Transcript Highlights:

• Wouldn't you agree that a lot of that has dealt with 57-105 sanctions motions during the original lawsuit
• Nine insurance companies provided all of our insurance up to $67 million.
• Thank you for all of the information you've provided. Thank you.
• We have to balance the scale of how can the city continue to provide all of its essential services to
• And as to liability, we're not asking our governments to provide more services through this bill.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 6507, a claims bill for Marcus Button, who suffered severe permanent injuries in a 2006 school bus crash. Representative Andrade explained that a jury awarded Button more than $2 million in 2009, but only a small amount was paid under sovereign immunity limits. He said Pasco County later reached a settlement with Button, but believed it lacked legal authority to pay without legislative approval. The bill would give the county that authority. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed unanimously, 18-0. The committee then took up HB 301, which would substantially revise Florida’s sovereign immunity framework. Representative McFarland said the bill would raise liability caps for state and local governments from $200,000/$300,000 to $1 million/$3 million, with a later increase in 2030, align statutes of limitations with private suits, allow governments to settle above the caps without a claims bill, and prevent insurance policies from conditioning payment on legislative approval. She framed the bill as a way to reduce the need for the claims bill process and provide faster redress to injured people. Testimony on HB 301 was sharply divided. Local governments, school districts, counties, cities, hospital groups, and insurance representatives opposed the bill, arguing the higher caps would sharply increase insurance and taxpayer costs, especially for small or fiscally constrained entities, and that the claims bill process and special masters provide useful review and leverage. Supporters, including the Florida Justice Association and several members, argued the current system is too slow and political, leaves seriously injured people waiting years for compensation, and should be modernized to better hold government accountable. No vote was taken on HB 301 in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, that's been provided, ma'am. All right. All right.
• “It provides that it can use the earnings.
• provided to non-compliant recipients.
• Because we were going to provide...
• She said the local rules provide prohibitions and directives that this bill does not provide.

Bills: HCR11 , HB153 , HB278 , HB424 , HB454 , HB455 , HB687 , HB816 , HB833 , HB942 , HB1053 , HB1097 , HB1147 , HB1148 , HB1190 , SB75 , SB85 , SB197 , SB200 , SB217

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first adopted a three-minute rule for the rest of the meeting by a 9-3 vote. It then took up SB 217, which would reorganize Orleans Parish courts by reducing judgeships in criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts and, through an adopted amendment, creating one civil district court with 13 judges and allowing hearing officers. Senator Morris argued the changes were based on caseload comparisons and population data; opponents from the Urban League and ACLU said the bill was driven by power rather than efficiency, relied on incomplete or inconsistent data, would strain the courts, and would reduce minority representation on the bench. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended by an 11-4 vote. The committee next considered SB 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal by two. Senator Morris again cited filings and caseload comparisons, while opponents argued the bill ignored the intensity and complexity of appellate work, could increase backlog and costs, and would disproportionately affect Black women judges. The bill was reported favorably by an 11-4 vote. The committee also adopted HCR 11, expressing support for the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard and the Youth Challenge Program, and reported favorably SB 85, creating an insurance fund for retired St. Charles Parish sheriff’s employees. Several other measures were advanced with little or no opposition. HB 833 created the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force and was amended to add representatives from the coroners’ association, a survivor appointed by STAR, and a licensed clinical social worker; it was reported favorably. HB 816, with a technical correction, prohibited foreign adversaries from acquiring property near military installations and was reported favorably. HB 1053, dealing with definitions for dealers and retail dealers and allowing certain businesses to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages under agreed-upon floor amendments, was reported favorably. HB 153, as amended, removed the Office of Debt Recovery from the bill and limited it to prohibiting reporting certain criminal fines and fees to credit bureaus; it was reported favorably. SB 75, on cybersecurity reimbursement and baseline standards for local governments after cyber incidents, was reported favorably after testimony from GOSEP and others. SB 200, allowing expropriation of land near military bases owned by foreign adversaries when a court finds a threat to public health and safety, was also reported favorably after extensive testimony and discussion. Finally, HB 454, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act on chain of custody for human remains and internal organs, was converted into a substitute bill, adopted, and then introduced for further discussion, with the sponsor describing it as a transparency and accountability measure for grieving families.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Behan provides relative to...
• provides for enhanced penalties and exceptions.
• provides for board of commissioners legal proceedings.
• That bill provides relative to vapor and alternative nicotine products, provides for definitions, products
• , vapor products, analogs, provides for an increase in fees, provides relative to wholesale dealers'

Bills: HR308 , HR309 , HR310 , HR311 , HR312 , HR313 , HR314 , HR315 , HR316 , HR317 , HR318 , HR319 , HR295 , HR296 , HR297 , HR298 , HR299 , HR300 , HR301 , HR302 , HR303 , HR304 , HR305 , HR306 , HR307 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SCR71 , SCR72 , SCR73 , HR73 , HR118 , HR144 , HR196 , HR237 , HR249 , HR260 , HR267 , HR272 , HR273 , HR276 , HR278 , HCR85 , HCR100 , HCR105 , HCR107 , HCR113 , HCR114 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , HB255 , HB378 , HB509 , HB1090 , SB80 , SB131 , SB143 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB367 , SB384 , SB388 , SB389 , SB398 , SB408 , SB431 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496 , SB25 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB295 , SB433 , HR179 , HR223 , HR225 , HR274 , HCR89 , HR252 , HR253 , HCR96 , HCR103 , HCR108 , HCR26 , HB250 , HB265 , HB339 , HB427 , HB445 , HB463 , HB468 , HB606 , HB639 , HB649 , HB665 , HB746 , HB781 , HB853 , HB861 , HB872 , HB886 , HB916 , HB937 , HB1054 , HB1068 , HB1117 , HB1237 , HB74 , HB108 , HB956 , HB1085 , HB1137 , HB62 , HB193 , HB210 , HB220 , HB246 , HB364 , HB420 , HB475 , HB584 , HB622 , HB772 , HB784 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1092 , HB1134 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1199 , SB268 , SB283 , HB782 , SB149 , HR84 , HB646 , HB998 , SB56 , SB163 , SB197 , SB97 , SB326 , SB341 , SB518 , SB123 , SB353 , SB479 , SB495 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HR168 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB302 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449

Keywords: HR 308, House Resolution 308, Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Church, Holy See, Vatican, commendation, resolution, Louisiana Catholic heritage, St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, South Louisiana parishes, religious recognition, ceremonial resolution, faith leadership, pontificate, spiritual solidarity, human dignity, peace, mercy

Transcript Highlights:

• TRAINED, QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.
• And Pay-Less Supermarkets, helping provide food and essentials to our families.
• H.R. 2659 provides a clear and practical solution to this challenge.
• H.R. 2659 PROVIDES A CLEAR AND PRACTICAL SOLUTION TO THIS CHALLENGE.
• Care and provided a fund.

Bills: HR878 , HB2659 , HB1608 , HB2261 , SB260 , HB5078 , HB2212 , HR782 , SB2392

Keywords: cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, CISA, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, FBI, interagency task force, Volt Typhoon, People’s Republic of China, PRC, state-sponsored cyber actors, Chinese cyber threats, cyber espionage, critical infrastructure protection, homeland security, national security, information sharing, threat intelligence, digital forensics, sector risk management agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• They provide emotional support. Visits are an essential part of rehabilitation.
• They provide emotional support and help reduce recidivism by keeping families close.
• People who have addiction issues, this is about adults who sell or provide fentanyl to kids.
• He's here from the DA's office to provide any technical support. Good afternoon, members.
• The fundamental issue here is that the state is not providing. behind.

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assembly Member Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug-trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and law enforcement groups, said the bill closes a loophole and addresses a growing public safety threat, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can discourage people from seeking help. The bill passed on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assembly Member Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; supporters cited rising threats to the judiciary, while opponents said existing law already covers threats and aggravating factors. The committee approved it on a due pass vote to Appropriations. AB 938 by Assembly Member Bonta would expand vacature and affirmative defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses, and featured powerful testimony from survivor Susan Bustamante and vacature expert Jamie Beck. Supporters said the bill would let survivors tell their full stories and seek justice; opponents, including district attorneys and sheriffs, warned it could go too far by covering violent crimes and could affect public safety. The chair recommended an aye, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assembly Member Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and was framed as part of efforts to end involuntary servitude; supporters linked it to rehabilitation and racial justice, while one member opposed it as inconsistent with accountability and the will of voters. The measure was moved on but left on call pending additional votes. AB 704 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would allow people convicted of low-level misdemeanors before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records, with supporters emphasizing brain development and the limits of expungement in the digital age. District attorneys opposed it over Brady/discovery concerns and the destruction of records, but the chair recommended aye and it passed to Appropriations. AB 812 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters; supporters highlighted the rigor of fire camp work and rehabilitation benefits, while the district attorneys’ association opposed giving firefighters independent petition authority. Testimony on AB 812 was still underway at the end of the excerpt, and no final vote was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• NJAC, we've also, after October 7th, have filed five major federal anti-terror cases against those providing
• establish a legal precedent enabling American victims of terror to sue domestic-based groups that provide
• Education's Office of Civil Rights handles cases of discrimination and harassment against Jewish students, providing
• provided by the government that allowed for a clawback of federal funds if universities were found to
• Kochab talked about how in 2019 at NYU, there was a BDS, a Boycott, Divestment, Sanction resolution that

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: anti-Semitism, hate crimes, college campuses, civil rights, public safety, protests, intimidation

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the rising tide of anti-Semitism across the nation. Among the discussions, members expressed concerns about the disturbing acts of hate witnessed on college campuses, with instances of harassment and intimidation targeting Jewish students being highlighted. High-profile incidents, including vandalism and the display of extremist symbols, prompted urgent calls for investigations and measures to protect civil rights. The importance of moral clarity in confronting such hate crimes was emphasized as well, outlining the responsibilities of leaders to ensure safety and uphold justice.

Transcript Highlights:

• State employers already provide very good reports to unions, but that type of information provided is
• from the medical provider network.
• from the medical provider network.
• the worker to seek treatment from a non-network provider if the provider agrees to be paid according
• Provided to employers.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2091, a collective bargaining measure that would require state agencies and other employers covered by the Personnel System Reform Act to provide unions with employee contact and job information similar to what other public employers already must share. The sponsor and union witnesses said the bill would close a gap left by prior legislation and improve communication with represented employees; no one testified in opposition during the hearing portion shown. Action on the bill was deferred. The committee then moved to House Bill 2264, which would allow workers who voluntarily participate in an employer-initiated layoff or reduction-in-force plan to qualify for unemployment insurance if the separation results from that plan. The sponsor and a member described it as a narrow fix to clarify eligibility and reduce disputes. After brief supportive testimony, the committee voted 9-0 to report the bill out with a due pass recommendation. A lengthy hearing followed on House Bill 2218, a workers’ compensation bill that would expand provider choice, require notice to injured workers of their right to choose a provider, limit employer steering, speed utilization review, allow more flexibility from treatment guidelines, and change rules for reopening or continuing treatment on certain claims. Supporters, including injured workers, unions, attorneys, firefighters, and a psychiatrist, argued the current system delays care and over-relies on rigid guidelines; opponents from business groups and the Department of Labor and Industries said the bill would weaken evidence-based standards, raise costs, and create uncertainty. No final action was taken in the portion shown. The committee also heard House Bill 2105, as a proposed substitute, which would require employers to notify workers after an ICE Form I-9 inspection notice or results, limit voluntary access to certain records without a subpoena or warrant, require workplace postings, and create enforcement by the Attorney General and private lawsuits. Supporters said the bill would provide due process, transparency, and protection for immigrant workers; opponents, especially small business and agricultural groups, warned of conflicts with federal law, burdensome notice requirements, and severe penalties. The hearing continued with additional testimony, and no vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This instrument provides relative to health insurance to provide for hearing aid coverage for certain
• provide for network adequacy, To provide non-discrimination provisions, to provide for network adequacy
• for definitions, to provide for applicability, and to provide for related matters.
• sanctions; to provide for definitions; and to provide for related matters.
• This substitute bill provides relative to pharmacy benefit managers, to provide for definitions, to provide

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• full-service comprehensive reproductive health care, to provide access to contraception, to provide
• There's over 400 abortion providers in California, facilities that provide abortion.
• Abortion providers in California, facilities that provide abortion.
• , which requires them to be Medi-Cal providers.
• , which requires them to be Medi-Cal providers.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion. The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills. The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• full-service comprehensive reproductive health care, to provide access to contraception, to provide
• Providing abortion resources without providing the needs of these moms is reproductive coercion.
• There's over 400 abortion providers in California, facilities that provide abortion.
• Abortion providers in California, facilities that provide abortion.
• , which requires them to be Medi-Cal providers.

Committee: House Health

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills focused largely on reproductive health, public health, housing, and health workforce issues. Early items included AB 54 and AB 260, both aimed at protecting access to medication abortion in California by shielding providers, manufacturers, pharmacies, and others from liability and by preserving access through telehealth and other delivery methods. Supporters, including the Attorney General’s office, Planned Parenthood, Black Women for Wellness, and other reproductive justice groups, argued the bills were needed to preserve access after Dobbs and amid federal threats. Opponents from the California Family Council and California Catholic Conference argued the measures removed safeguards and promoted unsafe abortion access. Both bills were moved forward on committee votes. The committee also heard AB 551, which would create a pilot program to help emergency departments provide evidence-based reproductive health services, and AB 309, which would remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacists to sell syringes without a prescription and clarifying that possession of sterile syringes for personal use is not a crime. AB 551 drew support from emergency physicians and reproductive health organizations, while opponents said it would expand abortion access without adequate safeguards. AB 309 was supported by public health, pharmacy, and harm-reduction groups as a proven HIV and hepatitis prevention tool; the California Narcotic Officers Association opposed it. AB 309 was approved, while AB 551 was also advanced. Other measures advanced included AB 536, which would preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal preventive-care rules are disrupted; AB 804, which would make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit and seek federal matching funds; AB 594, which would protect students from being charged for school health insurance after they withdraw and require notice of premium increases; AB 836, which would study and expand California’s midwifery education pipeline; AB 1418, which would require reporting on health coverage trends for eligible employees; and AB 1500, which would expand and preserve abortion.ca.gov as a trusted reproductive health information resource. Each drew supportive testimony from sponsors, health care providers, and advocacy groups, with some opposition to AB 1500 arguing the state should provide broader women’s health information rather than an abortion-focused site. Most of these bills were moved out of committee on party-line or near-party-line votes, and several measures were placed on call before final roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also do a lot of work with medical providers and training folks across the primary care team to provide
• We also do a lot of work with medical providers and training folks across the primary care team to provide
• that are providing that care in their communities.
• There's a federal certification that's provided to the providers.
• As anesthesia providers, we realize it is impossible to conduct a complicated procedure and provide appropriate

Bills: SB6138 , SB5899 , SB6072 , SB6094

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: dental procedures, sedation, patient safety, multiprovider system, healthcare regulation, chiropractic, animal care, veterinary medicine, license endorsement, nonhuman animals, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, veterinary telehealth, telemedicine, teletriage, teleadvice, animal health, licensed veterinarian, Washington veterinary board, prescription drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• Providers to be able to see these patients around the state.
• We also do a lot of work with medical providers and training folks across the primary care team to provide
• that are providing that care in their communities.
• There's a federal certification that's provided to the providers.
• As anesthesia providers, we realize it is impossible to conduct a complicated procedure and provide appropriate

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 5899, which would create a chiropractic license endorsement allowing qualified chiropractors to perform chiropractic diagnosis and adjustments on non-human animals. The sponsor described it as a complementary tool to veterinary care, especially in rural areas with limited access to veterinarians. Testimony was mixed: supporters said the bill would expand access to animal chiropractic with training, certification, and veterinary referral to non-chiropractic issues, while opponents from the veterinary community warned about animal and public safety, disease detection, and the lack of a required veterinary referral. The hearing on SB 5899 was suspended and later reopened; testimony concluded with strong support from animal chiropractic practitioners and opposition from veterinarians, and the committee noted 57 signed in pro, 4 con, and 1 other. The committee then held a work session on dental workforce shortages. Presenters from the CORA Foundation, the University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies, tribal dental programs, and the Washington State Dental Association described major access gaps, especially for Apple Health enrollees, rural communities, and communities of color. They highlighted low preventive-care utilization, high rates of untreated decay, workforce vacancies for hygienists and assistants, and the value of career ladders such as community health aides and proposed oral preventive assistants. Several speakers emphasized that training pathways, retention, and sustained Medicaid reimbursement are key to improving access and keeping providers in the system. Senate Bill 6138, requiring a multi-provider system for dental procedures performed under deep sedation, drew testimony centered on patient safety after recent deaths in dental settings. The sponsor said the bill responds to a pattern of tragic incidents and would ensure one person is dedicated to monitoring sedation. Supporters from anesthesiology and some oral surgery groups backed stronger monitoring requirements, while oral surgeons and dental representatives argued the current rules already require multiple trained personnel and that the bill could reduce access and increase costs, especially in rural and Medicaid-serving practices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6072, which would update veterinarian-client-patient relationship rules to allow telemedicine-based relationships and limited telehealth services; animal welfare and veterinary telehealth advocates supported it as an access-to-care measure, while the veterinary association sought clearer guardrails and federal-law language. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6094 on pediatric transitional care services, which would create a Medicaid payment pathway and related program changes for residential care for substance-exposed infants; supporters said the model helps infants and parents, improves outcomes, and is financially unsustainable under current funding, and the hearing began with testimony in favor before time expired.

Transcript Highlights:

• police service and to provide relative to department and promotional seniority.
• in Caddo Parish and provide for the property description.
• for restrictions on services provided to veterans for compensation.
• Next bill, please. ...licensed facilities provide for hospice care.
• law provides for a transparent, uniform process when C-MAR is used.

Bills: SR130 , SR131 , SR132 , SR133 , SCR74 , SCR12 , HB582 , HB221 , HCR74 , HCR58 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB712 , SCR3 , SB54 , SB72 , SB129 , SB164 , SB232 , SB287 , SB322 , SB374 , SB375 , SB386 , SB409 , SB447 , SB458 , SB78 , SB112 , SB124 , SB125 , SB174 , SB190 , SB201 , SB208 , SB236 , SB273 , SB307 , SB347 , SB357 , SB385 , SB387 , SB393 , SB401 , SB415 , SB426 , SB435 , SB487 , SB488 , SB523 , SB222 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB480 , SB514 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB362 , HB363 , HB368 , HB377 , HB380 , HB382 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB431 , HB441 , HB466 , HB503 , HB533 , HB559 , HB575 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB655 , HB664 , HB685 , HB692 , HB707 , HB715 , HB732 , HB738 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB807 , HB822 , HB856 , HB860 , HB868 , HB887 , HB888 , HB905 , HB908 , HB961 , HB980 , HB990 , HB992 , HB999 , HB1000 , HB1010 , HB1146 , HB1157 , HB1233 , HB1243 , HB54 , HB137 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB321 , HB396 , HB512 , HB552 , HB578 , HB638 , HB663 , HB708 , HB717 , HB718 , HB1009 , HB1082 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1198 , HB1246 , HB27 , HB143 , HB205 , HB259 , HB267 , HB288 , HB308 , HB403 , HB405 , HB414 , HB417 , HB478 , HB546 , HB548 , HB555 , HB557 , HB609 , HB670 , HB672 , HB740 , HB779 , HB786 , HB796 , HB812 , HB848 , HB915 , HB917 , HB921 , HB930 , HB933 , HB1095 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1129 , HB1154 , HB1166 , HB1187 , HB1195 , HB1230 , HB316 , HB511 , HB514 , HB799 , HB1039 , HB17 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB211 , HB226 , HB271 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB571 , HB723 , HB726 , HB750 , HB759 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1036 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB782 , SB149

Keywords: E. Joseph Savoie, Dr. Savoie, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, UL Lafayette, higher education, Louisiana Board of Regents, commissioner of higher education, president emeritus, Carnegie R1, research university, student financial aid, needs-based aid, community and technical college system, teacher education, hurricane Katrina, hurricane Rita, retirement resolution, commendation, senate resolution, public service

Transcript Highlights:

• in Caddo Parish and provide for the property description.
• for restrictions on services provided to veterans for compensation.
• Next bill, please. ...licensed facilities provide for hospice care.
• Next bill, please. ...licensed facilities provide for hospice care.
• law provides for a transparent, uniform process when C-MAR is used.

Bills: SR130 , SR131 , SR132 , SR133 , SCR74 , SCR12 , HB582 , HB221 , HCR74 , HCR58 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB712 , SCR3 , SB54 , SB72 , SB129 , SB164 , SB232 , SB287 , SB322 , SB374 , SB375 , SB386 , SB409 , SB447 , SB458 , SB78 , SB112 , SB124 , SB125 , SB174 , SB190 , SB201 , SB208 , SB236 , SB273 , SB307 , SB347 , SB357 , SB385 , SB387 , SB393 , SB401 , SB415 , SB426 , SB435 , SB487 , SB488 , SB523 , SB222 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB480 , SB514 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB362 , HB363 , HB368 , HB377 , HB380 , HB382 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB431 , HB441 , HB466 , HB503 , HB533 , HB559 , HB575 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB655 , HB664 , HB685 , HB692 , HB707 , HB715 , HB732 , HB738 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB807 , HB822 , HB856 , HB860 , HB868 , HB887 , HB888 , HB905 , HB908 , HB961 , HB980 , HB990 , HB992 , HB999 , HB1000 , HB1010 , HB1146 , HB1157 , HB1233 , HB1243 , HB54 , HB137 , HB180 , HB192 , HB310 , HB321 , HB396 , HB512 , HB552 , HB578 , HB638 , HB663 , HB708 , HB717 , HB718 , HB1009 , HB1082 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1198 , HB1246 , HB27 , HB143 , HB205 , HB259 , HB267 , HB288 , HB308 , HB403 , HB405 , HB414 , HB417 , HB478 , HB546 , HB548 , HB555 , HB557 , HB609 , HB670 , HB672 , HB740 , HB779 , HB786 , HB796 , HB812 , HB848 , HB915 , HB917 , HB921 , HB930 , HB933 , HB1095 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1129 , HB1154 , HB1166 , HB1187 , HB1195 , HB1230 , HB316 , HB511 , HB514 , HB799 , HB1039 , HB17 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB211 , HB226 , HB271 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB571 , HB723 , HB726 , HB750 , HB759 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1036 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB782 , SB149

Summary: The Senate convened with 29 members present, opened with prayer by Oren Connor, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a musical performance by the Chuck Wagon Gang. The chamber also recognized several guests and observances, including birthdays for Senators Seabaugh, Fesi, and Price, White Coat Wednesday participants, Tourism Day, the Louisiana Oil Marketers Association, Chenault International Airport’s 40th anniversary, and visiting fair queens from Washington and Tangipahoa parishes. The Senate dispensed with reading the journal and received numerous House and Senate messages, committee reports, and resolutions. Several Senate resolutions were taken up and adopted, including commendations for Isaac Herzenberg, condolences for Kathleen Sessomson and former Senator Louis Lambert Jr., recognition of White Coat Wednesday and Tourism Day, and a study resolution on transfer-on-death and payable-on-death accounts. The Senate also adopted a conference committee report on House Bill 782, which concerned vapor and alternative nicotine products and was described as giving the state more tools to combat illegal vapes. A number of Senate bills returned from the House with amendments were either concurred in or rejected, including SB 54, SB 72, SB 129, SB 164, SB 232, SB 287, SB 374, SB 375, SB 386, SB 409, SB 112, SB 124, SB 125, SB 174, SB 190, SB 207, SB 236, SB 307, SB 357, SB 385, SB 387, SB 458, SB 477, SB 590, SB 593, SB 618, SB 655, SB 692, SB 707, SB 732, SB 738, SB 748, SB 776, SB 807, SB 860, SB 868, SB 887, SB 888, SB 905, and SB 961, with votes generally passing by wide margins. The chamber also considered several House bills on final passage. Among those approved were measures on local security districts, budget review authority, school activity access for virtual students, electronic bid forms, brake equipment and trailer safety, construction management at risk contracts, temporary registration plates, the Louisiana Maritime Academy name change, OMV fee and ID issues, ferry operations, group purchasing for local governments, the Green Envelope Program for drivers with disabilities, OMV field office fees, LED fee updates, port development priorities, workforce instructor capacity, and a campus disciplinary process bill tied to hazing prevention. Some House bills were passed after amendments, while others were passed over or rejected for later conference, including bills on virtual school participation, historic preservation, civil service, suicide prevention, local government training, and economic development districts. The Senate also rejected House amendments on SB 78 and SB 208, and rejected amendments on SB 387, sending those matters toward further negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a modernization that will provide a higher level of security for the end user, but will also provide
• And that would be determined by the provider? Correct.
• Service shall also be provided outside of ...
• Teachers provide the curriculum, the structure, and the social environment for learning, and ABA provides
• We just want to provide some additional clarification.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 25, 2026, with a quorum present and heard a series of education-related bills and one resolution. The committee first took up HB 636 on hazing at public post-secondary institutions. Representative LaFleur presented the bill as a response to Caleb Wilson’s death, and family members, former Rep. Jason Hughes, and other supporters urged stronger prevention, reporting, and penalties. The committee adopted amendments adding implementation details and a lifetime ban on re-chartering an organization if hazing results in death, then reported the bill as amended as the “Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act.” The committee then heard HB 218 on food insecurity screenings in public schools. LaFleur said the bill would formalize a process to identify hungry students and connect families to resources, with amendments tying the screening to existing McKinney-Vento forms and adding food-insecurity questions. Support came from charter school representatives, the Department of Education, and others, while Dr. Will Hall suggested involving caregivers and faith-based groups. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also approved HB 626, which would require colleges and universities to provide suicide-prevention information, hotline access, and aggregated non-identifiable reporting on suicide risk. Rep. Jordan described it as a response to an uptick in suicides among college-age students, and the Board of Regents said most institutions already use telehealth or 988 resources. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee heard HB 749 on the administration of START, START K-12, and ABLE savings accounts. Rep. Carver said the bill would modernize and secure the program by allowing a third-party manager and online platform, while Treasury and Board of Regents staff explained that oversight would remain in place and that ABLE accounts would not be charged fees. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 352 on behavioral health services for public school students. Rep. Mack and advocates from the Arc and ABA providers said the bill would ensure medically necessary services can be delivered in classrooms or other school settings, while the Louisiana Federation of Teachers asked for clearer pre-conference expectations to avoid classroom disruption. After testimony from parents, providers, and school stakeholders, the bill was reported with amendments. Finally, the committee approved HB 201 creating a state seal of fine arts for high school graduates, and HB 738 revising student disciplinary proceedings at colleges and universities to ensure evidence and fairness in disciplinary actions. Both bills were reported favorably. The committee also began hearing HCR 14, which expresses support for federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, but the transcript cuts off before any final action on the resolution is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill provides for security assessments by a sergeant at arms.
• Given the shortage of health care providers, this bill promises to give protection to providers to feel
• safe enough to provide care rather than succumb to threats.
• Given the shortage of health care providers, this bill promises to give protection to providers to feel
• safe enough to provide care rather than succumb to threats.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with House Bill 2333, which would expand protections for elected officials, candidates, executive state officers, election officials, and criminal justice participants by allowing address confidentiality, redacting campaign and property records, increasing some penalties for threats, and authorizing security assessments and reimbursement for personal security measures. The prime sponsor and supporters described rising political violence and personal threats, while opponents and agency staff raised concerns about implementation, constitutional issues, public-records transparency, costs, and whether the bill would actually prevent determined actors from finding addresses through other sources. The Secretary of State’s office, county officials, and the Public Disclosure Commission said the bill would create major logistical and fiscal challenges, while prosecutors, judges, and advocacy groups testified that the protections were needed for safety and retention in public service. House Bill 2176 would make collaborative drug therapy agreements confidential under the Public Records Act except when the agreement is the basis for a disciplinary action, in which case only relevant information would be disclosed with personal information redacted. The sponsor and supporters, including pharmacists, physicians, and reproductive-health advocates, said the bill would protect clinicians from harassment and out-of-state targeting while preserving accountability for misconduct. News media representatives and open-government advocates said the underlying agreements should remain accessible only in limited circumstances and emphasized the balance between privacy and transparency. Committee members also discussed how the bill would affect access to the agreements and the scope of disclosure. House Bill 2120 would eliminate two JLARC reporting requirements: the biennial report on municipal lodging-tax revenues and the periodic evaluation of the training benefits program. The bill’s sponsor and JLARC leadership described it as a cost-saving measure that would free staff for other audits, while the hospitality industry supported tourism funding but warned that the lodging-tax report provides useful oversight and accountability. The committee also received staff briefings on House Bill 2244, which would implement multiple Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee recommendations by changing confidentiality rules in 13 areas, including grand jury reports, accident reports, driver case records, certain health and social-service records, corporate interrogatories, family court files, and other records.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chief Clerk's Office will be open to answer questions and provide assistance on Saturday from 10
• authority to the issued bonds, providing authority of imposed assessments.
• benefits provided to veterans, refer to the Subcommittee on Defense and Human Rights.
• AG 48, so 45 by Garrett, relating to Medicaid provider enrollment revalidation.
• AB 4995 by Wilson relaying the carry. of handguns to tactical medical providers while on duty providing

Bills: HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• The provider hub is used by child care center and certified child care center providers to apply for
• The provider hub is used by child care center and certified child care center providers to apply for
• Centralizing provider data gives the state better visibility into provider participation across programs
• A key benefit is also the ability to align provider licensing data with provider payment and claims data
• Centralizing provider data gives the state better visibility into provider participation across programs

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• They do provide it.
• We want to provide the facts and be the most responsible stewards of that information and provide it
• They do provide it.
• to provide factual information to community residents as opposed to. to be good partners to provide
• We want to provide the facts and be the most responsible stewards of that information and provide it

Bills: HB2146 , HB2349 , HB2430 , HB2457 , HB2510 , HB2532

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: sexual exploitation, minors, human trafficking, child safety, law enforcement, victim support, sexually violent predator, SVP, civil commitment, community notification, release notification, conditional release, unconditional discharge, escape notification, victim notification, witness notification, prosecuting attorney, Department of Social and Health Services, DSHS, Department of Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• adequate care, and DOC is not equipped to provide adequate care to people.
• The proposed revisions codify that interpretation and provide clear...
• I think the solution to that is to simply provide a clear pathway for it.
• I think the solution to that is to simply provide a clear pathway for it.
• No remedy is provided. by the misconduct.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2508, concerning the Office of Independent Investigations (OII), would expand OII’s jurisdiction over deadly-force and related use-of-force incidents, require broader notification and records access from law enforcement and emergency responders, and exempt certain OII investigative records from public disclosure. Rep. Deborah Entenman and OII staff supported the bill as a way to improve independent, transparent investigations, while committee members raised questions about when cases are considered “closed” and how to protect against repeated or harassing investigations. OII representatives said formal reviews are referred to prosecutors, administrative closures are not, and the bill would clarify existing public records protections. Law enforcement and public-interest witnesses were split, with some supporting the expansion and others objecting to added secrecy provisions and questioning safeguards and oversight. House Bill 2539, as amended by a proposed substitute, would raise the Department of Corrections inmate indigency cap from $25 to $100 so incarcerated people can retain more money for hygiene and basic necessities before deductions are taken. Rep. Chappala Street said the change would help people buy essential items and reduce conflict, while incarcerated witnesses and advocates testified that current deductions leave too little for basic needs and place burdens on families. A committee member questioned whether DOC already provides those items, and Street and supporters responded that provided items are often low quality or insufficient. No vote was taken. House Bill 2490 would expand extraordinary medical placement for incarcerated people with serious, chronic, or terminal conditions, extending the expected life-expectancy threshold from six months to approximately 18 months and adding clearer DOC review criteria and appeal rights. The prime sponsor and supporters argued the bill would improve humane care, reduce costs, and allow more people to receive treatment in the community when they no longer pose a public-safety risk. DOC said the revised language would reduce legal concerns and allow more time to develop safe placement plans, while opponents of the current system said EMP is underused and people die waiting for decisions. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 2387, which would tie certain sheriff decertification actions to recall procedures and preserve an elected sheriff’s office unless voters remove them. Supporters, including the sponsor and several sheriffs, said the bill protects voter control and local accountability; opponents, including civil rights and immigrant-rights groups, argued it weakens certification standards, creates unequal accountability for sheriffs, and improperly uses recall-like consequences through statute rather than constitutional process. The chair indicated the committee intended to act on House Bill 2508 the following Monday, February 2.