Transcript Highlights:

• Are we all expected to abide by the same rules?
• Are citizens expected to know what those rules are as well when... know what those rules are as well
• It would have allowed them to have a structured response. allowed them to have a structured process to
• But um, early on, I guess in this session, we adopted a rule within LSA... we adopted a rule within LSA
• Concerns... not structured to start with.

Bills: HB202 , HB42 , HB146 , HB492 , HB285 , HB7 , HB454 , HB42 , HB7

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: law enforcement, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice, Alabama law, youthful offender, capital murder, public safety, victims' rights, juvenile offenders, delinquent acts, juvenile court, nonfelony offenses, water safety offenses, HB285

Transcript Highlights:

• with witnesses. and public comment, I want to make sure everyone understands that the Assembly has rules
• We will apply these rules consistently. to all people who participate in our proceedings, regardless
• Now let's cover the ground rules for appropriate conduct.
• And so I do continue to doubt the current structure of five commissioners.
• So in terms of the program structure, we have been structuring the digital equity capacity grant program

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• amended this local tax rule and and that rule was challenged. uh, in court, in district court, uh, in
• We're talking about the rule and not the bill, but in your opinion, is the rule and the bill similar?
• assessed and announced, what the impact is. to the rule is going to be.
• HB 134 will unilaterally and unfairly change the rules.
• Revise the rule. During the pendency of our litigation, the agency revised the rule four times.

Bills: HB134 , HB135 , HB 1109 , HB 1243 , HB1392 , HB1399 , HJR99 , HB134 , HB135

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location

Transcript Highlights:

• The way that the operation was structured, to my understanding, is that...
• No one enforces rules on the Commonwealth.
• Call for this creation of Chapter 135 because of the Bruin ruling.
• Supreme Court speaks, its rulings are not suggestions. They are binding precedent.
• It's a ruling by the Supreme Court. Don't understand what all the hoo-ha is about.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The hearing focused heavily on firearms legislation, especially bills to repeal Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 (including H. 2618/S. 1671 and related repeal measures) and bills on firearm industry accountability (H. 2672/S. 1653). Supporters of repeal, including Senator Peter Durant, Rep. Ken Sweezey, gun owners, instructors, sportsmen, and women’s gun-rights advocates, argued that Chapter 135 overreaches, creates confusion in licensing and training requirements, burdens lawful gun owners, restricts pepper spray and semi-automatic firearms, and is being enforced in ways they said criminalize responsible conduct. Committee members defending the law said it was the product of years of work, public listening sessions, and multiple drafts, and argued that Massachusetts remains the safest state for gun violence and that implementation issues, such as live-fire training, had been delayed to allow time for regulations and infrastructure. Several witnesses also testified on H. 2672/S. 1653, which would create firearm industry standards of conduct and allow civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, and dealers that engage in unsafe or unlawful practices. Supporters from the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown, Brady, Giffords, and survivors described the bill as a way to hold the industry accountable, reduce the flow of crime guns, and give victims and the Attorney General a path to sue bad actors. They cited data on crime-gun traces, disproportionate impacts on communities of color, and examples from other states that have enacted similar laws. Opponents, including gun dealers and industry representatives, argued that existing law already punishes illegal sales, that most crime guns are stolen or diverted after lawful sale, and that the bill would improperly target manufacturers for the actions of others. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to remove the non-resident ban on semi-automatic firearms for hunting (H. 2710/S. 1676), with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers supporting the change as a way to restore access for returning residents, veterans, and hunting programs that had been displaced. Later testimony returned to repeal and related gun-law bills, with sportsmen’s groups arguing Chapter 135 was rushed, confusing, and harmful to youth hunting and lawful ownership. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; it was a public testimony session with extensive questioning by committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this one here is Southwest non-structural program. Not everything looks like a levee.
• For instance, in my situation, my city has more stringent rules.
• If your city has no rules, zero, which is possible, then your rules would be 1,000 feet. That's it.
• And when you take that spacing, and there's other rules too.
• If you want to use it on the road, you will play by Louisiana's rules with this bill.

Bills: HR1 , HB96 , HB345 , HB360 , HB401 , HB592 , HB703 , HB723 , HB729 , HB776 , HB838 , HB844 , HB882 , HB885 , HB888 , HB966

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The committee first heard House Resolution 1, which approves the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan for fiscal years 2026-2027. CPRA officials described the plan as about $1.54 billion, with roughly 93% directed to project implementation and construction, funded through state mineral revenue, GOMESA, BP spill dollars, surplus funds, and newly available coastal sediment funds. They outlined projects across the coast, including marsh creation, barrier island restoration, levees, pump stations, freshwater diversions, and nonstructural flood protection, and said the plan had been unanimously approved by the CPRA board after public hearings. Members asked about specific coastal and basin issues, including the Sabine River, the Chafalaya Basin, Bayou Sorrel, and tidal flooding in interior parishes. HR 1 was reported favorably without objection. The committee then considered House Bill 838, as substituted, dealing with vehicle inspection stickers and related OMV modernization. The substitute would repeal inspection requirements for assembled vehicles, keep periodic inspections for commercial and student transportation vehicles, address federal inspection requirements, allow out-of-state inspections in some cases, and create a Louisiana Vehicle Identification Program using QR codes. Members focused on privacy and enforcement questions, and OMV and state IT officials explained that the QR code would contain only the VIN and that the system would support police ticketing applications. The bill also ties implementation to the OMV modernization effort and takes effect January 1, 2027. HB 838 was reported by substitute. The committee next advanced House Bill 888 on temporary dealer plates, adopting a set of amendments that added security features, clarified timing for the new electronic issuance system, and adjusted rules for temporary tags and dealer plates. Testimony from the auto dealers’ association said the bill was intended to reduce fraud, resolve confusion over five-day versus 60-day tags, and extend certain temporary loaner tag periods from five to ten days. HB 888 was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 885 on electronic titles and lien recordation, which would allow electronic signatures, electronic lien notifications, and electronic titling/recordation for participating commercial entities, with civil immunity for good-faith actions and a severability clause. Members raised questions about fraud prevention and consumer participation, and supporters said the bill would modernize the process and align Louisiana with current industry practice. HB 885 was reported by substitute. Finally, the committee advanced House Bill 723, which allows certain two- and three-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds to proceed through a red light under specified circumstances when sensors fail to detect them. The sponsor said the measure is a safety fix for riders stuck at malfunctioning signals, and the bill was amended to clarify the vehicle types covered. The committee also considered House Bill 882 on outdoor advertising, which would increase billboard spacing on state highways from 150 feet to 1,000 feet and allow certain signs damaged by an act of God after January 1, 2010, to be rebuilt. Supporters said the bill would reduce billboard density and improve aesthetics, while opponents argued it would harm smaller operators and impose a one-size-fits-all rule. After testimony, HB 882 was amended and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, the rules are suspended. The question comes on adoption of the order.
• Without objection, the rules are suspended.
• , the Heavy-Duty Omnibus rule, and the Advanced Clean Cars II rule.
• With Rule 5070, the court officer will ascertain the votes of several members and record them.
• Pursuant to the rules, the chair announced a vote of several members. Cynthia Creem: yes, yes.

Summary: The Senate continued debate on House 5175, An Act Relative to Energy Affordability, Clean Power, and Economic Competitiveness, taking up a series of amendments focused on clean energy procurement, oversight, gas infrastructure, housing impacts, and ratepayer costs. Amendment 22, offered by Senator Rogers, was rejected 5-34 after he argued the underlying bill already improves clean energy procurement and reduces utility middlemen. Senator Tarr then offered Amendment 34 to expand reporting, oversight boards, and consumer representation, and to strike provisions on consumer choice, gas program frameworks, and municipal procurement authority; it was also rejected 5-34 after supporters of the bill said the legislation already strengthens oversight through the EEAC, a new review board, and DPU audits. The chamber also considered Amendment 77 by Senator Eldridge to end ratepayer-funded gas line extension subsidies for new construction. Supporters said the subsidy unfairly shifts costs to all ratepayers, favors gas over cleaner alternatives, and could save about $1.6 billion over ten years; opponents argued it could raise housing construction costs, especially for gateway cities and large projects. After extended debate, the amendment failed 19-20. Senator Moore withdrew Amendment 65, which would have created a commission on reducing emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles while preserving long-term zero-emissions goals. Several other amendments were adopted, including measures on low-income discount charges, environmental justice protections, data and tax printing, and increased access to plug-in solar. The Senate also adopted the Ways and Means amendment, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 32-8. Separately, the Senate adopted a Judiciary extension order after removing two bills from it, and agreed to adjourn in memory of Robert G. Najarian.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, the rules are suspended. The question comes on adoption of the order.
• Without objection, the rules are suspended.
• , heavy-duty omnibus rule, and the advanced clean car two rule.
• Pursuant to the rules, the chair announced a vote of several members.
• Pursuant to the rules, the chair announced a vote of several members.

Transcript Highlights:

• elections process, records, maintenance and access, unit owner rights and responsibilities, and structural
• the local governmental unit can set up different structures.
• That's where the possibility of these structural defects can occur.
• I will suggest that this is one of the challenges of the condo structure.
• Do you want, like, nail salon technicians and structural engineers?

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met for a panel discussion on current issues affecting Florida condominiums. DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin highlighted the department’s expanded condo education, complaint, and ombudsman services under HB 1021, including new online resources, board member certification, increased outreach, and broader complaint jurisdiction. She said the division has filled most of its new positions and that the new condo website is intended to improve transparency and access to records and information. Other panelists focused on insurance, inspections, and market impacts. Insurance agent Mike Clarkson said the condo insurance market remains difficult, especially for older buildings, and raised concerns about roof replacement demands, Citizens’ depopulation practices, and the mismatch between reserve studies and insurer timelines. Building officials representative Ron Laceca described challenges with phase one and phase two inspections, including incomplete databases, limited contractor capacity, and the need for local flexibility and better recordkeeping. University of Florida researcher Bill Hughes said his data show the condo market has not suffered a major overall decline from the new laws; he argued the rules have made costs more transparent and may strengthen the market over time. Community association manager Jamie Ballard said the biggest pressures on associations are rising insurance costs and early roof replacement requirements, and she supported board certification while opposing the continuing education exemption for long-tenured CAMs. In committee discussion, members pressed witnesses on whether recent condo laws caused insurance and roof-cost problems, and witnesses generally said those issues are driven more by the market than by the legislation. Senators also discussed possible reforms, including better data collection, clearer reporting duties for managers, and possible changes to insurance and reserve practices. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That immediate structure that was developed at that time was developed under pressure, and yet it remains
• So currently, the structure includes the federally designated coalition, which there is a federal statute
• Now, where we are five years later is there are some challenges with that structure, and there's also
• We have moved away from a structure where the board of directors of the coalition was made up entirely
• But also my husband helped write the rules and programs for physicians to...

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s domestic violence system, focusing on how state and federally funded services are coordinated, the role of the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence (FPEDV), the Florida Domestic Violence Collaborative, DCF, and certified domestic violence centers. Members reviewed the post-2020 restructuring after the dissolution of FCADV, the current hotline, legal services, training, and technical assistance contracts, and the Legislature’s recent work on lethality assessments under SB 1224. Panelists also described prevention, shelter, counseling, child advocacy, and legal support services, along with the statewide network of 41 certified centers serving all 67 counties. Testimony highlighted both collaboration and tension. FPEDV and Women in Distress described overlapping training and technical assistance roles, but FPEDV said its relationship with DCF has been difficult and at times obstructive, while DCF said communication and coordination are ongoing. Women in Distress and other providers emphasized the importance of direct services, the statewide hotline, injunction assistance, child welfare co-located advocates, and prevention programs. Several members asked about funding flows, certification, and whether the current structure is sufficient for rural counties; witnesses said federal FVPSA funds are formula-based, DCF contracts directly with centers, and rural programs face staffing and fundraising challenges that limit beds and services. A major portion of the discussion centered on the lethality assessment work group and implementation of the new statewide tool. FDLE explained that the work group concluded the Maryland model was copyrighted and costly to replicate exactly, so Florida adopted a statutory assessment that is not evidence-based in the same way, with training available online and 46 of about 400 law enforcement agencies having completed it so far. Senators raised concerns about multiple assessments, redacted police reports, and whether the tool will be useful without better coordination and data collection. Witnesses also discussed rising domestic violence, teen dating violence, and strangulation cases, with providers reporting increased demand, full shelters, and greater use of hotels and mobile crisis responses. No formal votes or actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:29.960><c> was</c> Base in the 1980s this structure was Base in the 1980s this structure was
• </c> something that's called the 48 hour rule something that's called the 48 hour rule uh<00:30:26.000
• </c> go down signs of long-term structural go down signs of long-term structural budgetary<01:17:38.400
• Structural balance. Fund balance over 15%.
• that what you're talking about when you're talking structural balance?

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• We're under a lot of strain right now, and we're struggling with a structural revenue deficit.
• Right now, and we're struggling with a structural revenue deficit.
• Unlike many other local government structures, water and sewer districts do not have a general taxing
• under its rules and regulations by the Utilities Transportation Commission to maintain that structure
• In the meantime, if we could promote James McQuillan, Jeremy Rule, and Steve Carr.

Bills: HB2559 , HB2135 , HB2133 , HB2442

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: affordable housing, local government funding, housing programs, community development, financial assistance, adaptive housing, disabled veterans, tax preferences, housing affordability, retail sales tax, property tax, senior citizens, tax exemption, permanent legislation, local government, tax authority, sales tax, use tax, real estate excise tax, REET

Transcript Highlights:

• We also believe that the timing of the rule could, timing of the rule making process in this bill, could
• Structure is always a good thing.
• Would you consider that when it comes to rules, just a consideration that even when it comes to rules
• So I think there are structural issues with the bill.
• This morning was Senator Leek's good bill and rules about the Black History Museum.

Bills: S0484 , S0698 , S0706 , S0968 , S1118 , S1122 , S1134 , S1320 , S1342 , S1548 , S1614

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Keywords: data centers, large load customer, large-scale data center, electric utility, public utility tariff, Florida Public Service Commission, FPSC, water permit, consumptive use permit, reclaimed water, groundwater, surface water, water management district, DEP, OPPAGA, economic development, land use, comprehensive plan, zoning, ratepayer protection

Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1122, then took up SB 1342 on transportation infrastructure and land development regulations. Senator Rouson explained the bill as a housing-affordability measure modeled on the Live Local Act, aimed at reducing local land-use barriers near transit corridors. The committee adopted an amendment removing the compelling governmental interest standard from enforcement and litigation provisions, then approved the bill. Testimony included support from a county commissioner and concerns from the Florida League of Cities and a Republican executive committee about overriding local zoning and creating rigid standards near transit stops. Members then heard SB 1614, which would let local governments use excess Florida Building Code enforcement funds for stormwater repairs and restrict eligibility for certain state appropriations if a government has been audited or fails to affirm it has no excess funds. An amendment removed the stormwater and code-enforcement building provisions and tightened the appropriations restrictions; the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1548, the next iteration of the Live Local Act, expanding qualifying projects on public land and near airports, limiting setback-based height restrictions, clarifying agricultural-use issues, and strengthening fair-housing protections. SB 968 on home backup power systems was also reported favorably, with the sponsor noting he was still working on amendments regarding permits for generators, windows, and doors. The committee next approved SB 698, allowing building permits for single-family homes to be issued after septic permit application rather than waiting for septic approval, with builders and industry representatives citing long delays and lost contracts. SB 1320, requiring county tax-referendum ballot questions to include a Department of Financial Services spending analysis if available, also passed after debate over whether it duplicated existing audit transparency requirements. SB 484 on large-scale data centers was reported favorably after an amendment added a knowledge requirement to the prohibition on service to certain foreign-country-linked customers; testimony focused on electricity costs, water use, NDAs, and ratepayer protections. SB 1118, creating a one-year public-records exemption for data-center site plans and proprietary information, was also approved despite concerns about secrecy and local officials appearing to conceal development plans. Finally, the committee took up SB 706, which preempts naming of major commercial service airports to the state and would rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to federal and trademark approval; it was reported favorably after questions from members about local input. The last major item was SB 1134 on official actions of local government related to DEI, which drew extensive questioning and public testimony. The sponsor said the bill would bar counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or staffing DEI offices or programs, with violations treated as misfeasance or malfeasance and enforceable by resident lawsuits; supporters framed it as a merit-based, anti-bureaucracy measure, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and would chill civil-rights, health, education, and cultural programming. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1134, before any final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Rule 31, it is referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
• </c> Um, we also had some implications about formalizing a peer-to-peer structure.
• We wanted to peer-to-peer structure.
• c> own</c> structure, residents collectively own structure, residents collectively own the<01:15:29.120
• </c> moved that the Senate suspend its rules moved that the Senate suspend its rules in<01:48:17.920>

Transcript Highlights:

• I can take this whole book and cut a deal with an HFC or PFC under the current rules, wipe out all $15
• So as I mentioned, there's a couple of different ways that the deals can be structured.
• And that the citizen's referendum is per se illegal if that hasn't been ruled on by a court.
• And then the courts rule... on it. And so in our case, we had to sue the city.
• in my mind a necessary item because if you don't have the rule of law, then what do you have?

Bills: HB21 , HB211 , HB223 , HB323 , HB524 , HB530 , HB636 , HB762 , HB21 , HB211 , HB223

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, tax exemption, audit requirements, affordable housing, local government, development bonds, housing assistance, financial assistance, low income housing, community support, affordability, veterans housing, community involvement, air conditioning, tenant support, healthcare, elderly, taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, the hour of 1:30 having arrived, we will commence our House Judiciary and Rules Administration
• . ...part of the statutory structure that protects kids.
• . part of the statutory structure that protects kids.
• I think these definitions are well structured.
• "Good afternoon, Chairman Alfieri and honorable members of the Judiciary and Rules Committee.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The first plan and rule for 2030 and 2040, we're asking to The first plan and rule for 2030 and 2040,
• Not all rules are command and control.
• Not all rules are command and control.
• Statewide, New Mexico is already adopted the IECC 2021 rules.
• That means they're ruled by the ETAs.

Bills: SB12 , SB36 , SB92 , SB120 , SB133 , SB151 , SB18 , SB96

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: tax credit, physician, healthcare, income tax, rural health, quantum technology, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, journalism, local news

Transcript Highlights:

• there in the city of Shreveport to condemn or cause to be demolished or removed any building or structure
• there in the city of Shreveport to condemn or cause to be demolished or removed any building or structure
• This amendment removes imprisonment as a form of punishment for the violation of structural damages to
• Where we've changed procurement rules, but the Sewerage and Water Board didn't change.
• In the event something did happen, you see what I'm saying, where we've changed procurement rules but

Committee: Senate Local & Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Last week, we talked about some of the rules that we're going to implement in the decorum we're going
• I would like a compromise where we have guardrails and rules, and we have caps, like, for example, if
• a lawyer does a VA claim, there are rules about the fees they can take and how they do that.
• Like, for example, if a lawyer does a VA claim, there are rules about the fees they can take and how
• And so we provide these plans... ...structure, a lot of guidelines. It's not a loose-net thing.

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're seeing for the first time in this forecast is that the structural imbalance is expected to
• </c> forecast is that the structural forecast is that the structural imbalance<00:20:51.200><c> is</c
• Whether we are facing structural surplus or structural imbalance, we know our job is to balance the budget
• </c> budgets whether we are facing structural budgets whether we are facing structural Surplus<00:24:
• </c><00:24:38.000><c> we</c> Surplus or structural imbalance that we Surplus or structural imbalance

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to micromanage the rules that they set and how they go about enacting those rules.
• Look, there's going to be exceptions to every rule.
• I have not heard structural changes that have been proposed to address all of those headwinds.
• Here's how we are going to structurally and systematically address them.
• So instead of referring to the department making the rules, it would refer to BESE making the rules.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 399 by Senator Bass, which would create the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council to review and potentially block certain gifts, contracts, academic partnerships, and research partnerships involving foreign adversary sources. Bass said the bill is intended to protect university research, intellectual property, and students from foreign influence, and would also require public disclosure of certain foreign-linked arrangements and a plan to eliminate foreign-adversary-linked software. Supporters from State Armor argued Louisiana universities have been vulnerable to Chinese Communist Party influence and intellectual property theft. Representatives from Tulane University and Lenovo raised concerns that the bill could create duplicative review, delay research, raise costs, and sweep in legitimate private or multinational entities; a proposed amendment to exempt entities operating under a CFIUS national security agreement failed 4-8. After debate, the committee moved SB 399 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 310 by Senator Cloud, presented by Representative Carlson, which would require public school and college health centers to display information about pregnancy resources available in Louisiana. Supporters from Louisiana Right to Life said the bill would help connect pregnant students with existing state and private assistance programs, while the ACLU submitted a red card in opposition without speaking. The bill was moved favorably without objection. The committee also advanced House Resolution 171 by Representative Turner, which calls for a study of the workforce-oriented TOPS Tech and M.J. Foster programs, with business and workforce groups supporting the study as a way to measure outcomes and return on investment; it was moved favorably. Next, the committee took up House Bill 1084 by Representative Turner, a tuition autonomy bill for public post-secondary institutions. An amendment was adopted to add a conceptual framework for tuition-setting considerations, but the bill would still remove the existing 10% over two years cap and allow institutions to set tuition more freely. Turner argued universities need more flexibility because state funding has declined and campuses face deferred maintenance and operating pressures. Several members, especially Representative Carlson, warned that higher tuition could reduce access and that the bill did not address broader structural problems in higher education. Despite those concerns, HB 1084 was moved favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 351 by Senator Jackson Andrews, which would let families apply for child care assistance through CCAP once pregnancy is known, rather than waiting until after birth, to help move them up the waiting list. An amendment was adopted to have BESE, rather than the department, handle rulemaking and to allow the House and Senate education committees to approve the implementation process. The bill was then discussed as a way to help parents return to work sooner, and the hearing continued with questions from members.