Transcript Highlights:

• Um since there was no testifiers, I'm just going to go ahead and defer this one.
• Um since there was no testifiers, I'm just going to go ahead and defer this one.
• testifiers, I'm just going to go ahead testifiers, I'm just going to go ahead and<00:10:11.519> defer
• <00:10:12.560> Okay,<00:10:12.880> that<00:10:13.120> concludes and defer this
• Okay, that concludes and defer this one.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which had been amended from an automatic voter registration-related request to a resolution urging the administration to follow the law and comply with federal court orders. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Hawaii women lawyers, and others. One witness spoke against automatic voter registration, warning it could be exploited by bad actors, though the chair clarified that the amended resolution was focused on court orders rather than AVR. Members asked questions about whether states or Congress can enforce compliance with court orders and whether there were historical examples of presidents refusing to follow them. The response emphasized separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of state support for the rule of law. The committee then voted to accept the proposed SD1 for SCR 158; the measure passed with one no vote recorded from Senator Awa. The committee also took up SCR 154, a resolution supporting implementation of applicable United Nations Human Rights Council universal periodic review recommendations. No testimony was received on that measure, and it was deferred. In a later decision-making agenda item, the committee considered a measure directing the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include circuit and district court facilities in planning new correctional centers and to establish a release procedure away from residential communities and public spaces; the committee recommended passage as amended, and the measure passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department stands in strong support of this measure, and we defer to the Department of Education
• 00:16:33.440> we strong support of this measure and we strong support of this measure and we defer
• :34.560> of<00:16:35.000> Education<00:16:36.000> um<00:16:36.120> for defer
• to Department of Education um for defer to Department of Education um for establishing<00:16:37.120>
• We are going to create a House draft and defer the date to July 1, 3000, make technical amendments to

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Huitt said: “Mortuary science and our new form of disposition, natural organic reduction
• They could defer federal matching funds.
• here's what we need to do to try to make sure that our system is as sound as it possibly can be. could defer
• , you know, federal matching could defer, you know, federal matching funds.<03:11:25.600> Um,<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Senate File 4612, a state government bill affecting the Department of Health, Human Services, and Children, Youth, and Families, was taken up with a House language amendment adopted at the outset. The bill’s authors gave sharply different perspectives: one described it as a limited, reactive measure tied to federal Medicaid changes and said it fell short of needed health care improvements, while the other argued it would avoid large federal penalties, add Medicaid work requirements, save taxpayer money, and help certain rural and disability-related services. Members then debated several amendments. A technical House research amendment was offered, followed by a contested amendment on the all-payer claims database. Supporters of that change argued the bill expanded data access and could allow sensitive health data to be sold or used outside the United States, raising privacy and jurisdiction concerns; opponents said the data would remain deidentified, access would be limited to researchers, and the fee structure was a cost-recovery mechanism rather than a sale. The amendment to the amendment failed on a 67-67 tie, and the underlying amendment was not adopted. The committee also adopted an amendment updating mortuary science rules for natural organic reduction and another that would automatically enroll certain people into medical assistance if they did not choose a program themselves. A later amendment creating a therapeutic psilocybin pilot program for mental health and PTSD treatment drew strong bipartisan support, especially from members citing veteran suicide, trauma, and promising research; it was adopted after discussion. The transcript ended while discussion continued on how the program would be administered, including questions about using the Office of Cannabis Management rather than the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I'd like now to defer to my guests. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have a quick slide deck.
• Chairman, I'd like now to defer<00:03:12.959> to<00:03:13.360> my<00:03:13.920> guests
• defer to my guests. defer to my guests. Thank<00:03:15.480> you,<00:03:15.560> Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We received additional notice from CMS that they would defer $260 million of our Medicaid reimbursements
• CMS that received additional notice from CMS that they<00:01:22.520> would<00:01:22.720> defer
• $260<00:01:24.360> million<00:01:25.040> of<00:01:25.120> our they would defer
• $260 million of our they would defer $260 million of our Medicaid<00:01:25.680> reimbursements

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget’s February forecast reported that the state’s projected deficit has turned into a surplus, with an estimated $3.7 billion balance for fiscal years 2026-27 and a projected $377 million positive balance for FY28-29. Officials said the improved outlook is driven by a slightly stronger national economy and higher forecast revenues, but they cautioned that the state remains in a strong yet not secure position. A major concern discussed was federal funding uncertainty. CMS has indicated it may withhold $515 million per quarter in Medicaid Assistance reimbursement, and separately notified the state it would defer $260 million in Medicaid reimbursements pending further information. Those potential losses are not included in the forecast, but lawmakers were told federal funds account for about one-third of state agency spending and that budget flexibility may be needed if cuts occur. Speakers also noted that Minnesota still faces a structural budget imbalance despite progress made last session. Current biennium spending is projected to be $68 million lower than earlier estimates, but planning estimates are up $152 million since the last forecast. Several lawmakers emphasized affordability concerns for residents, citing rising delinquency rates, increasing unemployment, flat wages, and the need to focus on tax conformity, vehicle tab fees, and property taxes. Members from both parties said they want to continue working together on budget solutions and spending restraint.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Speaker, may this matter be deferred. So ordered.
• be >> Madam Speaker, may this matter be >> Madam Speaker, may this matter be deferred
• . deferred. deferred.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee approved a motion. and five were deferred.
• The committee filed 94 current reports and deferred 15 reports to allow officials to answer questions
• Ten reports were on the committee's agenda yesterday: two deferred reports and two current reports with
• Little Rock report was initially presented at the meeting of this committee held last month and deferred

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County. The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs. The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• um STR 96 and And SR 79, it's in my practice that if there's absolutely no testimony, that we will defer
• So we will defer. Oh, yeah. Sorry, just to make sure that the recommendation is to defer, okay?
• And same recommendation for the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs is to defer.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs met on March 28, 2025, to hear testimony on SCR 24, with a proposed SD1 that would also change the title to urge the U.S. Department of Defense to keep all references to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its public website. Testimony was unanimously in support from veterans’ groups, civil rights organizations, and individual supporters, including Nisei Veterans Legacy, the Daniel K. Inouye Institute, the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, the Hawaii Coalition for Civil Rights, and the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Club. A senator also voiced strong support, saying the resolution addressed fairness and recognition of nonwhite service members. The committee then discussed STR 96 and SR 79, which urge Maui County, the Maui Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Transportation, and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency to develop and implement an evacuation route signage program for Maui. There was no testimony on these measures. Members indicated that, consistent with committee practice, the measures would be deferred because of the lack of testimony. For SCR 24, the committee recommended passage with amendments, adopting the proposed SD1 and adding references to the 100th Infantry Battalion after each mention of the 442nd. The committee then took votes and adopted the recommendation. For STR 96 and SR 79, the committees deferred decision-making, with the Public Safety and Military Affairs committee agreeing to the deferral.

Transcript Highlights:

• So deferring it would be for us to make up our mind.
• So the to deferring it would be for not.
• <02:04:43.520> Uh defer this or not. Uh defer this or not.
• I to just defer this for a little bit.
• Uh, the motion does pass to defer Okay.

Keywords: 00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:17 - Approval of June 18, 2025 Minutes 00:02:33 - Introductions and Discussion on Priorities 00:07:27 - Health Data Discussion-KY Health Information Exchange (KHIE) 00:34:02 - Health Data Discussion-Public Health Data 01:19:24 - Health Data Discussion-Other Health Data Platforms 01:42:40 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations (Except 201 KAR 005:010) 01:44:48 - Discussion of Optometry Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 02:25:29 - Hearing on Unified Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Application for FFY 2026 - 2027 Funds 02:33:40 - Administrative Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 Vote Clarification 02:34:03 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Health Services met to approve the June 18 minutes and hear introductory remarks from new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Family Services Dr. Steven Stack and new Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Langfeld. Both described their backgrounds and emphasized a shared focus on using health data to improve quality, coordination, and outcomes across Kentucky. They highlighted the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHI) as a central tool for connecting hospitals, labs, providers, public health systems, Medicaid, and other state and federal data sources, and said the system supports notifications, immunization records, surveillance, and care coordination. They also outlined priorities such as continued investment in KHI, stronger interoperability, privacy protections, and expanded analytic capacity to turn data into action. Committee members then asked about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and informed consent, particularly for pregnant women and children. Dr. Stack said informed consent should come through a licensed health care provider, that Kentucky did not mandate the COVID vaccine, and that the evidence still supports vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, citing professional medical guidance. A follow-up exchange focused on concerns about past vaccine policies and the need for patients to receive full information before making decisions. Senator Heron asked how KIPRC/KIPR could be used to address firearm injuries. Dr. Langfeld said the key opportunity is to make data more real-time and usable for day-to-day response, while Dr. Stack said the department would continue its long-standing partnership with KIPRC and noted his view that gun violence is a public health emergency. He added, however, that because firearms are a deeply divided issue, the Department for Public Health’s current role is mainly to make data available for authorized research rather than to take a broader policy role. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• to a local lines we wouldn't defer to a local police<04:06:13.040> department<04:06:13.600>
• <04:06:29.800> to<04:06:29.960> local Hampshire we always defer to local Hampshire
• And because of those inherent complexities, deferring to local control might be ineffective.
• I will defer to them on that and also defer on the language if it is a shall... um<04:41:14.520> I
• <04:41:56.840> to Commission or or both I will defer to Commission or or both I will defer

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 662, which would require discussion of abortion procedures and the viewing of certain videos in public school health education. Members argued the bill went too far by naming specific videos and involving the Attorney General in enforcement, and they said curriculum decisions should be left to educators. The committee voted ITL on HB 662 by a unanimous 18-0. The committee then considered HCR 6, a resolution calling for the removal of the superintendent of District 67. Members said the resolution targeted an individual and that the underlying dispute was already in court, so the matter should be left to the legal process. The motion to ITL passed 18-0. Next, HR 9, urging the Department of Education to emphasize STEM education, received broad support as a nonpartisan statement of priorities, and it also passed 18-0. HB 440, concerning educator licensing and shortages in Career and Technical Education, was amended to clarify that the bill applies to initial licensure only. After discussion about whether the amendment was necessary, the committee adopted Amendment 0188 unanimously and then voted OTPA on the bill as amended, 18-0. HB 222, which repealed the requirement for an MOU between charter schools and districts on services for students with disabilities, drew testimony that districts already provide substantial oversight through IEP processes and that the MOU requirement was burdensome and largely unenforced; the committee voted OTP 18-0. The committee then took up HB 719, which would repeal the right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease unused district facilities. Supporters said the existing law had not generated complaints and could impede charter expansion, while opponents said the issue had not proven to be a problem and local control should be preserved. The committee voted ITL 17-1, with one member opposed and no minority report. The chair then postponed HB 184, a study committee bill on school start times, because it was scheduled for the next day, and the committee moved into a work session on bullying-related bills, discussing HB 108, HB 384, and HB 673 without taking final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:52.160> maintenance have a lot of deferred maintenance have a lot of deferred maintenance
• What's the total amount of deferred maintenance campuswide?
• What's the total amount of deferred maintenance campuswide?
• What's the total amount of deferred maintenance campuswide?
• amount of deferred maintenance amount of deferred maintenance campuswide?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'll make a motion to defer your bill today since you're going to bring the... For all of us.
• So I'll make a motion to defer your bill today since you're going to bring the study resolution.
• Without objection, we will defer that bill as you continue on with the study resolution.
• Just to hold it in committee, so it would be deferred for a week.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The author asked that bill be deferred today.
• The author asked that SB 436 be deferred today, so if you're here for SB 436, we will not be hearing
• I apologize for missing last week and deferring your efficiency and speed of agenda; passing through
• I apologize for missing last week and deferring your efficiency and speed of agenda, passing through

Summary: Yes. This appears to be a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee, based on the roll call, the committee chair’s remarks, and the committee’s consideration of bills and resolutions with tax and fiscal implications. The committee first announced that SB 436 by Senator Cloud was deferred. It then heard SB 442 by Senator Stein, which would provide a local sales and use tax exemption in Calcasieu Parish for repairs, upgrades, and overhauls on certain aircraft at qualifying facilities such as Chennault. The bill was presented as an economic development measure to keep aviation maintenance work and jobs in Southwest Louisiana. After testimony from Citadel Completions representatives describing the company’s operations, local partnerships, and job creation, the committee voted to report SB 442 favorably without objection. The committee next took up HR 118 by Representative Wright, which would create a legislative subcommittee to study a possible state income tax credit for certain water utility customers facing high rates tied to water system upgrades and brown-water issues in parts of the Florida parishes and elsewhere. Members questioned the fiscal impact, eligibility, duration, and whether the proposal would simply subsidize private utility rates or address a broader regulatory problem. Wright emphasized that the resolution was only for study and would gather testimony and numbers before any credit was considered. The resolution was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1039 by Representative Deshotel was called but no presenter was present, so the committee held the bill in committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• All three items will be deferred for decision making to March 31st, 10 a.m. in this room. testify?
• c><00:30:57.120> items<00:30:57.600> will<00:30:57.840> be<00:30:58.000> deferred
• All three items will be deferred Okay.
• All three items will be deferred for<00:30:58.799> decision for decision for decision making<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee convened at 10:00 a.m. and opened with instructions about live streaming, one-minute testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening on March 31 if technical problems interrupted the hearing. The committee then took up HB 300, which drew extensive testimony from state agencies, commissions, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Many agencies, including Budget and Finance, Education, Health, Housing, and others, said they stood on their written testimony and supported the measure. One witness from the Kohala Island Reserve Commission supported the bill and asked for funding for a CIP project at its Kihei site to consolidate offices and generate revenue for Maui. Several groups, including the Hawaii Oral Health Coalition and the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis, supported funding for mandated oral health services and higher ABA provider rates for children with autism. In contrast, the Re-imagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition and Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice opposed $30 million for jail planning and additional incarceration-related spending, urging more investment in housing, mental health, youth programs, education, and restorative justice. The chair noted the testimony totals for HB 300: 186 in support, 91 opposed, and 52 comments. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 794 and HB 795. The Department of Budget and Finance supported HB 794, and the Tax Foundation was listed for HB 795 but was not present. No additional testimony was offered on either bill. After the testimony phase, the committee deferred all three measures—HB 300, HB 794, and HB 795—for decision making to March 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I would defer to the attorneys on that.
• I would defer to the attorneys on that.
• We're going to defer this Senate.
• So, defer. So, defer. Um, so, moving on, Senate Bill 1298 relating to recycling.
• So, um seeing deferment? Nope. Okay.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures. SB 1602 would appropriate funds to DLNR for monitoring wells for the Koho aquifer system; DLNR and HHFDC supported it, and written testimony from several organizations and individuals was also in support. Members asked whether monitoring wells are a statewide function rather than a county function, and staff confirmed they are done statewide. The second bill was an administration measure clarifying that criminal water pollution enforcement remains with the Department of Health rather than DLNR. The Attorney General’s office said it was a cleanup clarification and that DOH has stronger enforcement powers and better testing capability; DOH and DLNR supported it, and there was no opposition noted. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1074 on environmental impact statements. The bill would let previously authorized or permitted commercial activities continue for up to one year while an agency determines whether environmental review applies after a challenge, and would allow permit renewals during that review. DLNR said it stood on written comments and suggested aligning the bill with similar House language. Supporters, including several ocean tourism and Maui business representatives, argued the bill would provide certainty and keep families and small operators working while environmental review is completed, especially in the wake of the Lahaina fires and ongoing business losses. Some supporters said the measure should be narrowed with a sunset or limited to recently renewed permits. Opponents, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could weaken HEPA/NEPA-style environmental review, especially for fisheries and other commercial activities. They said the bill could be used as a “Trojan horse” to avoid review and that DLNR could resolve the underlying disputes more quickly through settlement or existing exemption processes. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh, Madam Chair, I would defer to Mr.
• Uh, Madam Chair, I would defer to you?
• The percentage deferred has hovered between the high 15%s and the high of 21% in 2022.
• Um so the of the land that was deferred.
• deferred amount did increase slightly. deferred amount did increase slightly.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:57.519> this that the committee please defer this that the committee please defer this
• We always defer to Kate R. at EPA, who handles the large-capacity question.
• <01:28:15.960> decision- referral so I might defer decision- referral so I might defer decision
• I think we're going to defer this at this time.
• positions so we're going to defer positions so we're going to defer decision<01:56:49.679> making

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a motion to defer this matter? Yes. Okay. Thank you, Senator Price. Yes. Okay.
• Actually, we're going to defer one. Which one do you want to do? The first one is seven.
• So I'm going to ask that we voluntarily defer 730.
• We have a motion by Senator Wheat to voluntarily defer HB 730 without objection.
• We have a motion by Senator Wheat to voluntarily defer HB 730 without objection.

Summary: The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed. The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier. One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Morikawa, Madam Speaker, may this matter be deferred?
• 26.600> be morala Madam speaker may this matter be morala Madam speaker may this matter be deferred
• Representative Poepoe, Madame Speaker, I defer to my colleague from Kahala.
• <00:22:41.000> to<00:22:41.200> my pooy Madame speaker I defer to my pooy Madame speaker
• I defer to my colleague<00:22:41.840> from<00:22:42.159> y colleague from y colleague

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:06:32.640> acceptance misdemeanor, um, the deferred acceptance misdemeanor, um, the deferred
• they're now going to have deferred they're now going to have deferred acceptance<01:07:22.440>
• And since then, and that's the reason for the deferred acceptance, because there wasn't any deferred
• :29.000> deferred<01:09:29.359> acceptance there wasn't any deferred acceptance there wasn't
• the deferred acceptance. the deferred acceptance.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections. The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript. The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.