Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 26 base amount from the family of 26 base amount from the family of medical<00:24:59.919><c> benefit
• benefit insurance account 64,000.<00:25:02.480><c> So</c><00:25:02.640><c> that</c><00:25:02.880><c>
• and Services poster is canceled Benefits and Services poster is canceled in<00:49:47.520><c> fiscal<
• This will allow the department to take swift action to help ensure protection of workplace rights.
• And then finally, the workplace rights.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• workforce development, unemployment insurance, fair wages, collective bargaining rights, paid leave, and workplace
• development, unemployment, insurance, fair wages, collective bargaining rights, paid leave, and workplace

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, took a brief recess, and then proceeded through a series of routine actions. It adopted resolutions commending the New England chapter of the National Kidney Foundation for recognizing March 2026 as National Kidney Month and March 12, 2026 as World Kidney Day. The chamber then took final passage action on House 4272, an act authorizing the town of Hudson to grant an additional off-premises wine and malt beverage license; the bill passed to be enacted. The Senate also adopted committee reports suspending Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 to allow several Senate and House petitions to be referred to the appropriate committees, and it approved orders extending reporting deadlines for the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (Senate No. 2785) and the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (Senate No. 2941). In additional local matters, the Senate ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed House 4701, authorizing the town of Orange to increase the membership of its Board of Selectmen. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 for several House petitions, adopted an order to meet again the next day at 11 a.m. in formal session, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So respectfully and hopefully, and I appreciate you, sir, these changes promote safer jobs, workplaces
• These changes promote safer jobs, workplaces, and a fairer work market for Florida, and that is the bill
• ...identifying a worker and then transitioning that individual to a full-time job with full-time benefits
• use a telephone system for calls related to reemployment assistance and calls concerning public benefits

Bills: S0002 , S0026 , S0354 , S1112 , S1192 , S1220 , S1352 , S1670

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• I need you to make a commitment to passing policy that benefits us, all of us.
• I need you to make a commitment to passing policy that benefits us, all of us.
• I need you to make a commitment to passing policy that benefits us, all of us.
• I need you to make a commitment to passing policy that benefits us, all of us.
• I need you to make a commitment to passing policy that benefits us, all of us.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• these systems work, their limitations, and the responsible use—skills that increasingly align with workplace
• In the workplace, innovation is key, but it must operate within legal and ethical guardrails.
• This includes all funds for health insurance, discretionary dollars, and all salary and benefits for

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me say again, employment training to prevent workplace harassment of any kind is not DEI indoctrination
• twenty six million dollars to federal employees who were victims of illegal demonstration in the workplace
• committee has seen first hand the numerous effects of sexual harassment, sexual violence in the workplace

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: oversight, subpoena, illegal immigrants, Massachusetts Port Authority, O'Hare Airport, legislative practices

Summary: The meeting was convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where robust discussions were held regarding the need for improved oversight within the Senate. The chairman emphasized the historical decline in oversight activities and proposed motions to authorize subpoenas related to an ongoing investigation involving the Massachusetts Port Authority and allegations of illegal immigrant sheltering at airports. This prompted a detailed examination of the current practices and measures needed to address such issues effectively, particularly in light of recent reports from O'Hare Airport. The committee engaged in deliberations that highlighted the importance of maintaining legislative oversight to safeguard national interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will operate in a manner consistent with the House respectful workplace policy.
• If you are at the testimony table... ...workplace policy.
• They're on SNAP, they're on Medicaid, they're on health care benefits from the state.
• Saving the state money, saving our taxpayers' dollars from going into these benefit programs.
• They're on SNAP, they're on Medicaid, they're on health care benefits from the state.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:36.360><c> one</c> demonstrates some of these benefits one demonstrates some of these benefits
• </c><00:25:25.760><c> our</c> it exemplifies how adus can benefit our it exemplifies how adus can benefit
• And then lastly, the benefits of mixed-use development.
• And then lastly, the benefits of mixed-use development.
• And then lastly, the benefits of mixed-use development.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• last year, as people filed their taxes, the state of Louisiana alone, 500,000 Louisiana workers benefited
• And obviously, a lot of other great benefits for Louisiana.
• We, we, And obviously, a lot of other great benefits for Louisiana.
• in Title 11 relative to the municipal police employees' retirement system, to provide relative to benefits
• the system toward electronic medical billing, strengthens oversight of timely payment of medical benefits

Bills: SR110 , SR109 , SCR58 , SCR59 , SCR12 , HB198 , HB225 , HB508 , HB512 , HB599 , HB632 , HB763 , HB909 , HB971 , HB989 , HB1066 , HB1171 , HB1204 , HB1231 , HB1246 , HB1248 , HB1250 , HB221 , HCR41 , HCR63 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR86 , HCR92 , HCR93 , HCR58 , SB83 , SB135 , SB143 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB237 , SB261 , SB276 , SB295 , SB388 , SB450 , SB465 , HB17 , HB21 , HB42 , HB45 , HB51 , HB55 , HB74 , HB106 , HB108 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB168 , HB215 , HB226 , HB263 , HB296 , HB299 , HB322 , HB324 , HB364 , HB519 , HB535 , HB538 , HB568 , HB571 , HB622 , HB635 , HB676 , HB772 , HB784 , HB821 , HB823 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1134 , HB1237 , HB1239 , SB162 , SB382 , SR93 , SCR40 , SCR30 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB228 , SB246 , SB249 , SB268 , SB269 , SB282 , SB283 , SB296 , SB323 , SB338 , SB363 , SB369 , SB408 , SB431 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB501 , SB513 , HCR6 , HCR31 , HB297 , HB305 , HB336 , HB337 , HB351 , HB436 , HB594 , HB789 , HB956 , HB957 , HB995 , HB1040 , HB50 , HB117 , HB120 , HB122 , HB139 , HB148 , HB149 , HB185 , HB247 , HB271 , HB286 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB842 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB29 , HB39 , HB58 , HB67 , HB73 , HB76 , HB77 , HB82 , HB112 , HB121 , HB125 , HB132 , HB134 , HB151 , HB154 , HB155 , HB161 , HB166 , HB187 , HB191 , HB207 , HB211 , HB224 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB782 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB977 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB972 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB36 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB245 , HB280 , HB677 , HB726 , HB850 , HB966 , SB68 , SB149

Keywords: youth fitness, school achievement, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Governor's Games, elementary education, Louisiana Arts Day, arts and culture, cultural heritage, artists, musicians, writers, performers, culture bearers, tourism, creative economy, economic impact, cultural sector, Louisiana Partnership for the Arts, festivals, visual arts

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Dr. Michael Sprague, and recited the pledge. The body then suspended the rules to welcome House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who highlighted federal-state cooperation and credited Louisiana lawmakers with helping advance policies such as no tax on overtime, expanded energy development, and major business investment in the state. The chamber also recognized several visiting groups and observances, including Leadership Lafayette, the new Orleans Parish sheriff, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, Recreation and Parks Day/Month, Main Street Day, LMA Day, and Links Day, with multiple resolutions adopted or concurred in for those recognitions. On legislation, the Senate handled a mix of committee reports, House messages, and floor action. It concurred in House Concurrent Resolution 92 and 93, adopted SCR 60, SR 11, SR 93, and SCR 40, and advanced or adopted numerous bills and resolutions. Notable measures included workers’ compensation bills SB 162, SB 382, and SB 408; SB 500 on medical review panels and certificates of merit; SB 268 and SB 228 on lead service line replacement and use of public funds; SB 338 on school bullying prevention; SB 431 on towing and storage access; HB 297 on lease termination for stalking and cyberstalking victims; HB 305 on child sexual abuse material evidence handling; HB 336 on post-conviction relief timelines; HB 436 allowing veterans to serve as park police/wardens; HB 594 designating SCN2A Day; HB 957 on prisoner transfer notifications; HB 995 on videotaped statements; HB 1040 on juvenile detention board membership; HB 117 reauthorizing the Department of State; HB 120, HB 122, HB 139, HB 247, and HB 286 creating or adjusting local districts; and HB 185 clarifying independent contractor coverage in workers’ compensation. Several bills were amended on the floor before passage, including SB 382, SB 500, SB 431, SB 338, and HB 185, while some measures were returned to the calendar or referred to committees. The Senate also received and referred a large number of House bills and concurrent resolutions on topics including health care reimbursement, criminal procedure, education, insurance, natural resources, transportation, and local governance. Votes recorded in the transcript were generally favorable, with many measures passing unanimously or by wide margins, though a few drew opposition, such as HB 185 and HB 957.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does it cover the benefits that we're paying those people? It covers all the FTE costs.
• classify firefighters eligible for workers' compensation when injured while traveling to or from the workplace
• original intent was that peace officers and firefighters would be considered eligible for workers' comp benefits
• like all firefighters across the state, was comforted knowing that at least his wages and medical benefits

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard three bills after announcing that House Bill 2118 would be held. House Bill 2091 would raise the maximum asset-based assessment DIFI can charge domestic insurers to fund financial surveillance staff, with future increases tied to inflation and capped. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the fees had not been updated in 25 years, that Arizona’s insurance regulatory workload has grown substantially, and that the change should help DIFI hire staff, reduce reliance on more expensive contracted work, and not increase premiums. The committee voted 11-0 to give HB 2091 a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2138 would clarify workers’ compensation coverage for professional firefighters injured while traveling to or from work, defining firefighter for that purpose. The sponsor and witnesses from Queen Creek and the fire community said the bill was intended as cleanup language to restore the original legislative intent after a claim was denied because of a statutory loophole, and that the change would protect firefighters and support recruitment and response readiness. The County Supervisors Association said it was neutral but requested counties be removed from the definition because counties do not employ firefighters; a floor amendment was expected to address that. The committee approved HB 2138 11-0. House Bill 2122 made clarifying changes to last year’s reciprocity/endorsement law for registration of BTR-related professions, including reciprocity with the United Kingdom. The sponsor described it as a cleanup bill to fix an omission and support workforce development and commerce, and the only witness offered no additional testimony. The committee passed HB 2122 on an 11-0 vote, and the meeting adjourned after all three bills received due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does it cover the benefits that we're paying those people? It covers all the FTE costs.
• classify firefighters eligible for workers' compensation when injured while traveling to or from the workplace
• original intent was that peace officers and firefighters would be considered eligible for workers' comp benefits
• like all firefighters across the state, was comforted knowing that at least his wages and medical benefits

Bills: HB2091 , HB2118 , HB2122 , HB2138

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: insurance, financial surveillance, regulations, assessments, Arizona Revised Statutes, mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, technical registration, engineering, architect, land surveyor, reciprocity, endorsement, qualification standards, firefighter

Transcript Highlights:

• studies linking time changes to health and sleep issues, increased traffic incidents, and decreased workplace
• There are multiple benefits to observing permanent daylight saving time; adopting permanent daylight
• Adopting daylight saving time on a permanent basis can benefit Texans, travel insurers, and businesses
• Businesses benefit from increased purchasing activity when there's more daylight available.

Bills: SB1888 , SB3003 , SB2417 , SB2459 , SB3055 , HB1393 , HB2884 , SB2943

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• studies linking time changes, health and sleep issues, increased traffic evidence, and decreased workplace
• There are multiple benefits of observing permanent daylight savings time.
• Adopting daylight savings time on a permanent basis can benefit Texans and travel and tourism businesses
• Businesses benefit from increased purchasing activity when there's an extra hour or two of sunlight.

Bills: SB 1888 , SB 3003 , SB 2417 , SB 2459 , SB 3055 , HB 1393 , HB 2884 , SB 2943

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we had the benefit of Representative Avallone's personal experience in that world and the parameters
• </c> benefit of Representative Avallone's benefit of Representative Avallone's personal<00:34:19.000>
• That way the employers have a policy, the employees know and have stability with the workplace that they
• </c><01:30:16.640><c> of</c><01:30:16.720><c> their</c><01:30:17.560><c> um</c><01:30:17.920><c> benefits
• </c> um as part of their um benefits. um as part of their um benefits.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The care provider networks and qualified entities will benefit from more reliable and timely background
• [00:08:45] Qualified entities will benefit from more reliable and timely background screening information
• For those required to be screened through the clearinghouse for qualified entities to receive the benefit
• I think about workplace safety of teachers and being a governing body of a school board during COVID,
• So we would, as you have stated from the bill, we would provide information based on risk, benefits,

Bills: S1082 , S1168 , S1756 , S1156 , S1480

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Keywords: provider disputes, health plan, dispute resolution, Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare regulation, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions, ambulatory surgical centers, patient safety, licensure

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills. SB 1082, on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program, was presented as a way to let providers and insurers use the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans. A late-filed amendment clarified when providers and health plans could access the state program, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168, which would centralize background screening clearinghouse functions at the Agency for Health Care Administration, also passed as amended after an amendment requiring sealed and expunged records to be included in screenings for qualified entities. Supporters said centralization would improve turnaround times, reduce duplication, and save costs; the sponsor said the bill also addresses coaches’ background screening language from last session. The committee then approved SB 1156, which moves ambulatory surgery center regulation out of the hospital-focused chapter of law into a standalone section, and SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, which would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designation changes affect those areas. Testimony on SB 1480 emphasized continuity of care for patients in underserved communities, and the bill was reported favorably. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require state-approved educational materials on childhood vaccines, require practitioners to provide those materials and alternative schedules before vaccination, expand school immunization exemptions to include conscience-based objections, clarify that the Surgeon General cannot order vaccination during a public health emergency, and authorize pharmacists to provide ivermectin behind the counter without a prescription with written information and safeguards. The sponsor argued the bill strengthens parental choice and informed consent. Committee members raised concerns about vaccine-preventable disease risks, immunocompromised children, school outbreaks, and the impact of adding a new exemption. A Department of Health representative said the department would need to provide details on the history of exemption consultations and noted that removing the earlier consultation requirement had not been shown to increase outbreaks. The committee adopted a friendly amendment to give physicians the same liability protection as pharmacists for ivermectin dispensing, but rejected a substitute amendment that would have required a consultation for exemption requests. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, with physicians, pediatric specialists, cancer advocates, parents of immunocompromised children, and public health groups warning that it would lower vaccination rates and endanger vulnerable Floridians. The bill remained pending after testimony, with the committee continuing to hear public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's a standard benefit. It's at about $60 a visit, and we'll follow up with a benefit design.
• Please protect Medi-Cal dental benefits for UISP.
• Eliminating dental benefits will...
• It's a workplace, workforce, and economic stability issue.
• It's a workplace, workforce, and economic stability issue.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Companies that benefit from publicly funded incentive programs should also benefit from publicly supported
• job seekers, especially those receiving temporary unemployment benefits such as SNAP or TANF benefits
• First, individuals that exit incarceration are often eligible for SNAP benefits.
• So with the goal of helping them go back to work before they exhaust benefits.
• Their parent is not liable for any benefits.

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm lucky enough to have a workplace that cares about I'm lucky enough to have a workplace that cares
• I believe this trust fund could benefit the perinatal population and their providers in many ways, such
• Another key benefit is that LMHCs and LSMHCs represent a diverse and growing part of the behavioral health
• practice settings, so long as they serve a significant public-payer patient population, can also benefit

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery held a public hearing on 17 bills focused on behavioral health workforce shortages, studies, and commissions. Chairs Mindy Domb and Senator John Velis opened by emphasizing the severity of the Commonwealth’s mental and behavioral health workforce crisis, the resulting gaps in access to care, and the legislature’s ongoing use of loan repayment programs, studies, and commissions to address these issues. They outlined hearing procedures and noted that testimony would be limited to three minutes, with written testimony also accepted. A major portion of the hearing focused on bills to expand the primary care workforce, including H. 2205/S. 1385, which would broaden eligibility for the Mass RePay loan repayment program. Testimony from the Massachusetts Medical Society, Senator Jo Comerford, and Dr. Kate Atkinson described severe primary care shortages, long wait times, physician burnout, high debt burdens, and the need to recruit and retain physicians in more practice settings and regions. Committee members asked about the likely impact of loan repayment, the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and how to prioritize limited funding. Witnesses argued that primary care investment improves access and outcomes and that the bill would help sustain community-based practices. Another large block of testimony supported H. 2208/S. 1411, the proposed perinatal behavioral health care workforce trust fund, often referred to as the Moms Matter Act. March of Dimes, perinatal mental health advocates, doulas, clinicians, parents, and organizations such as the Boston Public Health Commission and Empty Arms Bereavement Support testified that postpartum depression, anxiety, substance use, and grief are widespread, often untreated, and worsened by long waitlists and a shortage of trained, culturally competent providers. Speakers repeatedly stressed that screening alone is not enough without a workforce to provide timely treatment, and several shared personal stories of postpartum illness, loss, and difficulty accessing care. The bill was also framed as a needed complement to the Commonwealth’s recent maternal health law, which increased screening and therefore increased demand for treatment. The committee also heard support for the Bridge Act, H. 2207/S. 1388, which would create mental health capacity grants for organizations serving communities at high risk of hate crimes or hate incidents. Testimony from the Jewish Community Relations Council and the bill’s sponsor described the mental health harms of hate, including anxiety, trauma, isolation, and loss of trust, and argued that community organizations need resources to build resilience and provide support. In addition, the committee heard from the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association on H. 2218/S. 1380, which would update job classifications to explicitly include licensed mental health counselors and licensed supervised mental health counselors in state behavioral health roles. Witnesses said the change would modernize hiring, expand access, and better reflect current licensure and scope of practice. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the session ended with a motion to adjourn after all testimony was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• very important in our society, the civic knowledge, but also the civic skills that we use in the workplace
• very important in our society, the civic knowledge, but also the civic skills that we use in the workplace
• This year, we organized 87 in-class presentations for Law Day, benefiting close to 3,400 students.
• Coupled with our Constitution Day programs, a total of 287 presentations have been organized, benefiting
• I should mention that these numbers do not reflect the thousands of students that benefit from programs

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations. The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana. LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• very important in our society, the civic knowledge, but also the civic skills that we use in the workplace
• very important in our society, the civic knowledge, but also the civic skills that we use in the workplace
• This year, we organized 87 in-class presentations for Law Day, benefiting close to 3,400 students.
• Coupled with our Constitution Day programs, a total of 200 presentations have been organized, benefiting
• I should mention that these numbers do not reflect the thousands of students who benefit from programs

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with a quorum, approved the minutes from its prior meeting, and unanimously approved the 2026–27 membership slate for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council after hearing that more than 300 students applied. The commission also approved LIAC’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, which were updated to reflect the IRS rate increase. Members thanked the Legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years of sponsor-based support. The meeting featured several civic education presentations tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Brandon Burris of the Lieutenant Governor’s office described state parks, museums, library backpack programs, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and Homework Louisiana as civic and educational resources. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national trends in civics education, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and a PBS Learning Media series on Bernardo de Gálvez and Spanish Louisiana, along with teacher training events. LIAC members John Parker and Brandon Routon reported on their work over the year, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment of minors, and school advisory councils. The Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported on Law Day and Constitution Day programming reaching thousands of students, its summer institute, student and teacher awards, and a proclamation marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Barry Irwin also reported that legislation to clean up the commission’s membership and quorum provisions had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education. The commission adjourned after thanking staff for managing the meeting during severe weather.