calculations, and the bill passed as amended with support from business groups. SB 1205 would regulate private-property vehicle booting by setting signage, notice, fee, and recordkeeping requirements and making violations a misdemeanor; members raised concerns about appeals and signage on non-parking property, but the committee adopted a technical amendment and recommended the bill do pass as amended. The committee also took up SB 1241, which would allow private permitting providers to conduct plan reviews and inspections for single-trade residential projects without municipal or county approval. Supporters argued it would reduce delays and costs for homeowners and help cities focus on higher-priority work, while cities and counties opposed the bill on public-safety and local-control grounds, warning about private incentives and inspection quality. After adopting an amendment granting immunity to municipalities that rely on private providers, the committee recommended the bill do pass as amended by a 5-2 vote, with some members explaining their votes and asking for further stakeholder work. Finally, the committee heard SB 1366, which creates a Public Property Towing and Impound Practices Study Committee to review towing fees, standards, insurance, background checks, and related DPS policies, and to report recommendations by the end of 2026. Supporters said the study would help address inconsistent standards and consumer concerns before permanent changes are made. Some members objected that the study committee did not include minority-party appointments, but the sponsor said that could be addressed later. The committee adopted a strike-everything amendment and recommended the bill do pass as amended. The committee then began SB 1431, a housing-design bill limiting municipal design standards and restrictions on certain shared features, but the transcript cuts off during extended debate and no final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> people to medical appointments. people to medical appointments.
• </c> others to their medical appointments. others to their medical appointments.
• And troops, the governor can't object.
• Um, trust me when I governor uh as well.
• And the governor says, "Sit in troops." And the governor says, "Sit in your<01:42:25.760><c> chair.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• by the governor.
• </c><00:05:04.639><c> by</c><00:05:04.800><c> the</c><00:05:04.960><c> governor.
• </c><00:05:05.680><c> And</c><00:05:05.840><c> I</c> area appointed by the governor.
• And I area appointed by the governor.
• The board was appointed in delayed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of the senate for the person appointed of the senate for the person appointed to<00:59:51.319><c
• by the governor, but I am not including advice and consent in that at this time.
• /c><01:36:48.600><c> I</c><01:36:48.679><c> am</c><01:36:48.880><c> not</c> appointment by the governor
• but I am not appointment by the governor but I am not including<01:36:49.840><c> advice</c><01:36:50.159
• can also call for either the chair or the governor to move forward with an inspection.

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• Those who risk their lives should be given a medal from the governor from leadership account, but the
• It removes minority representation requirements for core appointments in vendors. That is the bill.
• Senator, I think the main bill allows the governor and the cabinet to directly appoint members of the
• Currently, the governor appoints, but the Senate confirms the members of the commission.
• We are changing that method to give the governor more direct control without Senate confirmation in appointing

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill updates and modernizes Florida's probate code by clarifying when a curator may be appointed
• your dad dies in one county and you live in the adjoining county, that gives them an opportunity to appoint
• a court-appointed attorney, a guardian, a curator, whatever you want to call it, but it's all the same
• That would all happen in a public meeting because it's a meeting of the governor and our cabinet.
• And so, but it should be considered potentially by the governor and the cabinet.

Bills: S0002 , S0006 , S0018 , S0026 , S0028 , S0050 , S0178 , S0326 , S0538 , S0786 , S1004 , S1096 , S1178 , S1366 , S1632 , S1634

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills, most of them claims or civil-law measures, and reported each favorably. Among the bills approved were SB 326 on curators of estates, SB 1096 clarifying filing deadlines under the Florida Civil Rights Act, SB 28 and SB 26 on claims against the City of Lakeland and the estate of Mark Legata, SB 6 involving a DCF-related claim for Layla Estrada/Sapphire Williams, SB 786 creating a nonjudicial process for closing trusts, SB 18 and SB 2 on claims involving the estate of McKenzie Navarre and Daniel Mosley, and SB 50 expanding veterans’ courts statewide. The committee also approved SB 538 on extracurricular activities, SB 1004 on pet sales and financing disclosures, and SB 1366, the sovereign immunity bill, which was presented as a starting point for negotiations with the House over higher claims caps and related provisions. Most of these bills were explained by sponsors as clarifying existing law, modernizing procedures, or resolving uncontested claims, and several had support from affected organizations or individuals; some also drew opposition or concerns from speakers, especially on trust notice issues, sovereign immunity, and the scope of the extracurricular and pet-sale bills. Several bills were amended before passage. SB 326 was narrowed by removing a section and changing reporting language for curators. SB 786 received a technical clarification amendment, while SB 18 removed an unneeded Medicaid-related section. SB 50 on veterans’ courts drew broad support from veterans’ groups and criminal-justice organizations. SB 538 on extracurricular activities was amended multiple times to address home education eligibility, activity fees for homeschool participants, technical cross-references, and compensation for extracurricular sponsors. SB 1004 was supported by animal-welfare advocates and consumer-protection interests. SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools was amended to limit the bill to head coaches, require personal funds, and allow similar bylaws by other athletic associations; it passed after discussion of a Miami Northwestern coaching controversy. The committee also took up two major policy bills with substantial testimony and questions. SB 1178 on foreign influence would create a state framework for foreign-agent registration, restrict gifts and contracts tied to foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, limit certain sister-city and university linkage activities, and increase penalties for crimes committed to benefit foreign governments or terrorist groups; supporters framed it as a national-security and transparency measure, while the sponsor withdrew one amendment before passage. SB 1632 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles generated the most extended questioning, especially about its domestic-terrorism designation process, references to Sharia law, notice and due-process protections, and potential effects on students and speech; supporters argued it targets conduct, not belief, while opponents warned it could chill protected activity and unfairly target Muslim communities. The committee heard many public speakers on both sides, but no floor debate followed before the bill was moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a second appointment.
• governor makes appointments to that commission, which right now will mean there's a mix by attrition
• governor makes appointments to that commission, which right now will mean there's a mix by attrition
• The commission is overly dependent on partisan actors such as the governor, who appoints the nominating
• If we do keep the current appointment approach, legislative leaders appoint most of the commissioners

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard an extended presentation and discussion on Arizona higher education research security, focused heavily on Arizona State University’s foreign funding, international partnerships, and alleged ties to Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research collaborations, especially those involving the Chinese “Seven Sons” universities, and said the committee would pursue a congressional referral and other federal review. A strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 was described but then withdrawn; the underlying SB 1327 was then taken up as a companion measure requiring ABOR to adopt university research security policies and submit annual reports on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000. The committee heard testimony in support from Marina Macklin, who said the bill would help protect dual-use and defense-relevant research from being funneled to China’s military ecosystem, and she answered questions about biosecurity, semiconductors, AI model theft, and election systems. After debate, SB 1327 was approved on a 4-2 vote, with Delos Santos and Marquez voting no and Colloden, Powell, and the chair voting yes; the chair stated his support was to keep missile, armor, guidance, and other technology safe from the Chinese government. The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans’ consumer-protection bill regulating private companies that help veterans file disability claims. The bill would prohibit unaccredited persons from preparing, presenting, or prosecuting veterans’ benefits matters, require service agreements to be filed with the Attorney General, cap compensation, ban certain practices such as overseas call centers and in-house doctors, and create consumer-fraud enforcement authority. Sponsor Sen. Gallin said the measure was intended to add guardrails for veterans and prevent bad actors from taking excessive fees or misleading claimants. Testimony from Veterans Guardian representatives supported the bill as a way to create transparency and preserve veterans’ choice while regulating the industry; they said many veterans seek private help after unsuccessful attempts with free services and that the bill would not eliminate competition. Opponents and skeptical members questioned whether the bill would effectively legalize one business model while restricting others, whether the contingent-fee structure was consumer-friendly, and whether the companies were engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The discussion also referenced prior federal and state litigation involving similar laws and the possibility of future federal accreditation reform. The transcript ends during continued questioning on SB 1803, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• In '93, she got Governor Romer to issue a proclamation.
• Consideration of governor's appointments. Consent calendar. Mr.
• </c> appointments. Consent calendar. Mr. appointments. Consent calendar. Mr.
• Schaeffler, please read the appointments listed on the consent calendar.
• I move for the adoption of all the appointments on the governor's appointment consent calendar, which

Transcript Highlights:

• A message from Her Excellency, the Governor.
• A message from Her Excellency, the Governor, recommending legislation to manage federal tax changes in
• The message from Her Excellency, the Governor, will be referred to the Committee on Revenue.
• amending the charter of the Town of Provincetown; and House 4556, an act establishing the position of appointed
• Question comes on ...of appointed town clerk in the town of Avon.

Summary: The House opened with routine proceedings, including the adoption of a resolution congratulating Anna Karaza on her 100th birthday after the rules were suspended. The chamber also received a gubernatorial message recommending legislation to address federal tax changes in Massachusetts, which was referred to the Committee on Revenue. In addition, the House concurred in Senate petitions concerning student access to food and nutritional information and a celiac disease screening pilot program, and it suspended Joint Rule 12 for petitions including another celiac screening pilot program and a sick leave bank for a Department of Transitional Assistance employee. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended several local bills for consideration, including measures involving Boston police age requirements, a bridge designation in New Bedford, tax deferrals in Wellesley, and a Westwood charter change. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave second readings and ordered several bills to a third reading, including Boston police age-waiver bills, the New Bedford bridge designation, and local bills for Wellesley and Westwood. The House then passed to be enacted two engrossed bills amending the Provincetown charter and establishing an appointed town clerk in Avon, and it also passed a Westwood alcohol license bill to be enacted. The House observed a moment of silent tribute for Joseph Crowley Jr. of Woburn, honoring his long service to the community and school committee. Later, the chamber passed several bills to be engrossed, including Boston police age-waiver bills for Pierre Charles Darius and Kenny Gatow and a Plainville charter amendment. A Senate bill amending the Sandwich charter was also engrossed after the House adopted an amendment offered by Representative Walsh. The House then recessed and later adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• A message from Her Excellency the Governor.
• A message from Her Excellency the Governor, recommending legislation to manage federal tax changes in
• The message from Her Excellency the Governor will be referred to the Committee on Revenue.
• amending the charter of the Town of Provincetown, and House 4556, an act establishing the position of appointed
• Question comes on of appointed town clerk in the Town of Avon.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and quickly took up several routine matters. Members adopted a congratulatory resolution for Anna Karaza on her 100th birthday after suspending the rules. The Governor’s message on legislation to manage federal tax changes in Massachusetts, House No. 4975, was referred to the Committee on Revenue. The House also concurred in a Senate petition on a celiac disease screening pilot program, and Joint Rule 12 was suspended for that petition and for a separate sick leave bank bill for Sonia Felix. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended several local bills for consideration, including bills on Boston police age requirements for Antonio Pires and Cheryl Malice, a bridge naming in New Bedford, a Wellesley tax deferral bill, and a Westwood charter bill. The House suspended Rule 7A as needed, gave second readings, and ordered the bills to third reading. It then passed to be enacted engrossed bills amending the Provincetown charter, establishing an appointed town clerk in Avon, and authorizing a Westwood alcohol license reissuance and new license. The House also observed a moment of silence for Joseph Crowley Jr. of Woburn, honoring his long service to the community and school committee. Later, the chamber passed several bills to be engrossed, including Boston police age-waiver bills for Pierre Charles Darius and Kenny Gatow, a Plainville charter amendment, and a Sandwich charter bill. The Sandwich bill was amended on the floor by Representative Walsh before being engrossed. The House then recessed and later adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• A message from Her Excellency the Governor.
• A message from Her Excellency the Governor recommending legislation to manage federal tax changes in
• The message from Her Excellency the Governor will be referred to the Committee on Revenue.
• amending the charter of the Town of Provincetown, and House 4556, an act establishing the position of appointed
• Question comes on Of appointed town clerk in the town of Avon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I move to authorize the speaker to appoint two committees of seven members each, one to notify
• the Senate and one to notify the governor that the House is organized and prepared to transact business
• To appoint two committees of seven members each one to notify the Senate and one to notify the governor
• Gates Patterson King chair Bernal Bo Johnny Dean Gates Patterson Simmons Committee to notify the governor

Transcript Highlights:

• Donna Rogers Perkins of Brandon, Mississippi, who has been appointed to the State Parole Board.
• Her appointment is effective November 17, 2025, and she will serve at the will and pleasure of the governor
• Donna Rogers Perkins of Brandon, Mississippi, who has been appointed to the State Parole Board.
• Her appointment is effective November 17, 2025, and she will serve at the will and pleasure of the governor
• I appreciate the governor giving her the consideration for this position on the State Parole Board.

Committee: Joint Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is that in Part II, Section 2, the Governor has requested $50 million per year for Program
• The first is that in Part II, Section 2, the Governor has requested $50 million per year for Program
• First, on behalf of my entire office and Governor Green, we wanted to thank the House of Representatives
• Governor Green made it clear that his administration and my office would like to cut homelessness in
• It's really unprecedented what the governor and his homeless coordinator are trying to achieve.

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 519 by Representative Mike Johnson provides relative to the appointment of a special master
• I bring this bill to improve on what we've already talked about with special masters being appointed.
• This bill adds RS 13:4165(G) and simply provides that when a special master is appointed in a complex
• Christopher Walker, Deputy Executive Counsel for the governor, who would like to speak in support.
• special advocate. of a better organization to help our court appointed special advocates.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee took up several bills, beginning with HB 519, which would require special masters appointed in complex consolidated litigation to comply with judicial conduct and federal appointment/disqualification standards, subject to Louisiana law. After a technical amendment clarifying that the provision applies to cases designated under Supreme Court rules, the bill was moved favorably without objection. HB 29, creating the Ascension Parish Retired Employee Insurance Fund, was then heard and also advanced favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 324 on judicial salaries. The bill would make the 2024 and 2025 judicial supplement stipend permanent and add future cost-of-living adjustments, subject to available funding and approval by the Louisiana Supreme Court and Judicial Budgetary Control Board. Members asked about funding sources and whether the stipend could be made permanent without a constitutional amendment; after discussion, the bill was moved favorably without objection. The longest discussion centered on HB 211, the Homelessness Court Program, later named the Streets to Success Act. Amendments were adopted to limit the bill to licensed group homes and to remove enforcement language that would have created civil actions against local governments for failing to remove encampments, while setting staggered effective dates. Supporters, including the bill author and governor’s office representatives, said the measure would create a coordinated court-and-services response for people experiencing homelessness, especially those with substance use or mental health issues, and would allow designated camping areas and diversion into treatment. Opponents, including housing advocates, legal aid groups, and people with lived experience, argued the bill would criminalize homelessness, increase jail and court involvement, and fail to address root causes such as unaffordable housing, lack of shelter capacity, and inadequate wraparound services. The bill drew extensive testimony but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.