Transcript Highlights:

• west of the of the State and University west of the of the State Office<00:09:21.040><c> Building</c
• In the south side of of University.
• </c> construction of one or more aspects of construction of one or more aspects of the<00:19:01.880><
• of the city of Finlayson.
• It kind of it's kind of dollars.

Bills: HF4680 , HF4047 , HF4590 , HF3757 , HF3569 , HF4507 , HF4426 , HF4927 , HF4788 , HF4757 , HF4747 , HF3561 , HF4014 , HF4013 , HF4689 , HF4766 , HF4589

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: wastewater treatment, improvements, capital investment, Greenfield, bonds, water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, state bonds, public utilities, HF4590, Tamarack, municipal infrastructure, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, Public Facilities Authority, sewer system, collection system, street reconstruction, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I move that the reading of the journal be dispensed with and the journal of the previous day's
• Senator Riccelli moves that the reading of the journal be dispensed with and the journal of the previous
• First order of business: reports of standing committees. The Secretary will read.
• First order of business: reports of standing committees. Senator Riccelli. Thank you so much, Mr.
• I move the Senate now advance to the fifth order of business.

Bills: SB5223 , SB5067 , SJM8002 , SB5855 , SB5865 , SB5272 , SCR8406 , SB5000 , SB5500 , SJM8006 , SB5325 , SB5286 , SB5937

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, impaired driving, driving safety, alcohol regulation, public health, transportation, Medicare, healthcare, insurance, elderly, budget impact, face coverings, civil liberties, garnishment, debt, form standardization

Transcript Highlights:

• of his date of birth.
• Visit with most of you all, and just a few weeks ago you heard from our Board Chair, Gwen Griffin, directly
• I do a lot of reading, I do a lot of writing, I do a lot of analysis.
• I have also utilized the Secretary of State's Elections Department hotline to receive interpretations
• . of the election code from our state's top election officers.

Bills: HB3146 , HB3719 , HB3895 , HB3923 , HB4748 , HB4751 , HB4936 , HB4952 , HB4990 , HB4991 , HB5061 , HB5196 , HB5238 , HB5246 , HB5487

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative hearings, contested case, contested case hearing, administrative law judge, ALJ, final decision, proposed decision, agency hearing, hearing continuance, rescheduling, Texas administrative law, Government Code Chapter 2001, workers' compensation, Department of Human Resources, Texas Labor Code, Transportation Code, Agriculture Code, Insurance Code

Transcript Highlights:

• , toward the effort of collecting samples in those parishes.
• But in the case of Catahoula Parish and Tensas Parish, there are landowners taking advantage of that
• In 32 of the 64 parishes, we fell short of our surveillance goals.
• impact when we find a positive rather than a subset of or a portion of the parish.
• Olla and south of Catahoula Parish.

Summary: The committee and invited witnesses discussed chronic wasting disease surveillance and response in Louisiana, focusing on both wild deer and captive deer facilities. LDWF staff said surveillance goals are being met in about 32 of 64 parishes, but there are gaps in low-sample areas, and they described current efforts using voluntary hunter-harvested deer sampling, targeted sampling in higher-risk animals, and coordination with D-MAP properties. Witnesses and members raised possible ways to improve detection, including incentives for testing, use of taxidermists and processors to collect samples from older bucks, possible mandatory testing tied to special doe days or special seasons, and better use of D-MAP or mobile sampling units. Several members also suggested environmental testing, better deer-density data, and clearer mapping of hotspots and source areas. A major portion of the discussion centered on how to respond when a positive CWD case is found. Members debated whether Louisiana should follow an Arkansas-style approach, including allowing baiting during hunting season while using other tools to manage disease, versus stricter no-bait or no-feeding rules. Some members argued that immediate restrictions after a positive discourage hunters from submitting samples and hurt landowners and feed businesses, and suggested delaying new restrictions until the end of the season while intensifying sampling. Others emphasized that any response should be science-based and should preserve hunter participation. There was also discussion of whether control areas should be parish-based or based on geographic distance, and whether the state should establish thresholds that would allow a control zone to be reduced or removed if enough negative samples are collected. For captive deer facilities, LDWF and LDAF staff reviewed the USDA herd certification program and current surveillance practices. They said Louisiana has about 350 licensed deer facilities, including breeder and hunting facilities, and that a 2024 positive in Jeff Davis Parish led to depopulation and 12 quarantine farms; follow-up testing in 2025 found no new positives in the traced facilities. Staff said the state has relied on USDA competitive grants for diagnostic testing in the last two years, covering roughly $100,000 to $150,000 annually, while department self-generated funds covered more than $800,000 over the last three years. Members and witnesses recommended mandatory enrollment in the USDA herd certification program, mandatory 24-hour reporting of positives to LDWF and USDA APHIS, and clearer, reciprocal communication between LDWF and LDAF when positives are found. No votes were taken; the chair said staff would compile the discussion and written recommendations for consideration at the April 9 commission meeting, with the understanding that the committee will later make formal recommendations to the Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see it in some of the locals. I actually saw it when I was a warden in Liberia Parish.
• I had 75% pre-trial and 25%—so the parish paid for 75% of everything.
• A lot of them, they put it all on the sheriff or they put it all on the parish.
• of a 56-bed facility in Vernon Parish for $15.2 million and various statewide adjustments of $14.9 million
• most often have to send them out of parish.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard FY27 budget presentations for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, beginning with Public Safety Services. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the department’s recommended budget of $645.9 million, including supplemental pay, State Police, Motor Vehicles, and the State Fire Marshal. Officials explained that the overall budget reflects a net decrease from FY26, driven largely by shifts in funding sources, removal of one-time statutory dedications, and adjustments tied to undercollections in fees and self-generated revenues. State Police was recommended at $459.7 million, OMV at $86.7 million, and the Fire Marshal at $41.1 million. Department leaders also described ongoing modernization efforts, staffing vacancies, and the use of efficiencies identified internally. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns and agency heads testified about State Police operations, including increased cadet graduations, improved Mardi Gras security, progress on APHIS and OMV modernization, and the new crime lab under construction. Members asked about undercollections, vacancies, the role of public tag agents, and whether the agency could expand counter-drone capabilities. Burns said the department has identified about $11 million in efficiencies, but warned that counter-drone work would require additional funding, citing a $4.5 million fiscal note for HB 940 and roughly $9 million more for a robust unit. OMV officials said staffing and retention remain difficult, but modernization should improve service and reduce lines; they also said the agency continues to rely on public tag agents and is working through reinstatement fee collection issues. The committee then reviewed the Department of Corrections FY27 budget, recommended at $902.3 million, with most funding from State General Fund and a large increase tied to higher incarceration costs, medical needs, overtime, and added capacity at Louisiana State Penitentiary. DOC officials said the department remains under pressure from vacancies, turnover, contraband, and medical costs, and that the budget includes funding to add 150 correctional officers at Angola and to house ICE detainees at Camp J. They also discussed criminal justice reinvestment savings, prison enterprises, and reentry programs funded through the Second Chance Act. Members asked about staffing, inmate deaths at Elaine Hunt, work-release pay, and whether the department is tracking the true long-term cost of incarceration. Officials said they are pursuing pay increases, recruitment, expanded training and reentry programs, and more data-driven workforce alignment, while acknowledging that many budget pressures remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• At that period, we just unfortunately experienced in Louisiana, in Caldwell Parish, the burning of the
• At that period, we just unfortunately experienced in Louisiana in Colwell Parish, the burning of the
• court responsible for these reports, and it is an unfunded mandate for 64 parish clerks of court.
• I've also talked to the Gaming Board of Control as well.
• Markey Pierre, Parish of Caddo Administration, and Mr. Judy, SCU.

Bills: HR73 , HR272 , HR273 , HR278 , HCR91 , HCR99 , HCR100 , HCR111 , HB255 , HB261 , HB328 , HB378 , HB479 , HB517 , HB564 , HB778 , HB1090 , SB135 , SB278 , SB448

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

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• In addition to his police service, he also serves on the board of directors for the Roseville Police
• , as a county board commissioner in Illinois, and, of course, Dr.
• uh commissioner in Illinois, and board uh commissioner in Illinois, and of<03:08:42.000><c> course,<
• This is truly a win-win across the board, and I commend the leadership of Representative Federich in
• </c><05:32:03.600><c> of</c> Bank Supervisors, Consumer Federation of Bank Supervisors, Consumer Federation

Bills: HR1299 , HB5317 , HB4544 , HB3234 , HB1993 , HB3726 , HB2954 , SB2393 , HB3482 , HR1352 , HB4684 , HB2252 , HB6506 , HB7432 , SB4530

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, homeownership, rental assistance, HUD, Department of Housing and Urban Development, zoning reform, land use, building codes, single-stair buildings, point-access block, infill development, housing supply, housing affordability, HOME Investment Partnerships, CDBG, Community Development Block Grant, FHA, Federal Housing Administration, small-dollar mortgage

Transcript Highlights:

• than the University of students of color than the University of Minnesota<00:07:52.240><c> has</c><00
• However, it is also true that all of our legislative priorities come from our faculty board, a board
• </c> variety of factors that are outside of variety of factors that are outside of our<00:50:00.000><
• </c> lowest level for purposes of of this. lowest level for purposes of of this.
• So each of the please, of the 13?

Bills: HF4362 , HF4252 , HF4440

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun rights, gun control, campus safety, public college, university, postsecondary institution, higher education, visitor carry, concealed carry, open carry, campus policy, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, petty misdemeanor, parking lot carry, firearm possession, public safety, college campus, student carry

Transcript Highlights:

• How do we know that this type of election is better for a secret ballot?
• Why is that type of election better for workers when it comes to our state economic incentives?
• As I said, well, first of all, we are publicly elected to office by individuals who go into the secret
• All of our surrounding states have some form of it.
• Yes, the board is typically a group of dealers that's been appointed by the governor.

Bills: SB1327 , SB1372 , SB1403 , SB1937 , SB277 , SB2131 , SB1749 , SB1348 , SB1469 , SB2018 , SB1931 , SB1530 , SB2155

Committee: Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism

Keywords: tourism, recreation, economic development, Oklahoma Commission, executive director, probation, credits, educational advancement, Oklahoma Statutes, criminal justice reform, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, labor organization, incentives, employer practices, union neutrality, worker rights

Transcript Highlights:

• of money.
• of $25.8 million.
• Okay, I want to make sure we don't lose track of the rest of the agenda. Okay.
• I want to make sure we don't lose track of the rest of the agenda.
• So are you aware of any other pensions that have that kind of requirement on them?

Bills: HB1784 , HB1245 , HB1268 , HB2116 , HB2193 , HB2206 , HB1739 , HB1889 , HB1904 , HB3172 , HB4225 , HB4352 , HB3625 , HB4263

Committee: House Banking, Financial Services and Pensions

Keywords: education reform, local control, student outcomes, curriculum changes, school funding, retirement, pension, public employees, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, benefits, survivorship, contribution rates, disability retirement, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, HB2116, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, OLERS

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires a coordinating board, though, to determine the feasibility of a law school.
• Members, this bill relates to the authority of the Board of Regents of Texas.
• It also changes two of the shells. to give the Higher Education Coordinating Board more flexibility and
• Texas Network of Youth Services. The Emerging Leaders Board. As well as yourself? Yes.
• the Texas Emerging Leaders Board with Texas Network of Youth Services.

Bills: HB1784 , HB2088 , HB3062 , HB3475 , HB3741 , HB4279 , HB4763 , HB5154 , HB5294 , HB5508 , SB1401 , HB232 , HB232 , HB232

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: students, homeless, foster care, higher education, liaison officer, housing assistance, transition support, law school, Rio Grande Valley, legal education, public university, accreditation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, mental health resources, substance abuse education, El Paso, university system, funding, public education

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides further clarification on the election process and includes the definition of projects in
• The board would then decide when to hold an election for property owners to have the opportunity to decide
• But there's a lot of stuff in here that seems to still be open about the advisory boards and so on.
• I'd be in violation of some of this law.
• While I was a House member, I also served on the Executive Board of the American Legislative Exchange

Bills: HB2963 , HB3005 , HB3287 , HB3288 , HB3289 , HB3290 , HB3344 , HB3712 , HB3862 , HB3874 , HB4196 , HB4308 , HB4901 , HB4984

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.

Bills: HF117 , HF392 , HF703 , HF393 , HF269 , HF865 , HF870 , HF189 , SF176 , SF277 , SF288

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: National Guard, scholarship, education, military service, professional qualification, year-round calendar, school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, Department of Education, student loans, financial aid, college affordability, Direct PLUS loan, federal student loans, state supplemental loans, college family loan, partnership loan, Iowa College Aid, Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation, APR

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to be Jefferson Parish. Sorry to tell you. All right, what is the will of the committee?
• I think the purpose of doing it parish by parish actually takes away an advantage that we currently have
• My biggest issue, I guess, is the predictability of doing it statewide versus parish by parish.
• Bernard Parish and the city of Gretna.
• It's kind of tough to regulate fireworks in Orleans and Jefferson Parish. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee met on April 7, 2026, and first handled several fire marshal-related bills. HB 917, a licensing and regulatory cleanup for life safety and property protection work, was amended with technical changes and reported favorably. HB 565 clarified that the State Fire Marshal, rather than local authorities, would handle fire safety inspections for early learning and child daycare centers; members adopted an amendment limiting the standards to state or federal codes and addressing ventilation and suppression requirements for small facilities, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. The committee then took up HB 937, which would shift amusement ride setup inspections back to the State Fire Marshal, require licensing and insurance for rides and inspectors, and repeal provisions related to inflatable amusement devices. The author and fire marshal cited a serious festival ride accident in Pointe Coupee Parish as the impetus, and members discussed inspection timing, insurance costs, and whether background checks or public inspection certificates should be required. After technical and agreed-upon amendments, the bill was reported favorably. HB 799, a boiler inspection consolidation bill, was presented as a cleanup measure that would centralize boiler regulation under the fire marshal and rely on licensed inspectors meeting national standards. Stakeholders from industry and the fire marshal’s office described it as an efficiency and safety measure, and the committee adopted a substantive amendment on shutdown procedures and licensing details before reporting the bill favorably. HB 461, which would have allowed parishes and municipalities to adopt fortified roof standards, drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters argued it could improve resilience and lower insurance costs, while opponents warned it would undermine Louisiana’s uniform building code, add cost, and create inconsistency. The author ultimately moved to voluntarily defer the bill. Finally, the committee began HB 977, a bill on minors’ use of applications that would require age verification, parental consent, and app store/developer safeguards. An amendment clarified definitions, consent rules, data-sharing limits, and a good-faith compliance defense. Members raised concerns about the 45-day cure period, the lack of a private right of action, and whether app stores would become gatekeepers, but the bill remained pending at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had 75% pre-trial and 25%... so the parish paid for 75% of everything.
• A lot of them put it all on the sheriff or they put it all on the parish.
• I had I had 75% pretrial and 25% so the parish paid for 75% of everything.
• of a 56-bed facility in Vernon Parish for $15.2 million and various statewide adjustments of $14.9 million
• most often have to send them out of parish.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and on 826, we did a quick clarification of one of the boards.
• Um, and it allows a newly elected board to have the contract of their preference.
• They're they're board of directors.
• Think of them like medical supervisors.
• I am also on the board of MANA, the local Minnesota chapter of the National Independent Venue Association

Bills: SF1750 , HF4250 , HF3938 , HF3904 , HF3642

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• Rachel Rogers, I am the policy director for the State Election Board.
• Rachel Rogers, I am the policy director for the State Election Board.
• They can be sent, excuse me, directly to the State Election Board.
• Would the State Election Board be able to get us that?
• Yes, the employer will pay in once they elect the retirement and elect to be part of the DROP.

Bills: HB1268 , HB3041 , HB3075 , HB3378 , HB3463 , HB3619 , HB3620 , HB3624 , HB3722 , HB4335

Committee: House Government Oversight

Keywords: retirement, public employees, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, rounding, cash payments, public finance, Oklahoma Common Cents Act, political subdivision, science and technology, research, board appointments, emergency legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a lot of bullet points.
• I'm looking at this amendment that's in front of us. So some you have. "In front of us.
• It would direct the Department of Ecology to submit a report to the Legislature by the end of this year
• And yet now, with the increased demands and possibilities of AI in terms of what's ahead of us, that
• We are the tech center of the world, or at least of the United States.

Bills: HB2296 , HB2301 , HB2212 , HB2515 , HB2436 , HB2496 , HB2605

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: distributed energy, renewable energy, energy resources, sustainability, energy policy, extended producer responsibility, paint waste management, environmental regulations, recycling, microplastics, pollution, environmental protection, washing machines, water quality, energy facilities, large energy use, regulation, state oversight, infrastructure, oil tanker

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you just tell the makeup of your board? Um, we have half... Your board? Um, we have half.
• You can imagine if you're in a district with a lot of teams teachers, the local boards of education were
• This created an unnecessary burden on the The unit was an unnecessary burden on local boards of education
• They are all members and board members of what we call the Tri-State Juneteenth Exposition in Go.
• Compensation for the board members and the chair of the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority.

Bills: SB197 , HB140 , SB214 , HB214 , HB147 , HB270 , SB73

Committee: House Fiscal Responsibility

Keywords: business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates

Transcript Highlights:

• The board is clear. We have Darren Alamon from the Jefferson Parish D.A.'
• Many of the misdemeanors in many of the parishes, the district attorneys are filing, you know, along
• Members, this House Bill 1040, by Chairman Furman, provides relative to the membership of the Board of
• Currently, judges of all the parishes select some members.
• And all three of them—one in Jefferson Parish and two in Orleans Parish—found the individual guilty.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 63 and HB 622 at the authors’ requests. It then heard HB 131 on post-conviction relief, which would remove the word “inexcusably” from the PCR statute and delay bail eligibility after relief until the state’s appeals are exhausted through the Louisiana Supreme Court. The bill drew support from the Attorney General’s office and district attorneys, with opposition cards from the Southern Poverty Law Center, and it was reported favorably. HB 789, concerning seizure of off-road vehicles used unlawfully on roadways, was amended to direct forfeiture proceeds to the Attorney General when acting as district attorney ad hoc; it was then reported as amended with support from law enforcement and no opposition testimony.