Transcript Highlights:

• In a House and Senate subcommittee that I co-chaired, or I'm sorry, a House and Senate joint committee
• And, um, ironically, I'm a joint author with Ms.
• Uh, she and, uh, Mary Gonzalez, Representative Gonzalez are, are both, uh, joint authors on this bill
• typically send their tech conglomerate called TechNet, uh, which comes, they've been, uh, before our joint
• Silence in that, as Chair Patterson mentioned, during the interim, there's a joint committee studying

Bills: HB 186

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• In a House and Senate subcommittee that I co-chaired, or I'm sorry, a House and Senate joint. committee
• Absolutely, and ironically, I'm a joint author with Ms.
• Yesterday, she and Mary Gonzales, representative Gonzales, are both joint authors on this. bill as well
• Silence in that, as Chair Patterson mentioned, during the interim there's a joint committee studying
• Coppa. you know, has a provision in it that says that no state or local government may impose any liability

Bills: HB186, HB517, HB 1093, HB 1268, HB1395, HB186

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, property owners' association, residential watering restrictions, vegetation, fine limitations, drought, technology, innovation, economic development, grants, Texas Economic Development, business funding, HB 1395, private passenger vehicle rental, car rental, vehicle rental

Transcript Highlights:

• But any expenditures, of course, will be approved by the commissioner and also the joint fiscal.
• But any expenditures, of course, will be approved by the commissioner and also the joint fiscal.
• But any expenditures, of course, will be approved by the commissioner and also the joint fiscal.
• Thank you. um also the joint joint fiscal. So there um also the joint joint fiscal.
• <01:30:49.040> under<01:30:49.360> the the basis for liability under the the basis

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appointment to joint conference committees.
• Joint conference House Bill 45.
• House Bill House Bill 111 joint House Bill House Bill 111 joint conference<00:15:00.160> committee
• Uh your joint >> Thank you, Mr. President.
• <01:39:38.480> Joint >> Thank you, Mr. President. Joint >> Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4126, is a constituent request and it relieves motocross parks and places like that from liability
• House Joint Resolution 1069 by Lawson of the House and Thompson of the Senate, a resolution relating
• Speaker, I moved to amend House Joint Resolution 1069, page 38, section 2, line 22, amendment submitted
• Third reading of the bill House Joint Resolution 1069 by Lawson of the House and Thompson of the Senate

Bills: HB4420, HB3974, HB3016, HB3062, HB3021, HB3145, HB4128, HB3131, HB3015, HB3472, HB3453, HB1638, HB4126, HB2696, HB2710, HB3552, HB3031, HB3544, HB3521, HB4490, HB4488, HB1746, HJR1069, HB4428, HB4429, HB1170, HB3538, HB4124, HB3904, HB4106, HB2999, HB3982, HJR1077, HB3464, HB2588, HB3462, HB4440, HB3674, HB3345, HJR1067, HB4326, HB4331, HB4337, HB4338, HB4359, HB4392, HB3557, HJR1076, HB4003, HB3495, HB3497, HB3501, HB3505, HB3749, HB3011, HB4336, HB4346, HJR1087, HB3240, HB3647, HB3796, HB3969, HB3972, HB3983, HB3984, HB3989, HB3383, HB3130, HB4358, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3386, HJR1089, HB3087, HB2970, HB3314, HB4129, HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Personal liability, if the court would entertain, or if this bill passes, does it create legal liability
• but it more additional liabilities but it more expands<00:09:01.399> upon<00:09:01.640> liabilities
• <00:10:59.040> for create liability for create liability for damages<00:11:00.880> from
• So the bill creates joint and several liability, which indicates that it can come from ultimately any
• <00:13:00.639> that that ration there is no liability that that ration there is no liability

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:29 Roll Call 00:00:40 HB 2 Discussion 00:02:55 HB 2 Vote 00:14:10 Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment Plan Discussion 00:17:22 HB 545 Discussion Only 00:39:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2, which would address the taxation of currency and bullion and was presented as a response to last session’s dispute over whether a line-item veto could be applied to a revenue measure. The sponsor said the bill, as amended by Committee Substitute 2, was largely technical but also made the tax exemption retroactive to August 1, 2024 while making the $1,000-per-day penalty prospective only. Members asked about fiscal impact, possible legal liability for executive branch officials, and whether the issue should instead be resolved by the courts. The sponsor argued the Constitution limits the governor’s line-item veto power to appropriations, not revenue bills, and said the bill would create a judicial remedy and refund process if the executive branch continued collecting the tax. The committee approved the committee substitute and then passed House Bill 2 by a vote of 19-1, with two members passing; the bill was reported favorably to the floor. During discussion, Representative Bojanowski voted no, saying he could not support removing taxes on gold bars while parents pay taxes on diapers. Representative Gentry passed, saying he supported the original intent but was not yet convinced and wanted more time to review the issue. The sponsor also clarified that any liability would be joint and several and could involve executive officials or their budgets if the tax collection continued despite the exemption. The committee then heard a discussion-only presentation on the Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment Plan Phase 2. Facility representatives described Phase 1 and the planned Phase 2 expansion, saying the center had record attendance and needed more space to remain competitive and meet client demand. They said Phase 1 was about 20% complete, with completion now expected in October 2026 and an opening target of December 31, 2026 after a short testing period. Phase 2 would follow, including demolition of the West Wing, utility work, and improvements to food service and circulation areas. They said the project would be funded without federal dollars and estimated that, once complete, it could generate about $683 million in annual economic impact, $302 million in state sales tax, and 850,000 room nights in Jefferson County.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 283 and House Joint House Bill 283 and House Joint Resolution<00:23:58.480> 110.
• House Joint Resolution 24, a joint resolution directing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to
• House Joint Resolution 24, a joint<02:14:08.480> resolution<02:14:09.360> directing<02:
• House Joint Resolution 50.
• House Joint Resolution 50. >> The matter for the body's adoption of House Joint Resolution 50.

Bills: HB567, HB776, HB2, HB568, HB619

Keywords: open records, public access, transparency, government accountability, public agency, dental practice, licensing, administrative regulations, dental assistants, supervision, Medicaid, community engagement, healthcare, managed care, eligibility, public assistance, insurance, public adjuster, claim process, contract requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• of the reason why that's important is you're taking on financial obligations and infrastructure liability
• be put into a bit of a pressure cooker and that they will have a new sort of book of business and liability
• , etc., that they'll need to observe. ...a new sort of book of business and liability and et cetera that
• Counties and cities are required to have joint planning and, as part of that, they're also required or
• And at each step, those things become an additional liability that needs to be brought up to snuff to

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um for those of you that don't know, the Pension Commission is a joint commission between the Senate
• These are called unfunded liabilities, and so when the state of Minnesota or any of our political subdivisions
• These are called unfunded liabilities<00:18:53.960> and<00:18:54.160> so<00:18:54.320><
• c> when<00:18:54.440> the<00:18:54.480> state<00:18:54.760> of liabilities and
• so when the state of liabilities and so when the state of Minnesota<00:18:55.360> or<00:18:55.520

Transcript Highlights:

• Osgood: As you are trying to address this issue, have you considered the issue with parents sharing joint
• Senator Trumbull: This amendment extends product Senator Trumbull: liability to include claims of design
• a firearm that has an internal issue, then the company can still be held liable for that product liability
• are saying is Senator Trumbull: just the absence of one of these things should not be the reason a liability
• In filing this bill, I wanted to be extremely clear in ensuring that should there be a product liability

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Joint Resolution 6, sponsored by Senator Pearson, Shared Parenting Day, a joint resolution designating
• > sponsored<01:16:54.960> by Senate joint resolution six sponsored by Senate joint resolution
• 59.360> April<01:16:59.760> 26th joint resolution designating April 26th joint resolution
• <04:11:03.920> four<04:11:04.239> will your joint committee number four will your joint
• joint rule 22-1 is there. joint rule 22-1 is there.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Wheeler, Senate Joint Resolution 91, a joint resolution directing state agencies to deploy policies
• 00:43:59.040> 90,<00:43:59.839> a Neil, Senate Joint Resolution 90, a Neil, Senate Joint
• > the<00:44:02.079> Melvin joint resolution designating the Melvin joint resolution designating
• Senate Joint Resolution 91.<00:44:08.960> Joint<00:44:09.280> Resolution<00:44:09.920><
• Joint Resolution directing state 91.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, roll call, and approval of the prior journal. The chamber received House messages listing several House bills passed by the House and introduced new Senate measures, including SB 172 on utility fuel adjustment, SB 173 on Medicaid state plan oversight, and several resolutions. The Senate then took up SB 2, which would limit school administrator pay raises so they do not exceed the average percentage raise given to classroom teachers in the same district. Supporters said the bill promotes fairness, transparency, teacher retention, and classroom priorities; it passed 38-0. The Senate next considered SB 4 on school leadership. The bill creates a five-year principal leadership development pathway, including KDE-led training for new principals, a mentorship program, a gap year with continuing education options, expanded use of an existing Truist/Kentucky Chamber Foundation leadership program, and a final year of approved high-level leadership training providers. A committee substitute changed the Chamber reference to the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. Senators speaking in favor emphasized the need for intentional leadership development and noted the bill builds on existing successful training partnerships. One senator suggested clarifying the term "new principal" to "first-time principal" to avoid redundancy. The bill passed 38-0 as amended. The Senate also passed SB 71, as amended by committee substitute, which requires ongoing financial training for local school board members. The substitute clarified the training-hour language after consultation with the Kentucky School Boards Association. The sponsor said the measure supports board members with updated school finance knowledge so they can better serve with superintendents and ask informed questions. After passage, the chamber adopted a title amendment for SB 71. The Senate then recessed for committee meetings, received a committee report assigning bills and resolutions to standing committees or the floor, and heard several announcements and co-sponsorship requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Brown's suggestion was that we add benefits and other postemployment benefits and pension liabilities
• It's unfortunate, but it is the nature of having a joint SAU where you are together with multiple towns
• the nature of unfortunate, but it is the nature of having<01:58:02.800> a<01:58:03.040> joint
• > SAU<01:58:04.960> where<01:58:05.119> you<01:58:05.280> are having a joint
• right SAU where you are having a joint right SAU where you are together<01:58:05.760> with<01

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• any<00:04:11.760> negligent<00:04:12.480> or<00:04:12.799> wrongful liability
• for any negligent or wrongful liability for any negligent or wrongful acts<00:04:13.680> or<00
• And although the Joint Legislative Budget Committee has recommended a decrease in our appropriation,
• ><00:09:05.200> And<00:09:05.440> although<00:09:05.760> the<00:09:05.920> joint
• And although the joint agency goals.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 8:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The hearing began with the State Board of Architecture’s budget presentation. The executive director described the board’s mission to regulate architecture, landscape architecture, and certified interior design to protect public health and safety. He highlighted the board’s consolidated structure, license totals, high reciprocity rate, recent rule changes to reduce barriers to practice, and a proposed FY 2027 budget of $368,123, which included a 5% staff salary increase and higher operating costs. He also noted a newly identified need to modernize the licensing system, estimated at at least $25,000, and asked that the board not be reduced below the requested level. A board member also praised the small staff’s responsiveness and effectiveness. The State Board of Public Accountancy then presented its budget and policy requests. The executive director said the board regulates CPAs and CPA firms, oversees the CPA exam process, and has about 3,600 active individual licensees and 800 firms. The board requested only a 3% compensation increase for staff, plus a special request to allow an audit supervisor to repay the cost of a Becker review course through payroll deduction as part of succession planning. She also described a board-approved waiver program that began January 1, eliminating application fees for CPA exam candidates and retakes; 42 candidates had used the waiver in the first two weeks. In response to questions, she said the board does not assist CPAs with IRS disputes, but it does investigate complaints from the IRS, SEC, PCAOB, or others. Finally, a representative presented for the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. She explained that the board regulates licensed counselors and psychotherapy providers, meets frequently, and has two staff members. The board’s main request was for additional investigative capacity: a full-time investigator and related funding, because complaints are currently handled by part-time investigators, contractors, and sometimes board members, which can require recusals from hearings. She said the state auditor had recently flagged complaint backlogs at regulatory agencies, supporting the request. The board also sought funding for a contractual administrative position, salary progressions, and a one-time technology increase to modify its new licensing system for the counseling compact and better search functions. Members questioned the board about its large cash balance, which was reported at about $860,000, and whether it should provide fee relief or other benefits to members; the presenter said the board would look into that and noted that revenues had increased significantly in recent years, partly due to out-of-state and telehealth-related licensing demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our October meeting of the Joint Agriculture Committee.
• of a field, you can't do it on a 40-ft culvert without endangering the truck driver or making a liability
• because you get over into liability because you get over into another<00:37:45.760> lane<00:37
• I look a lot of times at the Senate and House joint Ag Committee.
• a lot of times at the Senate<01:09:20.880> and<01:09:20.960> House<01:09:21.839> joint

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:24 Approval of September 18, 2025 Minutes: 00:02:03 Discussion on the Condemnation of Agricultural Land: 00:03:12 Discussion on the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative: 00:50:00 Adjournment: 01:19:10, 958, all

Summary: The Joint Agriculture Committee met in October with a quorum present and approved the September minutes. The main presentation focused on condemnation of agricultural land and eminent domain, featuring testimony from Stephanie Barnett of a family-run livestock and farming business in Todd County, with support from Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barnett described a state road project that would take about 29 feet of frontage and affect entrances, fencing, a sign, drainage, a water well, and parking, saying the process involved poor communication, correspondence sent to the wrong address, and limited opportunity to negotiate changes such as a turning lane or relocated entrances. She said the business was not opposed to progress, but wanted the property restored and fairly compensated for the full impact on the operation, not just the land value. Committee members broadly agreed that eminent domain is sometimes necessary but should be handled with more transparency, communication, and fairness. Several members said the issue affects both rural and urban property owners and raised concerns about fair market value, compensation for agricultural infrastructure improvements, long-term impacts on farm operations, and the cost and delay of litigation. One member asked about the firm involved and suggested hearing from the people responsible for the correspondence problems; Barnett said she would share names after negotiations conclude. Another member noted that the maps had already been drawn before the landowner was brought in and said local meetings and clearer public input could reduce conflict. Chairman Dossett said he was interested in pursuing legislation for the upcoming session focused on property owner protection, fair treatment, and fair compensation, not just for agricultural land but for all Kentucky property owners. Members discussed possible ideas such as requiring better notice, more public transparency, and accounting for related costs like wells, fencing, drainage, and access changes. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the approval of minutes and the discussion of potential future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:57.359> to<00:45:57.599> a<00:45:57.920> tremendous<00:45:58.640> liability
• <00:45:59.599> and up schools to a tremendous liability and up schools to a tremendous liability
• This gives the joint legislative committee on administrative rules, ultimately the entire General Court
• This gives the<01:44:09.199> joint<01:44:09.440> legislative<01:44:10.239> committee
• <01:44:10.800> on the joint legislative committee on the joint legislative committee on administrative

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Concurrent Resolution 8, requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study access
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the decline
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the decline
• The strike-and-insert amendment simply added the aggravated offense and ensures that the joint and several
• liability imposed by this section does not conflict with existing code.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 11, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest and page introductions, including school groups, prayer caucus visitors, and advocates for Home Family Education Day and Women in Blue Day. The chamber then took up committee reports and a large number of House bills, most of them on third reading, along with several resolutions and referrals. Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day, was adopted after remarks emphasizing the value of athletic trainers in preventing injuries and tragedies in school sports. Several other resolutions and concurrent resolutions were referred to the Committee on Rules or laid over under the rules. The Senate passed a wide range of bills addressing economic development, public safety, health, licensing, and state administration. Measures approved included bills on the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University, the Business Ready Sites program, volunteer fire company spending authority, the Load Forecast Accountability Act, funeral service licensure, work zone fines, biennial business reporting, correctional officer retirement law, the Right to Try Act, quick claim deed tax exemptions, an ibogaine drug-development grant program, aggravated vehicular homicide sentencing, 529 savings plan definitions, opportunity zones, barber apprenticeship, municipal and county hotel occupancy fund uses, criminal-record licensing standards, intimate image disclosure remedies, executor training materials, contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS information, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, capitation rate review expansions, convention and visitors bureau board membership, peer support services, cosmetology licensure compacts, natural resource police retirement, DNR fee indexing, ALS care services, the Neighborhood Investment Program, oil and gas well plugging and carbon capture-related provisions, DUI technical changes, abuse intervention program terminology, and a youth summer employment and career readiness program. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, with a few closer votes, including the Load Forecast Accountability Act and the DNR fee-indexing bill. Several bills were amended on the floor, including title amendments and strike-and-insert changes. The Senate also debated the work zone penalty bill, with supporters citing worker safety and fatalities and opponents arguing the bill increased fines too much without requiring removal of outdated work-zone signs. On the energy-related load forecast bill, senators discussed the inclusion of provisions from Senate Bill 420 and concerns about coal plant utilization and utility impacts. After debate, the Senate adopted amendments and passed the bill. In most cases, after passage the Senate ordered the bills communicated to the House, and for a few measures it also adopted title amendments or made bills effective from passage or on a specified date.

Transcript Highlights:

• To address that gap, HB 2324 allows a city that has adopted its own fire code to submit a joint petition
• If when you open a child care... ...center, you want to have strong insurance and liability.
• I'll give you the low-level version of this: as a joint team commander of 12 individuals that go across
• The resolution instructs the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and AHCCCS to negotiate settlements for
• Okay, so basically when you're talking about not more than 50% of the aggregate amount of liabilities

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2079, which authorizes a memorial for Arizona journalist Don Bolles in Wesley Bolin Plaza. The sponsor described the memorial as a no-cost way to preserve Arizona history and honor Bolles, who was assassinated in 1976 while investigating corruption and drug cartels. The bill was moved and passed unanimously, 7-0, for a due pass recommendation. Members then considered HB 2080, a strike-everything amendment addressing deed and title fraud. The bill would require photo identification for certain county recorder filings, add identifying measures for deeds and real property documents when notarized, create an assessor alert system tied to property addresses, and increase penalties for knowingly filing false claims or forged real property documents from a misdemeanor to a class 4 felony. Testimony from county assessors, the Attorney General’s Office, and a fraud victim emphasized the scale of the problem and the need for layered protections. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 7-0. HB 4064, concerning municipal improvement districts, drew more debate. The bill would move the petition requirement earlier in the process before a city or town adopts a resolution of intention for an improvement district. Supporters from Camp Verde, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, a developer, and the Yavapai Apache Nation said the change would improve transparency, reduce wasted planning costs, and help finance sewer and infrastructure projects in rural areas. Opponents argued it could force property owners into infrastructure they do not want and infringe on property rights. The bill passed 5-2. The committee also approved HCR 2048, which would withhold pay for statewide elected officials and legislators if the general appropriations bill is not enacted by April 30 and send the measure to voters. Supporters said it would create a stronger incentive to finish the budget on time; opponents said more work was needed on session length and bill volume. The resolution passed 4-3. Later, HB 2324, allowing municipalities with their own fire codes to petition for county buildings inside city limits to be inspected under local code through an intergovernmental agreement, passed 7-0 after testimony from county and state fire officials who supported the concept but wanted technical amendments. The committee then passed HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Leff, with the family covering costs. Finally, HB 2239 created a child care grant program and infrastructure fund to expand child care in underserved and rural communities. Supporters described severe child care shortages, economic impacts, and safety concerns; the sponsor framed it as an investment in workforce participation and child well-being. The bill passed 5-0 with one present and one not voting. The committee then began hearing HB 2375 on historic districts and middle housing, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joint Budget had a meeting, and we met at the Convention Center, and you showed us the plans and discussed
• so whenever you're doing the remittance, okay, so the hotel would figure up what their sales tax liability
• Where we're at in session, where Joint Budget's at, and when the session ends and when the contract ends

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget update from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members were told there were no changes to the baseline, but several current-year items now require appropriations, including Hurricane Katrina closeout costs under GOSEP, projected Department of Corrections shortfalls for offender medical care and overtime, and a reduction in the minimum foundation program tied to February 1 student counts. After questions about how the five-year percentages and inflation assumptions were calculated, the committee adopted the fiscal status statement. The committee then approved several Facility Planning and Control items, including adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects to the approved list under Act 751, a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, a report of four other change orders for informational purposes, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into a single expanded water plant and distribution project. It also approved a two-year extension of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting agreement and approved Water Sector Commission recommendations for an additional $5.5 million for the Tencel Water District Association, which included a $100,000 local commitment. A major portion of the meeting focused on a proposed tax increment financing package for a 1,000-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Witnesses described the project as a $550 million private investment supported by state and local tax dedications, with projected benefits including more convention business and improved competitiveness. Members raised concerns about the 45-year term, the use of a 1% state tax dedication, possible cannibalization of existing hotel revenue, and the return on the public incentive. After extensive questioning, the committee deferred the proposal to the next month for further review and requested additional projections. Finally, the committee reviewed contract extensions for Louisiana Economic Development’s marketing vendors and a Department of Education amendment for the Odyssey platform used in the Louisiana Gator program. The education officials explained the contract is based on a per-student amount of $143.50 and that the current amendment is needed to avoid a lapse when the existing term ends June 30. Members discussed whether an RFP should be started for future years to seek a better price, and the department said it would be able to provide academic outcome data after the current testing cycle. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joint Budget had a meeting, and we met at the Convention Center, and you showed us the plans and discussed
• The hotel would figure up what their sales tax liability would be, and that would be the local side,
• Where we're at in session, where Joint Budget's at, and when the session ends and when the contract ends

Summary: The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted. The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month. Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.