Transcript Highlights:

• forward and, um, they did in one house and not in the other house, such as paid family medical leave, minimum
• I, I need to read it because it says, it's a sentence fragment of the bill, so I need to read what the

Transcript Highlights:

• And you'd be surprised how if you sentence someone, and you don't have to sentence them to a long amount
• And you'd be surprised how, if you sentence someone, and you don't have to sentence them to a long amount
• They have to sentence you to jail. Okay. Does the...
• them, and then probate the sentence, and they give them probation every time.
• Exactly, because you can sentence someone for up to six months in jail.

Bills: HB46, HB272

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard several House bills and took no final votes, leaving each bill pending after testimony. HB 272 would align venue and evidentiary rules for fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information with existing credit card abuse law; the sponsor said it would improve prosecutions, and the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center supported it. HB 1661 would increase penalties for certain election-related offenses, including failure to distribute election supplies and early release of election results; no substantive opposition was heard. HB 551 would protect the residential addresses of people who receive campaign expenditures on public Texas Ethics Commission reports, similar to donor privacy protections, and a witness from Texas Eagle Forum later indicated support for the privacy change. The committee also heard HB 2820, which would raise the amount charitable bingo organizations may keep in operating capital from $50,000 to $100,000. The sponsor and a Texans for Charitable Bingo representative said inflation and operating costs have made the current cap too low and that the bill would help charities maintain stable operations without expanding gaming. HB 3181 would impose stronger consequences for repeated denial of court-ordered child possession and access, including limiting probation and requiring attorney’s fees after multiple contempt findings; a family court judge and a parent testified in support, while another witness argued the bill should be paired with stronger criminal enforcement and that parents already face high costs. HB 4157 would update Texas law for commercial spaceflight by recognizing liability waivers and preserving workers’ compensation rights; no one testified against it. The committee also heard HB 4145, which would let health care providers satisfy a timely billing requirement by sending bills to a patient’s legal representative in a personal injury case, closing what supporters described as a loophole in letter-of-protection situations. Finally, HB 46, relating to the Texas Compassionate Use Program, drew the most extensive discussion: supporters said it should expand access for legitimate medical cannabis patients and add more delivery methods and conditions, while opponents warned against broader marijuana expansion and questioned adding chronic pain and other conditions. The sponsor said he still supports the program and wants a balanced, regulated expansion, but noted the bill is still being worked on. All bills were left pending at the close of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:42.119> of still a basic minimum of still a basic minimum of qualifications<00:36:44.280
• We need to ensure midwives have received the minimum standards of education and training for midwives
• We need to ensure midwives have received the minimum standards of education and training for midwives
• <02:03:30.199> standards<02:03:30.599> of have received the minimum standards of have
• received the minimum standards of Education<02:03:31.239> and<02:03:31.400> Training<02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard two midwifery bills, with testimony focused primarily on HB 1194. Committee chairs opened the hearing with rules for Zoom testimony and noted the bills relate to midwives. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said it supported the intent of HB 1194 and offered comments. Supporters of the bill, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, argued that midwifery should remain subject to mandatory licensure to protect consumer safety, citing the state’s regulatory licensing standards and a 2025 state auditor sunset analysis. They said the bill would strengthen educational standards and public protection, and some offered clarifying amendments. Opponents argued HB 1194 would restrict access to care and fail to protect traditional, cultural, and community-based birth practices. Testifiers from the Hawaii Home Birth Task Force, the Hawaii Home Birth Collective, the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Pacific Birth Collective, and Papa Ola Lōkahi said the bill would limit licensure pathways, reduce access in rural and underserved areas, and burden Native Hawaiian and traditional practitioners. Several speakers said the measure could worsen Hawaii’s maternal health shortages, especially on Maui, and urged lawmakers to defer HB 1194 or instead advance HB 1328, which they said better protects practitioner access and cultural practices. The Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives said it opposed HB 1194 because it did not align with national or state standards for certified midwives and could create conflicts with Medicaid reimbursement and prescriptive authority. The ACLU also opposed the measure, emphasizing reproductive rights, privacy, and the need to preserve apprenticeship pathways to licensure. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Little: Read the next sentence. Alan Place: I understand.
• sentenced are now in their 40s.
• The fact that the average life expectancy of a child sentenced to such extreme sentences is just 56 years
• old means that these sentences are practically death sentences, and giving death sentences to children
• I'll also add that the United States Sentencing Commission defines a de facto life sentence as 40 years

Bills: HB200

Keywords: HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living

Transcript Highlights:

• sentenced are now in their 40s.
• Finish your sentence. Perfect.
• A second look at the fact that the average life expectancy of a child sentenced to such extreme sentences
• sentences, and giving death sentences to children is not a good look for Texas.
• I'll also add that the United States Sentencing Commission defines a de facto life sentence as 40 years

Bills: HB285, HB795, HB1795, HB1871, HB2407, HB2461, HB2695, HB3507, HB4911, HB200

Keywords: animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, aggravated assault, penal code, public servant, deadly weapon, mass shooting, Penal Code, penalties, felony, Texas Penal Code, felony enhancement, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, violent crime, assault punishment, serious bodily injury

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the bare minimum, members, so I move adoption. The Chair recognizes Mr.
• Minimum county setbacks.
• We're not building in floodplains and making sure that we are meeting minimum fire standards.
• I want minimum standards for those future buyers. I don't want them to be left holding a mess.
• If we want to protect minimum setbacks, if we want to protect the minimum frontages—things this chamber

Bills: SB6, SB30, SB13, SB2878, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB618, SB414, SB1394, SB2425, SB898, SB993, SB442, SB735, SB784, SB2538, SB1919, SB1013, SB2215, SB2322, SB626, SB570, SB747, SB2183, SB673, SB1015, SB1447, SB1370, SB1784, SB1897, SB2873, SB2891, SB2933, SB2540, SB2681, SB2695, SB1965, SB2203, SB872, SB875, SB1030, SB1277, SB1730, SB1681, SB1152, SB2969, SB2747, SB2705, SB2541, SB1708, SB2080, SB2721, SB1986, SB2392, SB2539, SB2857, SB2799, SB2785, SB2782, SB1531, SB1927, SB1263, SB1098, SB835, SB3070, SB22, SJR27, SB25, SB7, SB552, SB1612, SJR87, SJR1, SB6, SB30, SB13, SB2878, SB57, SB127, SB293, SB441, SB3059, SB512, SB241, SB1718, SB140, SB2055, SB2075, SB2018, SB1534, SB1567, SB785, SB1233, SB1580, SB1663, SB413, SB447, SB519, SB467, SB1579, SB1191, SB1021, SB1838, SB2807, SB2835, SB546, SB2121, SB2167, SB2035, SB2024, SB1032, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1302, SB401, SB1596, SB1281, SB1242, SB1343, SB310, SB1346, SB2753, SB2703, SB2221, SB1719, SB2177, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2972, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB961, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1610, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB973, SB974, SB865, SB506, SB781, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB505, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB3073, SB2920, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB2460, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB2595, SB857, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB618, SB414, SB1394, SB2425, SB898, SB993, SB442, SB735, SB784, SB2538, SB1919, SB1013, SB2215, SB2322, SB626, SB570, SB747, SB2183, SB673, SB1015, SB1447, SB1370, SB1784, SB1897, SB2873, SB2891, SB2933, SB2540, SB2681, SB2695, SB1965, SB2203, SB872, SB875, SB1030, SB1277, SB1730, SB1681, SB1152, SB2969, SB2747, SB2705, SB2541, SB1708, SB2080, SB2721, SB1986, SB2392, SB2539, SB2857, SB2799, SB2785, SB2782, SB1531, SB1927, SB1263, SB1098, SCR9, HB5560, HB762, HB 107, HB 114, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323, HB1584, HB4341, HB6, HB171, HB143, HB449, HB3486, HB4263, HB5246, HB2, HB2011, SB17, SB21

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school libraries, library advisory councils, parental rights, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, judicial branch, court security, expunction, pretrial intervention, youth diversion, record retention

Transcript Highlights:

• We would like to delete the words 'of law, franchise, or order' and have the sentence refer just to the
• We would like to delete the words 'of law, franchise, or order,' which would leave the sentence referring
• order which would leave the sentence order which would leave the sentence referring<00:15:43.800
• would certainly open up the sentence would certainly open up the possibility<00:35:43.880> that
• I think that there's no reason to get rid of that sentence.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you add a sentence that said the outcomes of the study commission on special education are needed
• So on page 12, in the last paragraph, second sentence, >> Thank you.
• "This is in the sentence that says..."
• "The previous sentence."
• oh the previous sentence oh the previous sentence >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed and approved the prior day’s minutes after making several corrections, including changing references to the “majority report,” fixing wording and spelling in the special education section, clarifying language about NAPE scores, and correcting a funding figure from 2,000 to 20,000. Members also agreed to add a sentence noting that the conclusions of the special education study commission should be considered in any consolidation plan. The minutes were then adopted unanimously. The committee then worked through the minority report, making edits to soften or clarify language. Changes included replacing “partisan” with “participation,” revising a statement about test scores so it reflected that “the minority believes” some committee members lacked a complete understanding, and adding “the minority believes” before a statement that the structure of education funding is inequitable because of its reliance on local property taxes. Members also discussed whether some wording was factual or opinion-based, and agreed to leave some comments in place or make minor wording adjustments. After discussion, the committee voted on the final report of the majority of the committee, with edits and appendices, and approved it by a 5-2 vote. Representatives Damon and Bricky voted no. Members noted that a minority report would also be included in the final materials. Finally, the committee authorized the committee assistant to make technical corrections, fix remaining typos, and include the minutes of the meeting, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a mom and advocate for Trenton and our communities, a maximum sentencing of 15 years for this repeat
• The judge who sentenced him was interviewed by CBS News.
• The judge who sentenced him was interviewed by CBS News.
• sentencing scheme was declared unconstitutional in preference for a unanimous sentencing as it relates
• sentencing as it relates to the capital schemes. Is that correct? Well, hold on a second.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and related bills. Early measures included HB 1171, tolling the statute of limitations for failure to make mandatory child abuse reports, and HB 1403, expanding school safety provisions by allowing child care facilities in the guardian program and clarifying perimeter and door-security rules; both passed unanimously, with HB 1403 adopted as amended. The committee also approved HB 1099, giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving elderly or medically vulnerable individuals in facilities; HB 1121, strengthening restrictions on misuse of unmanned aircraft systems; HB 1525, creating penalties for impersonating rideshare drivers and clarifying transportation-disadvantaged access; and PCS for HB 687, increasing penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenses known as “Trenton’s Law.” Members then advanced HB 847 to create an FDLE grant program for expedited DNA testing, PCS for HB 757 to prohibit altered sexual depictions of identifiable persons and create a civil remedy, and HB 1415 to repeal an obsolete Broward County narcotics enforcement unit. The committee also heard and approved HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion grants, creates a model diversion process, and establishes a behavioral healthcare data repository; testimony from the bill’s namesake’s mother and law enforcement emphasized the need for treatment over incarceration. HB 1351 updated sexual offender/predator registration rules, and HB 1479 created a public records exemption for domestic violence lethality assessment forms; both passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 1283, making sex trafficking of children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons a capital felony, despite constitutional concerns raised in debate; the bill passed 13-2. PCS for HB 781, addressing cyber intimidation by publication (doxing), also passed unanimously after supporters described it as a needed tool against online harassment. Finally, CSHB 139 authorized pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms, and PCS for HB 107 created and enhanced penalties for fraudulent use of gift cards. Most bills were reported favorably, many unanimously, and several were amended before passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• That sentence is coming out. The paragraph two lines 89 is going to stay in.
• That sentence is coming out. The paragraph two, lines 89, is going to stay in.
• That sentence is coming out. The paragraph two, lines 89, is going to stay in.
• That sentence is coming out. to six. That sentence is coming out.
• That sentence is coming out.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01 SB 132 Discussion 00:44 SB 132 Vote 07:10 SB 33 Discussion 08:30 SB 33 Vote 17:24 SB 85 Discussion 18:08 SB 85 Vote 25:58 Adjournment: 26:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 132, which would clarify that state law does not limit local governments’ authority to regulate businesses affiliated with licensed massage therapists. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a police chief and the Kentucky League of Cities said the bill is aimed at helping cities respond to complaints about suspected illegal activity, including possible human trafficking, by expressly allowing local ordinances on zoning, licensing, inspections, advertising, hours, and sanitation. The bill also increases the penalty for practicing massage therapy without a license from a class B to a class A misdemeanor and makes each unlicensed session a separate offense, while preserving existing protections for trafficking victims. The committee then heard Senate Bill 33, which addresses recovery residence centers. Senator Thomas said the bill responds to fraudulent or noncompliant recovery homes operating without proper certification and creating neighborhood problems. The measure would require recovery residences to notify cities when they apply for and receive certification, report certain ownership and contact information, and allow cities to keep a registry so they can identify certified facilities. Testimony from the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences supported the bill’s enforcement goals but objected to making addresses public, citing safety concerns for vulnerable residents; the sponsor agreed to remove the public-record language through a floor amendment. The committee passed the bill favorably 8-0. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 85, which would allow state retirement benefits to be directed to a special needs trust. The sponsor and co-sponsor said the bill is intended to help state employees provide for a dependent with special needs after the employee’s death without affecting eligibility for waiver or other benefits. A witness from the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences supported the concept and noted the importance of clear language, while Senator McDaniel raised a technical concern about whether the bill could allow benefits to be directed to an unintended beneficiary. The sponsor said the language would be reviewed and clarified if needed. The committee approved the bill 8-0 with favorable expression and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It just reorganizes the sentence structure. There's no real substantive change there.
• There's a sentence added that says witnesses participating can turn off their cameras if they're having
• 7.2 uh it just reorganizes the sentence 7.2 uh it just reorganizes the sentence structure<00:03:
• uh there's a sentence added that says<00:04:59.720> Witnesses<00:05:00.320> participating<
• There is a sentence added that says this can be done by sending something via the list serve.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the specific language that they proposed, um, there were two sentences.
• The first sentence sounds fine.
• <00:05:27.039> The<00:05:27.280> first<00:05:27.440> sentence were two sentences
• The first sentence were two sentences. The first sentence sounds<00:05:28.240> fine.
• The second sentence was I sounds fine.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to reconsider its prior vote on SB 148 and then take up a substitute amendment. The chair explained that members from both caucuses, along with the ranking member, were generally in agreement on the process: first a motion to reconsider, then a vote on amendment 20251922H, followed by a vote on the bill. He also noted late input from the attorney general’s office seeking language to ensure the bill would not affect criminal prosecutions, and said the final floor amendment language would be worked out with that office but would remain under legislative control. Representative Coutab moved to reconsider the committee’s earlier vote on SB 148, and the motion passed by show of hands, 16-1, with the chair not voting. Representative Manos then moved amendment 20251922H, described as a substitute for the Birch-Lin amendment that removed a paragraph on page 2, lines 17-19. The amendment was adopted unanimously, 17-0. The committee then voted on the main motion, to ought to pass SB 148 as amended. Members spoke in support, describing the bill as heavily revised through extensive work and research, with one member crediting Representative Coutab’s research for helping shape the revised proposal. The roll call passed 17-0. The chair said the bill could not go on consent because a floor amendment would be needed, and the committee would keep members apprised of the final language. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You said it would be sentenced by the court.
• under Section 38, can the judge... ...SENTENCE THE OFFENDER TO LIFE IN PRISON?
• Pre and post-sentencing situation, is that what you're talking about?
• Can murder and rape a child, and the judge can sentence them to just a prison sentence, and they will
• The court stated we hold this sentencing scheme unconstitutional.

Transcript Highlights:

• medical transports, Medicaid reimbursement rates, required Department of Health, and establishing a minimum
• But what the bill does have is some very reasonable minimum safety standards when it comes to the health
• And these are kind of the bare minimum ones that we're going to... ...under Bulletin 741, which is all
• So, but what the bill does have is some very reasonable minimum safety standards when it comes to the
• And these are kind of the bare minimum ones that we're going to... ...require of our non-public schools

Bills: HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, SCR31, SCR33, SCR35, SCR37, SCR56, SCR57, SB171, SB251, SB252, SB353, SB367, SB433, SB461, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB454, HB455, HB484, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB793, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB947, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SCR2, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB233, SB326, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1191, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, HCR32, HB955, HB284, HB617, HB730, HB926, HB1125, HB1194, HB1203, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB646, HB824, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89, SB68, SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• So, but what the bill does have is some very reasonable minimum safety standards when it comes to the
• And these are kind of the bare minimum ones that we're going to. ...under Bulletin 741, which, this is
• So, but what the bill does have is some very reasonable minimum safety standards when it comes to the
• And these are kind of the bare minimum ones that we're going to require of our non-public schools to
• Include within that report the minimum number of bridges under the responsibility of the department,

Bills: HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, SCR31, SCR33, SCR35, SCR37, SCR56, SCR57, SB171, SB251, SB252, SB353, SB367, SB433, SB461, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB454, HB455, HB484, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB793, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB947, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SCR2, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB233, SB326, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1191, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, HCR32, HB955, HB284, HB617, HB730, HB926, HB1125, HB1194, HB1203, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB646, HB824, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89, SB68, SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Pastor Neil Bernard of New Wine Christian Center, and recognized a number of visiting groups and observances, including AMI Kids, Mother’s Day, the Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, the American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network, Municipal Day for the Louisiana Municipal Association, Recreation and Parks Association Day, St. John Day, Hoopla basketball activities, Main Street program participants, Leadership North Shore, the Lack of Seeing High School basketball team, Literacy Champion recognition, Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodford, and LACE Day for chamber executives. Majority Leader Steve Scalise also addressed the chamber, praising recent economic investment in Louisiana, coastal restoration funding, and the state’s improved national reputation. The House received Senate messages and Legislative Bureau reports on numerous Senate bills, many of which were referred to committee or laid over, and several House and Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, largely commemorative or study-related measures. The chamber then took up several House bills in regular order. HB 89, concerning district attorney retiree health insurance coverage in the Third Judicial District, was amended and passed 87-5. HB 451, dealing with ATC notice procedures, passed 98-0 after technical amendments. HB 456, revising workers’ compensation petition requirements and allowing employers broader access to disputed claims, drew extended debate over whether it would burden injured workers; it passed 67-30. HB 579, expanding the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights and related confidentiality and complaint provisions, passed 98-0. HB 595, requiring local authorities to respond timely to permit-related matters affecting natural resource development, passed 92-3. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy components and updating waste rules, passed 99-0. HB 818, requiring school systems to publish annual assessment schedules and related testing information, passed 98-0. Additional bills considered included HB 841, creating a code of conduct for landmen negotiating pipeline easements and authorizing penalties for bad-faith conduct, which passed 98-0; HB 1060, establishing a two-year domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District with coordinated services and data collection, which passed 86-13; and HB 1101, a workers’ compensation measure defining maximum medical improvement, adjusting benefit durations, and addressing misrepresentation and fraud, which was under debate at the end of the excerpt. Throughout the floor session, members repeatedly emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify procedures, improve transparency, or address public safety and economic development, while opponents of some measures raised concerns about added burdens on workers or injured claimants.

Transcript Highlights:

• So help me pre-sentence investigation.
• <00:24:16.480> I The pre-sentence investigation report, I The pre-sentence investigation report
• So at the sentencing phase, we're no longer just going to hear arguments.
• <00:32:10.000> uh an opportunity uh at the sentencing uh an opportunity uh at the sentencing
• It sentenced her, too. It sentenced me, too. This bill gives families a better chance. It helps.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 122, which would allow certain defendants who are caretakers of dependent children to ask a sentencing court to consider parenting classes and family counseling as part of an alternative sentence, alongside existing options like probation and treatment programs. Representative Nick Wilson, the House sponsor, said the bill was aimed at helping families affected by the opioid crisis, especially in Appalachia, and described it as a way to support parents who want to get clean and rebuild family stability. He emphasized that the bill would apply only on a defendant’s motion, would not be automatic, and would exclude violent offenders, domestic violence-related cases, child-victim cases, and cases where probation or similar relief is otherwise prohibited. Committee members raised concerns that the bill could create a two-tiered system of justice or add unnecessary procedure because judges already consider family circumstances through presentence investigations and sentencing discretion. One senator said he would support the bill but worried it privileged defendants with children over those without. Another member argued the bill was unnecessary because judges and prosecutors already have these options available and because it could add another hearing to an already overloaded court system. Supporters responded that the family unit should be given greater weight and that the bill would simply make that consideration more explicit. Judge Julie Ward, joined by Judge Jeremy Maddox, testified against the bill as written. She said judges already receive presentence reports, hear offender statements, and consider caregiving responsibilities, and that family court already addresses children’s needs when custody issues arise. Her main objections were that parenting services are not available in all communities, may cost money, and that the bill would require evidentiary hearings and potentially create equal protection problems by giving preferential treatment to caretakers. She urged the sponsors to work on revised language instead of passing the bill in its current form. Senator Wheeler said he would vote for the bill and noted that a floor amendment would be offered to address access to confidential juvenile “J cases” in presentence reports, since probation and parole do not have that access. He said the amendment was intended to make sure sentencing judges have the information they need. The discussion ended without a final committee vote in the transcript, but the bill remained under consideration with possible amendment and further revision.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, increasing penalties and expanding sentencing enhancements for drug sale offenses, particularly
• When they're brought back to court, they face a six-year prison sentence.
• a treatment-mandated felony, but sentencing outcomes will vary.
• Individuals serve prison sentences they should not be.
• not have, or the length of the prison sentence should have been much shorter.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the option as lawmakers to not sentence people to life in prison without parole.
• We can just sentence them to life in prison.
• We can just sentence them to life in prison.
• So he got a life sentence without parole to death. Without parole to death, right.
• <00:57:48.000> for support reducing prison sentences for support reducing prison sentences

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, for folks who come to the end of their sentence, there are limitations on how long the prison
• And people are only leaving their homes for bare minimum trips.
• But that being said, these community members served their state and federal prison sentences for these

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on responding to federal immigration enforcement in Massachusetts, with opening remarks from Sen. Liz Miranda and Rep. Bud Williams emphasizing fear in immigrant communities, recent ICE operations, and the need to learn from advocates and affected residents rather than debate individual bills. The hearing was organized around three topics: detention, arrests, and surveillance, with members repeatedly asking what the legislature can do to improve transparency, legal access, and oversight. On detention, Leah Hastings of Prisoners’ Legal Services said most people end up in ICE custody through contact with the criminal legal system and argued that state carceral systems are deeply intertwined with immigration enforcement. She described conditions at Plymouth County House of Correction and Burlington ICE holding as concerning, citing limited medical care, disability accommodations, solitary confinement, retaliatory transfers, and poor attorney access. Hastings said Massachusetts should reduce funding for sheriffs and the Department of Corrections, ban intergovernmental service agreements and 287(g) agreements, and invest instead in housing, treatment, and other community supports. Members also discussed ICE reimbursement, the immigrant legal defense fund, and the need for more immigration attorneys. On arrests and enforcement tactics, David Albright of JALSA said federal immigration enforcement has been expanded by major new funding and incentives, including higher payments for 287(g) and bed contracts, and he noted that most ICE detainees nationally do not have criminal records. He said Massachusetts has one 287(g) agreement with the Department of Corrections and one IGSA with Plymouth County, and that ICE also uses Burlington, Hanscom, and informal local collaboration in places such as Milford and Auburn. Danny Tampona of Neighbor to Neighbor and the LUCE Rapid Response Network described more than 10,000 hotline calls from 46 cities and towns, with arrests often involving masked agents, surveillance of workers and families, traffic stops, broken windows, and arrests at check-ins or schools; he said the network is concentrated in places including Everett, Chelsea, Lynn, New Bedford, Milford, Marlboro, Framingham, and Springfield. He urged legislation requiring clear identification for law enforcement, limits on surveillance technologies, and stronger legal defense resources. On surveillance, Joshua Dancoff of Citizens for Juvenile Justice argued that current state policies allow broad sharing of fingerprints and surveillance data with ICE, including through BRIC, the Massachusetts Fusion Center, and municipal police policies. He cited cases in Chelsea and Everett where children were taken from police custody into ICE custody and said many departments automatically share arrest fingerprints and other information with federal authorities. He recommended limiting fingerprint sharing, restricting surveillance databases and task-force participation, and curbing police and sheriff collaboration with ICE even where no formal 287(g) exists. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for more immigration lawyers, possible bar advocate-style funding for immigration defense, and legislative action to prevent further collaboration and deportation infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hate set up a new account in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia at the minimum
• You all know me, and yet you know that when you send this bill to the floor, you send a death sentence
• This sentence is linguistically absurd; it immediately contradicts itself.

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority