Transcript Highlights:

• It's not good legislative procedure, and that we should go on and do the business of the day.
• It's not good legislative procedure, and that we should go on and do the business of the day.
• It's not good legislative procedure, and that we should go on and do the business of the day.
• I have a problem, and it is possibly procedural rather than policy-based.
• <02:22:44.720> rather<02:22:45.040> than procedural rather than procedural rather than

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up Senate Bill 268, a bill related to biological sex and related classifications. Members opposing the bill argued it was unnecessary, poorly drafted, and a personal attack on a small group of people, while supporters said it was needed to protect girls and women and to avoid repeated floor debate on a measure they viewed as proper. Several members also discussed the bill’s definition of biological sex, the lack of guidance on what information could be required to make determinations, and concerns about unintended consequences. The committee voted on a motion to retain the bill and approved it by a 10-8 roll call vote, with the bill retained. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 189, described by supporters as a housekeeping measure requested by the Secretary of State and the Department of Health and Human Services concerning fetal death records. Supporters said the bill was narrow, time-sensitive, and ready to pass, while opponents argued it needed further work and that the committee should not use retention to reopen the bill for broader changes. Some members said they wanted to add or explore additional provisions related to fetal death reporting, while others objected that such changes were outside the bill’s scope and poor procedure. After debate, the committee voted to retain Senate Bill 189 as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:20:25.120> which<00:20:25.440> includes policies and procedures, which includes
• policies and procedures, which includes um<00:20:26.400> contracts<00:20:26.880> support
• Is there a similar procedure for an anonymous caller that they can ensure that there was follow-up?
• in anonymously, do you have a procedure in anonymously, do you have a procedure for<00:35:41.520
• <00:36:24.920> caller<00:36:25.920> that procedure for an anonymous caller that procedure

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• version is going to pass through the Senate, because we don't want this caught up in some kind of procedural
• pass out of the House is something that can be quickly passed through the Senate and there are no procedural
• say the concern I have with that bill and with a number of other bills is that we do think that procedural
• > deadlines<00:15:32.760> matter<00:15:33.120> and<00:15:33.240> there procedural
• deadlines matter and there procedural deadlines matter and there are<00:15:33.400> a<00:15:33.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders unveiled their “North Star Comeback” budget plan, describing it as a focused effort to make Minnesota more affordable, reduce government waste, and strengthen the economy. They said the package would include a $3.8 billion tax cut proposal with one-time property tax relief, elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, childcare relief, lower car tab fees, and funding for schools through scholarship-granting organizations. They also framed the plan as a response to rising costs for groceries, housing, energy, insurance, and childcare. A major emphasis of the rollout was government accountability, especially a strong Office of Inspector General bill and IT modernization to reduce fraud. Leaders said the OIG proposal had moved out of committee and was now in Ways and Means, with a working group continuing to reconcile House and Senate differences. On IT modernization, Chair Paul Torkelson said the plan would likely use a two-pronged approach, with about $15 million for near-term needs and a longer-term fund for ongoing technology upgrades; he said many such investments could qualify for federal matching dollars. The leaders also highlighted Medicaid conformity, saying Minnesota should align with federal changes to avoid losing funding, and they discussed a property tax rebate proposal as a one-time $1 billion return to taxpayers to offset higher property taxes. In response to questions, they said many of the budget items were still moving through the process and some had not met finance deadlines, while others were already in bills. They repeatedly criticized House Democrats for blocking or delaying Republican proposals and said they wanted bipartisan cooperation to pass the plan this year.

Transcript Highlights:

• classroom hours, tightens restrictions on soliciting by bail bond agents and agencies, clarifies procedures
• months, which was suggested by the clerks of the court to be better aligned with their budgeting procedures
• electronic monitoring for domestic violence offenses, expands injunction protections, and clarifies procedure
• The substitute amendment basically reinforces procedures for foreclosure sales.
• had repeatedly obtained court approval in Broward and Miami-Dade for custom foreclosure auction procedures

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills before returning to the budget and public testimony. CS/SB 600 on bail bonds was explained as revising bail bond agent training, limiting solicitation, clarifying partial release procedures, and directing clerks to automatically discharge certain bonds when detention is ordered; an amendment adjusted cash bond return rules, charitable bail fund treatment, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures. The bill and amendments were adopted, and CS/SB 600 was reported favorably after supportive appearances from clerks and industry stakeholders. The committee then approved CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses for felony reclassification and adds felony battery resulting in bodily injury to prison release offender status, after a technical amendment and supportive testimony from law enforcement. CS/SB 928, known as Missy’s Law, requiring immediate remand to custody upon conviction of dangerous crimes, drew both support and opposition; defense lawyers warned of unintended effects on co-defendants and docket management, while the victim’s family supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1332 on career offender registration, requiring more frequent in-person registration and stricter reporting, also passed favorably. The committee next approved a substitute amendment and then CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, which strengthens domestic violence penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures, including military protective orders and body camera use. CS/SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office was reported favorably after extensive public debate over definitions, free speech concerns, and representation on the task force; the sponsor said the bill does not criminalize criticism of Israel but addresses threats and intimidation. CS/CS/SB 532 on clerks of the court was also approved, authorizing clerks to retain more revenue and, through amendment, clarifying foreclosure sale procedures and clerk administration of judicial sales. Finally, the committee heard the criminal and civil justice budget overview, described as a $7.9 billion proposal focused on corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and courts. Public testimony centered heavily on prison conditions, staffing, heat, infrastructure, and inmate care, with speakers urging higher pay, better transparency, and more investment in facilities and air conditioning. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill would be temporarily postponed and read into the record the many registered supporters and opponents. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just a matter of clarification, this is a procedural motion. A procedural motion.
• This bill is a procedural motion; it is to add an urgency clause to the bill, and it's not as to the

Summary: The Rules Committee met, called the roll, and established quorum. After a consent agenda was presented, one member requested that item 7 be removed for separate consideration, arguing that the urgency request did not meet the constitutional standard for immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety and was instead driven by political expediency. The remainder of the consent agenda was approved by roll call. The committee then took up item 7, an urgency clause request for SB 280 by Senator Cervantes. A point of order was raised that the amendments were not germane under Rule 92, but the chair ruled the motion was limited to the urgency clause and not the merits of the bill. The committee proceeded to a roll-call vote and the urgency clause request passed. After the vote, a member moved to refer item 7, along with ACA, to the Judiciary and Elections Committees, arguing the measures would significantly affect Californians and democracy and needed more time and hearings. The chair ruled that motion out of order because the matter before the committee was only the urgency clause request. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone object to that procedure? Ford's voting no. Ford's voting no. Whaley? No. Parks? No. Tate?
• Anyone object to that procedure? >> Senator Bryant, you object? >> In that case, Mr.
• You may object to that procedure. Mr. Weeks voting no. Present. Thank you, Senator Fillingane.
• Does anyone object to that procedure? We should be recorded as voting no. McClendon, I'm sorry.
• Anyone object to that procedure? Horne, voting no. Simmons, D, no. Norwood, no. Broomfield, no.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we begin, I want to make sure everyone understands our committee procedures to end.
• Before we begin, I want to make sure everyone understands our committee procedures to ensure we maintain
• Because this is a rather late rewrite, I am giving flexibility on the usual two-witness-per-side procedures
• What we have seen since the enactment of SB 227 in 2019 is that this on-call procedure could use some
• They review their policies and procedures when IMR decisions result in an overturn.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup. The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements. Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's, um, I guess the best way I can describe it, it's kind of like there's no set procedure.
• 56.039> have<00:04:56.160> to<00:04:56.320> have<00:04:56.520> this set procedure
• like you have to have this set procedure like you have to have this this<00:04:56.960> this<00
• behind it was so that we can have the Next Gen and be potentially be able to actually do medical procedures
• Be potentially able to actually do medical procedures in ambulances on the way to the ER.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and discussed three nominations to the 911 Board: Matthew Kurara (Governor’s Message 505), Re Mahuna (Governor’s Message 614), and Rebecca Liberman/Weberman (Governor’s Message 661). Kurara, a Honolulu Police Department communications captain, said he would bring PSAP and dispatch experience to the board, with a focus on Next Generation 911, better coordination among PSAPs, and recruiting and retaining telecommunicators. Mahuna, a longtime Hawaiʻi Police Department officer and current board member, emphasized his emergency-response experience during disasters on the Big Island and his support for improving communication through Next Generation 911, including the new joint call center on Hawaiʻi Island. Liberman, the board’s VoIP representative and a Charter/Spectrum government affairs director, said she was continuing her second term and would keep working on legislative and government issues, including the statutory change removing “enhanced” from the board’s name to better support Next Gen efforts. Members asked each nominee about rural coverage, redundancy, training, broadband, radio-system limitations, and how Next Generation 911 would affect service in places like Puna and other rural areas. The nominees generally said the system is designed with redundancy so service would revert to backup systems if new technology fails, and that the main challenges in rural areas are often broader communications or radio issues rather than 911 itself. Kurara and Mahuna both said each PSAP currently handles much of its own training, though there is interest in more standardization and national best practices. Liberman explained that VoIP calls generally work over the internet and may benefit from Next Gen, but that location/address issues for some internet-based calling services may still need further review. The committee also discussed public education about text-to-911, the use of technologies such as FirstNet, and whether the E911 special fund ceiling needed to be raised again. Mahuna said he did not see a current need to raise the ceiling further. Written testimony was received in support of all three nominees, including support from public officials, law enforcement, county agencies, and private individuals. No opposition testimony was noted, and the chair said decisions would be made later with the other nominees.

Transcript Highlights:

• On to procedural motions.
• Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized for For your procedural motions. Good morning.
• There's a procedural vote, not debatable. Clerk will open the roll.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• nicotine products regulation; HB 4018, sheriff exclusive authority auxiliary; HB 4109, safety school procedures
• nicotine products regulation HB 4018 sheriff exclusive authority auxiliary HB 4109 safety school procedures
• such an interesting selection of bills that seem to have a fixation on controlling the medical procedures
• we have Senate Bill 1177 that's particularly dangerous because there are any number of medical procedures

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk, we will follow that procedure. Resolutions, petitions, memorials, and other papers.
• Clerk, we will follow that<00:05:50.880> procedure.
• <00:05:51.919> Resolutions,<00:05:52.720> petitions, that procedure.
• Resolutions, petitions, that procedure.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 17 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members dispensed with the reading of the journal, and there were no reports from select committees, no resolutions or memorials, and introductions of bills and constitutional amendments were handled without reading. The chamber also recognized several guests and pages, including a large group of nursing students from Alcorn State University, along with other visitors and constituents in the galleries. A number of members used the announcements period to highlight events and personal matters. Representative Powell asked that the House adjourn in memory of Pat Husler, the mother of a committee assistant, and the request was accepted. Representative Bell also asked to adjourn in memory of the late Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, describing him as an inspiration. Representative Fondren announced a Mississippi Association for Justice event later that evening, and Representative Wallace gave an update on the Sale of Champions, noting scholarships awarded, animals sold, and funds raised. The only formal committee action mentioned was an announcement that Appropriations A would meet at 10:00 a.m. the next day in room 2011A, and that the appropriations committee would also meet five minutes after adjournment to consider a bill that had been omitted earlier. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 2 p.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will review our policies and procedures to see if we can restart contact visit at all facilities.
• <00:04:06.400> and word. will review our policies and word. will review our policies and procedures
• 08.080> if<00:04:08.239> we<00:04:08.480> can<00:04:08.879> restart procedures
• to see if we can restart procedures to see if we can restart contact<00:04:09.920> visit<00:04

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR20, which urges the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to re-evaluate policies on in-person contact visitation at correctional facilities statewide so incarcerated people can stay connected with loved ones who support rehabilitation. Director Tommy Johnson testified that the department supports the intent of the measure and would review its policies and procedures to see whether contact visits could be restarted at all facilities, noting that some facilities already allow them. The committee also acknowledged 11 written testimonies in support, and one Zoom testifier, Panda Valdono, spoke in favor, arguing that in-person visitation supports rehabilitation, mental health, family connection, and successful reentry, and that visitation is not a major source of contraband. After testimony, the committee initially lacked quorum and recessed until 3:40 p.m. When the meeting reopened with six members present, the chair recommended passing STR20 as is. The committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation, with members Morikawa, Puo, Witson, and Shimizu voting aye and several members excused. The measure was approved and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1186 by Hughes, relating to oversight of certain election procedures by the Secretary of
• Senate Bill 1195 by Birdwell, relating to the procedures for removing names from the Central Registry
• Senate Bill 1196 by Birdwell, relating to the procedures and notice required before an individual's name
• Senate Bill 1306 by Cook, relating to the age of criminal responsibility and certain substantive and procedural

Summary: The Senate met briefly to receive first-reading referrals of a large number of bills, resolutions, and joint resolutions. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public education, health care, criminal justice, business regulation, transportation, water and natural resources, local government, taxation, elections, and public information. Many of the filings were by Senators Hughes, Perry, Alvarado, Creighton, Hancock, Parker, Zaffirini, Blanco, and others, and included proposals on school safety, health records and billing, election procedures, water planning, housing and rent issues, energy and environmental regulation, and criminal penalties. The chamber also read several concurrent and joint resolutions, including measures designating state symbols and local honors, a proposed constitutional amendment related to gaming by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, a proposal concerning special-session subjects, and resolutions on fiscal restraints and retirement obligations. No debate, testimony, or substantive action on the merits of the measures occurred in this portion of the transcript; the items were simply read and referred to committees. At the close of the proceedings, the Senate adjourned pursuant to a previously adopted motion and announced it would reconvene at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no current policies or procedures to rescue an individual who may use a wheelchair or who has
• 01:52.799> current<00:01:53.240> policies<00:01:53.600> or<00:01:53.880> procedures
• <00:01:54.320> to are no current policies or procedures to are no current policies or procedures

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 44, also called Landon’s Law, which would allow schools to keep anti-choking devices such as LifeVac and remove liability concerns for schools that have them. Representative Candy Massaroni and other supporters said the bill is intended to provide an added rescue option in choking emergencies, especially for children and students with disabilities, and cited concerns that there are no current procedures to rescue some individuals who use wheelchairs or have disabilities. Testifiers from Equal First Aid and Life Act described the device as noninvasive, non-powered, and available with adult and pediatric masks, saying it works by creating suction to dislodge an object from the airway. They also referenced American Heart Association, CDC, and Red Cross guidance in support of broader availability. Lauren McCubbin, Landon McCubbin’s mother, gave emotional testimony about her son’s life and death, saying he choked on a bouncy ball at Boston Elementary on November 21, 2022 and died despite the presence of a nurse and firefighters. She said the bill is meant to ensure no other family has to experience a similar loss and argued that a LifeVac device might have given her son a chance. Committee members asked for clarification about what the device is and why paramedics did not have it, and the bill’s supporters explained that it is a simple suction device and that some emergency services are only beginning to adopt it. After the testimony, a motion and second were made on the bill. The committee then moved into questions and discussion about the device’s function, FDA registration, and use in schools, but no final vote or other action was stated in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• modernizing some definitions, revising licensing standards, and clarifying cancellation and refund procedures
• kind of an update, a self-storage facility act to make storage unit rental and lien enforcement procedures
• electronic rental agreements, expands notice methods to include email and text, and adds clear procedures
• for transfer of abandoned digital assets to a designated custodian, to provide for liquidation procedures
• of turning over those unclaimed digital assets to the administrator, Circumstances and procedures of

Bills: HB387, HB673, HB947, HB975, HB1102, HB1228, HB1229, HCR66, SB102, SB165, SB280, SB291, SB326, SB521

Keywords: engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, security cameras, abandoned property, blighted structures, property management, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, Department of Public Service, statutory entities, public administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also requires anti-bullying procedures to be included in the student handbook, and that alleged
• HB131 strengthens<00:24:58.600> procedural<00:24:59.160> safeguards<00:24:59.760> and
• strengthens procedural safeguards and strengthens procedural safeguards and enhances<00:25:00.360
• The bill also requires<00:25:20.120> anti-bullying<00:25:20.840> procedures<00:25:21.400
• > to<00:25:21.520> be requires anti-bullying procedures to be requires anti-bullying procedures

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we do have a screening procedure policy and procedure for the judicial center, and we do limit all
• <00:05:45.440> policy<00:05:45.919> and have a a screening procedure policy and have
• a a screening procedure policy and procedure<00:05:46.800> for<00:05:47.039> the<00:05
• for the judicial um center and procedure for the judicial um center and we<00:05:50.639> do<00
• aware, and we know that those folks are in the building, and so it's just another piece of that procedure

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee reconvened in open session after a closed discussion of sensitive security details and reviewed the public executive summary of the Minnesota State Capitol Complex Security Assessment by Axtel. Members discussed weapon screening and access control at length, including testimony from Capitol security and judicial center staff about screening procedures, prohibited items, and how screening is managed for visitors and authorized personnel. The chair emphasized that the committee was voting on high-level recommendations to be included in the final ACAST report and that the Department of Public Safety and Department of Administration would be encouraged to pursue the necessary work, including any legislative or budget requests. The committee then took a series of roll-call votes on the Axtel recommendations. Access control screening and visitor management (5.11) passed 4-2, while authorized access control and credential oversight (5.12), internal circulation and zoning controls (5.13), perimeter and exterior grounds (5.14), staffing models/post orders/operational readiness (5.15), technology and system integration (5.16), and protective intelligence (5.18) all passed unanimously 6-0. Each approved item was added as a recommendation in the final report. After the votes, the Department of Administration, Department of Public Safety, and House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms offices walked through the draft final report. They highlighted staffing improvements, security infrastructure already installed, and remaining needs, including an estimated $41.008 million request for future enhancements such as kiosks, glass-resistant film, door access controls, cameras, lighting, bollards, and an updated distributed antenna system. The report also includes recommendations on trauma-informed safety drills, conduct rules for hearings, and designating the Minnesota State Patrol Capital Security Division as the primary investigative authority for potential criminal activity on Capitol grounds.

Transcript Highlights:

• On to procedural motions, Madam Majority Leader.
• Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized for your procedural motion.
• Now moving back to procedural motions, Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized for your procedural
• Now moving back to procedural motions, Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized for your procedural
• Procedural motions. Madam Majority Leader, you're recognized for your procedural motion.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a busy floor session with several procedural motions and bill actions. Members suspended rules to allow speeches and guests, withdrew AB 362 from Appropriations to the second reading file, and voted 41-13 to suspend the rules for that motion. The body also took up a number of items on the daily and third reading files, with several measures passed, retained, or moved to inactive file. The main policy focus was ACR 70, designating September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Assembly Member Pellerin presented the resolution with a personal account of losing her husband to suicide and urged greater use of 988, secure firearm storage, and open conversations about mental health. Many members from both parties and caucuses spoke in support, sharing personal experiences with suicide and emphasizing stigma reduction, access to care, and the importance of checking in on others. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, Senate amendments were concurred in, and suicide awareness pins were distributed to members. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 977 on Native American human remains, with unanimous support and a 68-0 vote, and to AB 1510, the Assembly PERS Committee bill, which passed 66-1. Members then adopted H.R. 65, recognizing October as Filipino American History Month, after extensive remarks celebrating Filipino American history, labor organizing, public service, and community contributions; 63 co-authors were added without objection before the voice vote. Later, the chamber passed SB 81, protecting access to health care facilities from immigration enforcement, and SB 98, requiring schools and campuses to notify communities when immigration enforcement is present; both were framed as part of a broader package to protect immigrant communities and passed on urgency votes. The session concluded with debate on SJR 9, a resolution condemning mass immigration raids and defending civil liberties, which drew sharply divided remarks from supporters and opponents, with no final action shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk shall further specify the procedural format for filing all amendments consistent with this
• The clerk shall further specify the procedural format for filing all amendments consistent with this
• The clerk shall further specify the procedural format consistent with this order.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up reports from the Temporary Committee on Rules. The chamber adopted orders placing Senate No. 14, proposing permanent Senate rules for the 2025-2026 session, and Senate No. 15, proposing permanent joint rules for the Senate and House, on the Orders of the Day for February 12, 2025, with amendments due electronically by February 10. In both cases, the rules were suspended to allow immediate consideration, and the orders were adopted without objection. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Senator Keenan then offered a motion, joined by all members, that the Senate adjourn in memory of Francis Xavier Bellotti. The Senate heard a tribute recounting Bellotti’s military service, public career as lieutenant governor and attorney general, and his contributions to civil rights, environmental protection, and civic life. The motion to adjourn in Bellotti’s memory was adopted, and the Senate adjourned with a moment of silence in his honor. The chamber is set to meet again on Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, this new law, gives a device, a procedure where a court can consider applications for that
• This bill, this will now act, the new law, gives a device, a procedure where a court can consider applications
• I would like to, I always forget the procedural, the proper way of orchestrating this, but I would like
• So I guess, procedurally, right, with there being a motion... ...defer for those who wish to defer.
• So I guess, procedurally, right, with there being a motion to adopt, a second to adopt, I'll start down

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board met on June 18, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the agenda. Public comment was dominated by district defenders and other public defense leaders praising State Public Defender Remy Starns for improving communication, collaboration, and overall system performance. Speakers from multiple districts said the system is more unified, better supported, and more stable than in prior years, and several credited Starns with helping resolve long-standing tensions and improve coordination across capital, district, and appellate work. One speaker also paid tribute to the late Mike Ginnard, describing him as instrumental to earlier public defense reforms. In his report, Starns said the system has improved over the last seven years but still needs a sustainable funding source. He discussed legislative changes affecting public defense, including a cleanup bill, elimination of filing fees for writs and appeals, and a new procedure related to expert-fee requests in light of recent court rulings. He also described ongoing efforts to integrate capital and appellate work into district offices, expand the laws/writs program, and continue post-conviction work under new statutory rules. Starns emphasized recruitment and retention, including the need for affordable health insurance and retirement benefits, and again honored Mike Ginnard for his leadership and service. The board then adopted proposed bylaws, after some discussion about special committees and public meeting requirements. Members agreed to create a committee to review and refine the bylaws later, and they also elected a vice chairman and designated the Office of the Public Defender, with staff support, as secretary for recordkeeping. Finally, the board heard a presentation on the strategic plan, which was described as largely an update to the prior version with terminology changes, new accessibility-related goals, and added performance measures for training, compliance, and communications. The strategic plan was adopted by resolution, and the meeting adjourned.