Transcript Highlights:

• buy-in. it was removed is that I did keep the $50,000 per candidate buy-in to offset some of the cost
• That's why we don't do it in May, because in March we at least have the opportunity for candidates to
• It depends on how many candidates are in the race.
• We're talking about a primary for any entity that wants to put up a candidate. Is that right?
• This is an open, we're talking about primary for any entity that wants to put up a candidate.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• schedule for staggered elections to maintain institutional knowledge and not replace a whole slate of candidates
• At the time of filing, number four, a candidate may voluntarily designate a political party affiliation
• There'd be these forums that would be happening for school board candidates alongside forums that would
• and that offense caused the death of a parent or guardian, then a surviving parent or guardian may file

Transcript Highlights:

• provided in present law for calling a special election. ...provide for the method of qualifying for candidates
• The amendments today provide the procedure for the election of candidates for delegate from each Senate
• You're going to elect two candidates, two delegates, from each Senate district.
• half a million on per diem. ...is about half a million on per diem plus mileage plus auditor plus filing
• budget year, I don't think there... is about half a million on per diem plus mileage plus auditor plus filing

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 105, which reinstates a sunset-expired TOPS Tech benefit for eligible veterans. Senator Kathy said the bill would use existing TOPS dollars, not new funding, and would help veterans stay in Louisiana and enter the workforce. After brief questions about eligibility and funding, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. House Resolution 3, by Representative Newell, asked the Louisiana Housing Corporation to study whether vacant state-owned property could be repurposed for housing and rental assistance for cost-burdened state employees. Members discussed the high fiscal note and whether the work could be absorbed in existing budgets. Fiscal staff said LHC had requested a full-time position and four part-time positions for the study, but the committee also talked about narrowing the study’s scope. Representative Marcelle moved the resolution favorably, and it was reported favorably without objection. The committee then debated House Bill 189, which would extend supplemental pay to fire protection officers at the Lakefront Management Authority’s airport fire department. Representative Newell and airport representatives argued the firefighters perform specialized, hazardous ARFF duties and should receive the same supplemental pay as other qualifying public firefighters. Some members questioned whether the airport and its employees qualify under existing law and whether the supplement should be expanded further. After discussion, Representative Marcelle moved the bill favorably, but the motion failed on a roll call vote of 8 yeas to 10 nays. Later, Senate Bill 461, concerning Office of Group Benefits coverage for certain small employee groups, was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 623, creating a three-tier permitting system for vapor products, was amended to clarify direct-to-consumer shipment restrictions and then reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1222, creating a grocery initiative grants and financial support program through LED to address food deserts, drew extended debate over whether it would amount to government-run grocery stores; supporters framed it as an incentive and grant program for private grocers, while critics raised concerns about government involvement. After amendment, it was reported favorably as amended by a vote of 16 yeas to 2 nays. Finally, House Resolution 80, directing a comprehensive fiscal audit related to Board of Regents and university system spending on certain executive budget metrics, was amended into a substitute version. Members debated whether the resolution would require universities to do additional work and whether it belonged in Appropriations at all, especially since the fiscal note had been removed. The discussion also raised concerns about the listed schools and the resolution’s purpose in light of a federal civil rights investigation. The transcript ends while the committee is still discussing the resolution and related procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 29 has been dispensed with, file item 30, AB 310 by Assemblymember Alanis.
• File item 32, AB 437 by Assemblymember Lackey. The clerk will read.
• File item 43, ACR 55 by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez.
• File item 45, HR 28 by Coloza. The clerk will read.
• The last day to file your FPPC form 700 is this.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as someone who contested a candidate running against me one time because he was still registered
• to vote in Colorado, had run for city commissioner there, had barely moved to Oklahoma in time to file
• Had barely moved to Oklahoma in time to file for my House seat.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of Senate bills dealing with county government, elections, licensing, property liens, and financial protections. SB 1877 would streamline and make more transparent the reporting of governmental agency reports to the legislature. SB 483 would allow counties to create voluntary relocation assistance programs, with supporters describing it as a way to help people in crisis connect with family or services rather than simply moving them along; it passed after questions about nonprofit involvement, tracking, and safeguards. SB 1198 would address county-held tax-delinquent properties by requiring Oklahoma Health Care Authority liens to be resolved in the county sale process, and SB 1286 would require political subdivisions to provide polling-place rooms at no cost when needed as a last resort, especially where private sites like churches are no longer available. The committee also advanced SB 1287, which clarifies that abstractor licenses do not have to be issued to people not lawfully present in the United States; members asked about TPS, visas, and remote work, and the bill passed. SB 1451 would add notification and reporting provisions to help counties and states maintain voter registration rolls and communicate when voters move, with discussion focused on duplicate registrations, name mismatches, and the end of Oklahoma’s participation in ERIC. SB 1581 would extend the time to gather signatures for a county grand jury petition from 45 to 90 days and add a 10-day protest period, and SB 1623 would update the state charter framework. SB 2067 would create a framework for financial institutions to detect and report suspected exploitation of protected adults and seniors, and SB 2135 would authorize county purchase agents to use county P-cards under rules similar to state purchasing procedures. Most bills were reported due pass by wide margins, including unanimous votes on SB 1286, SB 1623, SB 2067, and SB 2135. SB 1877 passed 14–1–1, SB 483 passed 15–2, SB 1198 passed 16–1, SB 1287 passed 15–2, SB 1451 passed 14–3, and SB 1581 passed 15–2. SB 2139 was laid over until the next day, and the meeting adjourned with notice that the committee would reconvene the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• File Item Number 4, AB808 by Assemblymember Attis. The motion is do pass as amended.
• And file item number seven AB 1072 by Assemblymember Pellerin.
• I would like to have that signature so I can compare it to the signature on file, because right now that
• I mean, Mariposa's filing fee was like, or in-bound.
• two counties yeah which are rural by nature to let them know of this bill we have no opposition on file

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we're going to hear Senate File 2540, Senate File 3685, and a presentation from the Board of School
• </c> so next up, Senator Raric, Senate File so next up, Senator Raric, Senate File 2540.<00:14:44.480
• Next we will hear Senate file um 3685. Next we will hear Senate file um 3685.
• 48.160><c> to</c><00:47:48.400><c> support</c> support Senate File 3685 to support support Senate File
• Senate<00:53:38.800><c> file</c><00:53:39.440><c> 3685</c> Senate file 3685 Senate file 3685 will<00:

Bills: HF3776 , HF3557 , HF3585

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: screen time, preschool, kindergarten, early childhood education, digital media, tablets, smartphones, educational technology, EdTech, classroom devices, publicly funded preschool, school policy, child development, special education, IEP, 504 plan, IFSP, Minnesota education law, climate literacy, education

Transcript Highlights:

• voters that the signature they provide will be compared to other signatures county registrars have on file
• And retention elections just— justices do not run against opposing candidates.
• If no petition is filed, the Justice would be retained without appearing on the ballot.
• and appellate judges who are running uncontested do not appear on the ballot unless the petition is filed
• File item number one is ACA 8 by Pellerin.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1029 designates a candidate as having the intent to terminate upon the death of a candidate
• and allows outlined individuals to serve as the treasurer of a committee in place of the deceased candidate

Summary: The committee heard staff presentations on a series of bills covering elections, education, health, criminal law, taxes, and property issues. Among the measures described were HB 2308 on dental insurer ownership restrictions; SB 1126 on school cooperation with DCS caseworkers; SB 1210 on out-of-state online postsecondary registration; SCR 1006 on restroom accommodations and pronoun/name use in public schools; and several election-related bills, including SB 1006 on campaign contribution itemization thresholds, SB 1029 on committee treasurers after a candidate’s death, SB 1038 on transmission of cast vote records, SB 1057 on ballot paper fraud-countermeasure certification, and SB 1237 on consultation for election rulemaking. Most of these were noted as being on third-read consent calendars. The committee also discussed HB 283, as amended by a strike-everything amendment, to update diabetic coverage requirements in health benefits plans, with testimony emphasizing newer glucose-monitoring technology and potential long-term health savings. Other bills summarized included SB 1049 on spousal maintenance standards, SB 1053 on concealed weapons permit fees for residents versus nonresidents, SB 1093 on expanding the definition of riot and adding it as a predicate offense, SB 1160 on restricting drones within one mile of ticketed entertainment events, and SB 1211 on lifetime injunctions for victims of felony aggravated harassment involving domestic violence. Members asked several questions, especially about the drone restriction and its scope, including exemptions for law enforcement and written consent from event organizers. Later discussion covered tax and property measures: SB 1293 would limit GPLIT revenue abatements so school district-designated revenues are not abated; SB 1294 would keep a destroyed property’s classification in place for up to five years or until its use changes, with members discussing how that would preserve valuation and aid rebuilding after fires or other disasters; and SB 1430 would make technical, clarifying, and cleanup changes to Department of Revenue tax statutes. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the meeting concluded after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1029 designates a candidate as having the intent to terminate upon
• the death of a candidate and allows outlined individuals to serve as the treasurer of a committee in
• place of the deceased candidate.

Summary: The committee heard staff presentations on a series of bills covering elections, education, firearms, housing, taxes, and health care. Measures discussed included HB 2308 on dental insurer ownership restrictions; SB 1126 on school cooperation with DCS investigations; SB 1210 on out-of-state online postsecondary registration; SCR 1006 on school restroom accommodations and pronoun/name use; and several election-related bills, including SB 1006 on campaign finance itemization thresholds, SB 1029 on procedures after a candidate’s death, SB 1038 on cast vote record transmission, SB 1057 on ballot-paper fraud countermeasures, and SB 1237 on consultation for election rulemaking. Other bills addressed diabetic coverage updates in HB 283, spousal maintenance guidelines in SB 1049, concealed weapons permit fees in SB 1053, firearm registries and merchant category codes in SB 1058, riot classification in SB 1093, drone restrictions near ticketed events in SB 1160, and lifetime injunctions for certain domestic violence-related aggravated harassment in SB 1211. Members asked several questions, especially about SB 1160’s one-mile drone restriction, whether it applied only to private drones, and how it would affect drone shows; staff said law enforcement drones were exempt and written consent from the event could allow other drones. There was also discussion of SB 1293, which would limit GPLIT revenue abatements so school district-designated revenues are not abated, and SB 1294, which would keep a destroyed property’s classification in place for up to five years or until its use changes, with members noting the bill would help owners rebuild after fires or other accidents. SB 1430, as amended, was described as a technical cleanup bill making clarifying changes and removing obsolete tax language. Most of the bills were identified as being on the third-read consent calendar, and no votes were taken in the excerpt. The committee appeared to move through the agenda without opposition testimony in the portion provided, with staff and one sponsor briefly explaining the diabetic coverage update as a way to modernize glucose monitoring and prevent long-term complications.

Transcript Highlights:

• today one bill file item number one which was up for reconsideration Mr.
• And this is File Item 15. Oh, sorry. File Item 13 AB887. Thank you. Welcome, Mr. Berman.
• This is file item 4, AB 419. Thank you, Chair and members.
• Patel, would you like to present file item 18?
• This is file item 23 AB 1438. Yes, thank you, Mr.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Once this is paused, additional assessments would not be paid in unless a claim is filed.
• "Well, again, because in the event that there is a claim or filed or..."
• There's a 10-year statute of limitations where claims could be filed under those policies.
• So you're not having to reinvent the wheel to sit and respond to a claim that is filed. ...to sit and
• respond to a claim that is filed, you know, from several years ago.

Committee: House Insurance and Banking

Summary: The Insurance Committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bill 2874, which was approved 9-0 with one member present. The bill was described as a product worked on the previous year, and no substantive opposition was raised before the vote. The committee then heard House Bill 2071, which would allow the Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association to suspend operations rather than terminate, because the medical malpractice market is now considered robust and the association has not written a policy or received a claim in several years. The sponsor and Missouri Insurance Coalition said the association still costs roughly $300,000 to $350,000 annually to operate, with projected savings if suspended, while preserving the ability to reactivate if claims arise within the remaining liability window. Some members questioned whether a sunset would be more appropriate and raised concerns about the open-ended nature of suspension and the handling of the association’s reserve funds. House Bill 1615 was then heard and would lower the statutory minimum number of directors for insurance companies from nine to five, while leaving maximum board sizes unchanged. The sponsor and supporters argued Missouri’s current requirement is outdated, out of step with other states and other regulated entities, and creates unnecessary barriers for smaller insurers without affecting solvency or consumer protection. Members questioned whether any insurers had avoided Missouri because of the nine-director rule; supporters said they had no specific examples but said the change would provide flexibility and align Missouri with modern governance practices. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2902, which would create a Motor Vehicle Threat Prevention Program and commission within the Department of Public Safety to fund grants and coordinate efforts against auto theft. The sponsor said Missouri ranks among the highest states for vehicle theft and argued the program would help local law enforcement, especially in rural areas, address high-tech theft methods and related crimes. Highway Patrol and NICB witnesses testified in support, citing rising theft rates, the use of stolen vehicles in other crimes, and examples from other states where similar task forces recovered stolen vehicles and made arrests. Several members questioned whether a new commission was necessary, suggesting the Highway Patrol or existing agencies could handle the work; no opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was closed with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• He doesn't file his taxes. He doesn't have a paycheck that they can garnish.
• And I believe we'll be going to file item number 16. Is that correct? 2772? 17. AB 2773.
• All right, that will remain on call, and I believe we'll be going to file item number 16.
• That will take us to item file number 19, AB 2775.
• I have personally seen highly qualified candidates apply repeatedly over multiple cycles.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with members repeatedly noting the lack of quorum while testimony continued. AB 1693 by Assemblymember Zbur would streamline local permitting for retail tenant improvements by allowing qualified professional certifiers to review plans and requiring local action within set deadlines; the California Retailers Association supported the bill, citing lengthy permit delays, and there was no opposition. AB 2010 by Assemblymember Soria would expand access to high-volume spay and neuter services, including mobile clinics, to address pet overpopulation; supporters said it would improve access in rural and underserved areas, while opponents and the Veterinary Medical Board raised concerns about safety standards and asked for amendments. AB 2195 by Assemblymember Rodriguez would stop automatic occupational license suspensions for low-income parents behind on child support; supporters argued the policy is counterproductive and hurts earning capacity, while the California Child Support Association and others said license suspension is an effective enforcement tool that brings parents to the table. The committee also heard AB 2311 by Assemblymember Chiu, which would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians; supporters said it would improve recruitment and access to care, while medical groups warned about physician autonomy and institutional influence. AB 1796 by Assemblymember Jackson would create a licensure pathway for professional interior designers and add an interior designer to the California Architects Board; supporters framed it as a public safety and professional recognition measure, while opponents said it would create confusion, unnecessary regulation, and no demonstrated public harm. AB 1739 by Assemblymember Ward would make it a crime for clergy providing therapeutic services to engage in sexual contact with a counselee, closing a gap in existing law; it drew strong support from survivor advocates and no opposition. Finally, AB 2497 by Assemblymember Johnson began testimony on modernizing the physical therapy practice act, with the author noting committee amendments that removed imaging and other provisions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• In business services alone, we processed over 135,000 business filings this year, and in total, our office
• These filings are not just paperwork.
• We currently have 10 lawsuits filed against myself as Secretary of State.
• In the past, Secretary Ashcroft on his eight years, he had 300 lawsuits filed against him in eight years
• There's a reading assessment that all teacher candidates have to take before they're licensed by the

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee first heard the Secretary of State’s FY27 budget presentation. Secretary Denny Hoskins described his office’s work on business filings, elections administration, securities enforcement, archives, libraries, and Safe at Home, and said the office had cleaned up voter rolls by removing more than 200,000 ineligible voters. Members questioned him closely about deceased voters, voter registration through DMVs, information sharing with the federal government, and whether any personal identifying information would be released; Hoskins said only publicly available information had been shared and that PII would not be released absent a court order. He also said his office had 10 pending lawsuits handled by the Attorney General’s office, and discussed budget lapses, staffing levels, and the need to spend federal and other funds before general revenue when possible. A major portion of the discussion focused on election-related funding requests. Hoskins defended funding for ballot publication in newspapers, saying the constitution and state law require publication of statewide ballot measures and that the cost could rise sharply if many petitions or a referendum reach the ballot. Several members questioned whether the newspaper notices are still effective, while others emphasized that many Missourians still rely on print and that the requirement remains constitutional. The committee also discussed the technology services NDI tied to the sunset of the $5 business filing fee that funds IT operations, with Hoskins saying the office would need general revenue if the sunset is not extended. Other topics included absentee ballot postage reimbursement, election cost transfers, and the library networking fund, which Hoskins said has not historically been funded at the full 10 percent level. Members also raised broader budget and policy concerns, including the office’s FTE count, the restoration of some previously cut archives/local records positions, and the need for a new voter registration system and election-night reporting system. Some members pressed Hoskins on whether his budget requests were consistent with his past calls for smaller government, while he responded that election-year obligations, cybersecurity risks, and outdated systems require investment. The committee did not take a vote on the Secretary of State items during this segment. The committee then began the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education presentation from Commissioner Carla Eslinger. She outlined the FY27 request for the foundation formula, transportation, child care, literacy, educator workforce, and strategic planning. Eslinger said the formula increase is driven by policy changes such as enrollment-based funding and higher special education and virtual education costs; transportation needs a modest increase; child care needs general revenue to replace expiring federal funds; and literacy efforts continue to expand through science-of-reading training and state-approved assessments. She also highlighted through-year testing, grade-level descriptors, teacher recruitment and retention, and work with a new Transforming Schools group. The presentation was cut short when the committee recessed for floor activity, with no votes taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a pre-filed amendment. I would like to have House Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 306 read in.
• House Amendment 1 removes a provision in the charter bill that said that a candidate for office could
• It also removes the provision mandating that a candidate does not share a financial interest with a commission
• the charter change, and so we've had it removed. ...provision in the charter bill that said that a candidate
• It also removes the provision mandating that a candidate does not share a financial interest with a commission

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, opened with a moment of silence for Ted Williams, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then accepted the previous day’s minutes and moved into a series of recognitions, beginning with House Resolution 27 designating June 24, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Day. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber spent much of the meeting honoring legislative staff across both caucuses, with members and staff introducing themselves and being recognized for years of service and behind-the-scenes work. The House also recognized staff member Justin, who is leaving for a position with the Delaware State Board of Education, and later gave farewell remarks for Representative Kevin Hensley and Representative Charles Postles, both of whom are retiring. Numerous members spoke in tribute to their service, constituent work, and personal character, and both Hensley and Postles offered remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and family. The House then received communications from the Senate, including several bills and resolutions passed and returned, and a notice of Senate concurrence on other measures. Representative Wilson-Anton made a brief statement explaining her vote on Senate Bill 100 and reaffirming support for marriage equality and related civil rights issues. The chamber also took up Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, which set the official revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027; both were read, called to roll, and passed by constitutional majority votes of 37-4 and 40-1, respectively. Finally, the House considered Senate Bill 335, the operating budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Representative Williams presented the budget on behalf of the Joint Finance Committee, describing major funding items including raises for state and education employees, health insurance and retiree benefit funding, developmental disability services, Medicaid growth, purchase of care, and maintenance of reserve funds. Several members praised the committee’s work, while Representative Shupe said he would vote no, citing concerns about the budget’s 6.3% growth despite appreciating the committee’s effort. After the budget presentation and comments, Leader Harris moved that the House recess for party caucuses, and the House stood in recess until the call of the bell.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're talking to folks that have filed reparations bills and, you know, just hoping that the Commonwealth
• So that could have lasting impact on just the candidates and who may end up going to law school locally
• Those candidates had already accepted positions in law schools or seats in law schools prior to the act
• approved or in Massachusetts a state-approved school so that could have lasting impact on just the candidates
• for the class of 2026 is up 12 over 12% from last year and it was up in 2025 and that was those candidates

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• pretty strenuous background check that mirrors across the entire DPS compound, and a lot of the candidates
• And so it's just hard to find the right candidates.
• becomes more efficient and effective, and an easier-to-use system that will allow us to get better candidates
• facilities are rural, and your population base is small from which to choose your hiring pool or candidate
• We mandated all business taxes file and pay electronically, and it has been a success.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard FY27 budget presentations for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, beginning with Public Safety Services. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the department’s recommended budget of $645.9 million, including supplemental pay, State Police, Motor Vehicles, and the State Fire Marshal. Officials explained that the overall budget reflects a net decrease from FY26, driven largely by shifts in funding sources, removal of one-time statutory dedications, and adjustments tied to undercollections in fees and self-generated revenues. State Police was recommended at $459.7 million, OMV at $86.7 million, and the Fire Marshal at $41.1 million. Department leaders also described ongoing modernization efforts, staffing vacancies, and the use of efficiencies identified internally. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns and agency heads testified about State Police operations, including increased cadet graduations, improved Mardi Gras security, progress on APHIS and OMV modernization, and the new crime lab under construction. Members asked about undercollections, vacancies, the role of public tag agents, and whether the agency could expand counter-drone capabilities. Burns said the department has identified about $11 million in efficiencies, but warned that counter-drone work would require additional funding, citing a $4.5 million fiscal note for HB 940 and roughly $9 million more for a robust unit. OMV officials said staffing and retention remain difficult, but modernization should improve service and reduce lines; they also said the agency continues to rely on public tag agents and is working through reinstatement fee collection issues. The committee then reviewed the Department of Corrections FY27 budget, recommended at $902.3 million, with most funding from State General Fund and a large increase tied to higher incarceration costs, medical needs, overtime, and added capacity at Louisiana State Penitentiary. DOC officials said the department remains under pressure from vacancies, turnover, contraband, and medical costs, and that the budget includes funding to add 150 correctional officers at Angola and to house ICE detainees at Camp J. They also discussed criminal justice reinvestment savings, prison enterprises, and reentry programs funded through the Second Chance Act. Members asked about staffing, inmate deaths at Elaine Hunt, work-release pay, and whether the department is tracking the true long-term cost of incarceration. Officials said they are pursuing pay increases, recruitment, expanded training and reentry programs, and more data-driven workforce alignment, while acknowledging that many budget pressures remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• It'll just be the one bill, Senate File 856.
• Opposed by the same sign. >> The A36 amendment is adopted to Senate File 856.
• So, uh, you know, candidates Anderson.
• </c> assistant commissioners do have to file assistant commissioners do have to file that<01:10:46.560
• There were big differences between the original bill, the Senate file, and the House file, but through

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:45:52.480><c> water</c> candidate water candidate water do<01:45:53.719><c> you</c><01:45:54.360>
• So again, these are filed every year, right?
• So again, these are filed every year, right?
• So again, these are filed every year, right?
• So again, these are filed every year, right?

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• The corrected journal will be filed in the office of the Secretary. Mr. President.
• That report will be filed in the Office of the Senate Secretary. March 24, 2006.
• That correspondence will be filed in the office of the Senate Secretary.
• The correspondence will be filed in the Office of the Senate.
• The correspondence will be filed in the office of the Secretary. The ayes have it.