Transcript Highlights:

• I am proud today to testify on behalf of Citizens for Juvenile Justice in support of House 541 and Senate
• 373. ...on behalf of Citizens for Juvenile Justice in support of House 541 and Senate 373, a bill that
• and they're also at heightened risk of other negative outcomes. ...including involvement in the juvenile

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held its sixth public hearing and took testimony on a large slate of bills, with the chair moving H. 542/S. 341 on family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care to the top of the agenda so young constituents would not have to wait. Witnesses from labor, community organizations, and FFN providers strongly supported the bill, saying FFN care fills critical gaps for families working nonstandard hours, especially in low-income, immigrant, and BIPOC communities. Testimony emphasized that FFN providers are currently underpaid, often receive only about $24 per child per day, and should be guaranteed at least the state minimum wage. Witnesses also backed changes to the voucher system to allow families to combine formal and FFN care more flexibly, and they supported creating an FFN advisory council. Committee members asked about the difference between FFN and center-based care, registration requirements, fingerprinting/background checks, EEC’s ongoing study group, and the fiscal impact; witnesses said the current annual cost is about $1.8 million and could rise to about $6 million if all current FFN providers were paid minimum wage, still under 1% of the EEC budget. The committee then closed testimony on that bill. The committee next heard testimony on several preschool and universal pre-K bills, including H. 707 on public preschool facilities, H. 687/S. 339 on universal pre-K and mixed delivery, and related bills such as H. 606, H. 523, H. 618, H. 522, H. 510, and H. 615, many of which were later closed without additional witnesses. A Lowell school official testified that space and facilities funding are major barriers to expanding preschool and that the city has hundreds of children on voucher waitlists. Other witnesses and organizations, including the Early Care and Education Consortium and AFT Massachusetts, supported mixed-delivery universal pre-K and warned that public-school expansion should not undermine community-based providers, whose preschool tuition helps subsidize infant and toddler care. Several witnesses also urged stronger standards for preschool teachers, better staffing ratios, and more integrated special education and support services. The committee accepted written testimony on some bills and closed testimony on the others when no one else came forward. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 541/S. 373, which would ban school exclusion in pre-K through third grade. Advocates from Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Mass Appleseed, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, AFT Massachusetts, and the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee argued that suspensions and expulsions at young ages harm learning, worsen inequities, and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. They cited data showing disproportionate impacts on Black and Latinx students, students with disabilities, and low-income children, and described personal stories of children whose behavior improved when schools kept them in class and addressed underlying needs. Committee members asked for updated data on the number of students and districts affected, and witnesses said they would provide more detailed written information. After testimony on this and a few other bills, including S. 372, S. 357, and H. 275/S. 133, the committee closed testimony and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to Sheena's story: Sheena wouldn't even be here today to testify before you if it was not for the juvenile
• lifer legislation that was passed that allowed folks that had been convicted as juveniles to life sentences
• So, you know... ...there's many more people that, you know, were not necessarily juveniles when these

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on three bills. House Bill 3470, sponsored by Rep. Schmidt, would create a Missouri partner network linking state agencies, nonprofits, faith-based groups, and private partners through a website and case-management system to connect adults 18 and over who opt in with resources for employment, housing, education, and self-sufficiency. Supporters described the model as already working in 36 counties through the Care Portal and emphasized efficiency, reduced duplication, and stronger family outcomes. Committee members generally supported the concept and asked about opt-in participation, navigators, and how nonprofits would be included as true partners; no opposition testimony was offered. House Bill 3322, sponsored by Rep. Hausman, would extend foster-care school stability timelines from 10 days to 30 days, or 60 days in summer, and increase the mileage limit for remaining in a school of origin from 10-15 miles to 30 miles. The sponsor and witnesses from the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition and Foster Adopt Connect said the current limits can force unnecessary school changes and are especially difficult in rural areas, while the bill would better preserve continuity for children in foster care. Committee members asked about edge cases, transportation, and whether the child’s best interests would still control; there was no opposition testimony. House Bill 1872, presented by Rep. Reuter, would allow survivors of domestic violence to seek resentencing if the abuse was related to the offense, so that the abuse can be considered as mitigating evidence after conviction or plea. Supporters, including a survivor, Missouri Appleseed, Forward.US, and Empower Missouri, said the bill would address cases where abuse was not fully considered at the original sentencing and would provide a second look for people serving long sentences. Several members raised procedural concerns about how the bill would interact with trial strategy, existing battered spouse syndrome law, evidentiary requirements, and appeals; the sponsor said he was open to revisions. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• identification of sexually reactive behaviors, and dual involvement with the department and the Department of Juvenile
• following criteria: stepping down from a higher level of care, actively involved with the Department of Juvenile
• provided by the Florida Institute for Child Welfare, and in collaboration with the Department of Juvenile

Summary: The subcommittee heard two Department of Children and Families implementation updates on measures passed in prior sessions. First, DCF reviewed House Bill 633, which increased oversight of behavioral health managing entities through biennial independent audits, standardized claims-based reporting, and new monthly outcome dashboards. The department said it had awarded the inaugural audit to Ernst & Young, found no significant waste, fraud, or abuse, but identified process risks involving financial controls, claims validation, data access, and system access controls. DCF also described its transition to standardized behavioral health coding and said the new public dashboard of 11 measures is posted on its website, though members asked for easier access and for hard copies of the audit report. Members asked about how the department distinguishes Medicaid-covered services from department-funded services, how duplicate payment risks are being addressed, and whether the new reporting and audit requirements would improve oversight without disrupting services. DCF said it is the payer of last resort for uninsured or underinsured individuals, that some overlap with Medicaid is expected because Medicaid does not cover all behavioral health services, and that new claims edits and cross-checks are being built into the system. The department also said it had not found significant negative feedback from providers and that the new requirements are intended to improve transparency and accountability. DCF then updated the committee on Senate Bill 7012, covering human trafficking data collection, domestic violence center certification, limited background-screening exemptions, expanded recruitment for child welfare staff, subcontractor liability protections, a four-year treatment foster care pilot, case management efficiency recommendations, and a statewide study of residential bed capacity for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The department said several items are already complete or underway, including limited exemptions in the screening clearinghouse, while others are in procurement or rulemaking. It identified Circuits 4 and 12 as the treatment foster care pilot sites and said the pilot will launch in January 2026. Members questioned recruitment metrics, pilot timing, and report deadlines; the department said final reports are expected by January and that some dates were flexible because of procurement and implementation timelines. The meeting ended after the presentations and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I talked about the state court system and sort of our shared responsibility, and there’s juvenile detention
• Again, the state criminal justice system, juvenile justice, we have to pay for, and those payments are
• specifically for pre-adjudication containment of juveniles by county, okay?

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs convened with a quorum and took up SB 308, a bill related to the Florida Museum of Black History. The bill would establish a Florida Museum of Black History Board of Directors and direct it to work with a supporting nonprofit foundation, while also requiring the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners to provide administrative assistance and staffing until planning, design, and engineering are complete. With no appearance forms or debate, the committee voted the bill favorably. The remainder of the meeting was an informational briefing from the Florida Association of Counties and the Florida League of Cities on local government budgeting practices. Presenters explained how counties and cities develop budgets, the legal framework governing property taxes and other revenues, the distinction between restricted and unrestricted funds, and the role of constitutional officers, public safety, debt, pensions, and capital planning. They emphasized that most local revenues are restricted by law, that general funds are the main discretionary source, and that local governments must balance annual budgets while meeting mandated service levels. The presenters also discussed how property taxes, fees, local option taxes, and state-shared revenues support local services, and they highlighted the fiscal pressures created by public safety, emergency management, infrastructure, and retirement costs. Members asked questions about the share of local revenue that is unrestricted and the implications for any proposal to eliminate property taxes. The presenters responded that only a portion of county and municipal revenue is flexible, with much of it dedicated to specific purposes by law.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will just put out there that I think the cost of juvenile detention at our counties is outrageous,
• Senator Trujillo, I heard the increased dialogue last year amongst the legislature on the need for juvenile
• The main reason they closed is that we may have had one or two juveniles, but because of requirements

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here as a representative of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association, specifically the Juvenile
• Law Committee, which members of the Juvenile Law Committee are members...
• While these are important, and I'm not trying to diminish their significance, we from our Juvenile Law

Bills: HF2436 , HF470 , HF2643 , HF2456 , HF102 , HF1367

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 280, by Representative Fontneau, parole eligibility for juvenile offenders, to provide relative
• Reorganization and consolidation of civil and criminal courts, juvenile court, criminal and civil district

Bills: HR91 , HR92 , HR93 , HCR44 , HR84 , HR85 , HR86 , HR87 , HR88 , HR89 , HR90 , HCR42 , HCR43 , SCR21 , HB483 , HB484 , HB893 , HB1087 , HB1088 , HB1089 , HB1090 , HB1091 , HB1092 , HB1093 , HB1094 , HB1095 , HB1096 , HB1097 , HB1098 , HB1099 , HB1100 , HB1101 , HB1102 , HB1103 , HB1104 , HB1105 , HB1106 , HB1107 , HB1108 , HB1109 , HB1110 , HB1111 , HB1112 , HB1113 , HB1114 , HB1116 , HB1117 , HB1118 , HB1119 , HB1120 , HB1121 , HB1122 , HB1123 , HB1124 , HB1125 , HB1126 , HB1127 , HB1128 , HB1129 , HB1130 , HB1131 , HB1132 , HB1133 , HB1134 , HB1135 , HB1136 , HB1137 , HB1138 , HB1139 , HB1140 , HB1141 , HB1142 , HB1143 , HB1144 , HB1145 , HB1146 , HB1147 , HB1148 , HB1149 , HB1150 , HB1151 , HB1152 , HB1153 , HB1154 , HB1155 , HB1156 , HB1157 , HB1158 , HB1159 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1163 , HB1164 , HB1165 , HB1166 , HB1167 , HB1168 , HB1169 , HB1170 , HB1171 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1176 , HB1177 , HB1178 , HB1179 , HB1180 , HB1181 , HB1182 , HB1183 , HB1184 , HB1185 , HB1186 , HB1187 , HB1188 , HB1189 , HB1190 , HB1191 , HB1192 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1195 , HB1196 , HB1197 , HB1198 , HB1199 , HB1200 , HB1201 , HB1202 , HB1203 , HB1204 , HB1205 , HB1206 , HB1207 , HB1208 , HB1209 , HB1210 , HB1211 , HB1212 , HB1213 , HB1214 , HB1215 , HB1216 , HB1217 , HB1218 , HB1219 , HB1220 , HB1221 , HB1222 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1225 , HB1226 , HB1227 , HB1228 , HB1229 , HB1230 , HB1231 , SB1 , SB54 , SB82 , SB87 , SB92 , SB93 , SB99 , SB104 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB123 , SB129 , SB133 , SB161 , SB162 , SB224 , SB236 , SB275 , SB280 , SB289 , SB305 , SB310 , SB325 , SB330 , SB339 , SB350 , SB359 , SB382 , SB410 , SB412 , HCR10 , HB54 , HB55 , HB67 , HB73 , HB125 , HB133 , HB158 , HB168 , HB169 , HB191 , HB195 , HB205 , HB225 , HB245 , HB280 , HB283 , HB296 , HB319 , HB325 , HB339 , HB399 , HB407 , HB448 , HB482 , HB550 , HB591 , HB821 , HB826 , HB992 , HB995 , HB1085 , HB1086 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HCR6 , HCR19 , HB861 , HB889 , HB904 , HB907 , HB908 , HB929 , HB1009 , HB13 , HB23 , HB25 , HB32 , HB41 , HB90 , HB120 , HB121 , HB122 , HB127 , HB138 , HB139 , HB141 , HB179 , HB187 , HB213 , HB247 , HB286 , HB332 , HB344 , HB357 , HB367 , HB370 , HB462 , HB505 , HB527 , HB537 , HB605 , HB680 , HB681 , HB725 , HB780 , HB782 , HB847 , HB892 , HB911 , HB916 , HB1012 , HB81 , HB134 , HB154 , HB163 , HB170 , HB194 , HB217 , HB220 , HB254 , HB259 , HB290 , HB308 , HB311 , HB360 , HB382 , HB401 , HB410 , HB417 , HB463 , HB575 , HB592 , HB718 , HB723 , HB750 , HB755 , HB776 , HB812 , HB844 , HB882 , HB888 , HB961 , HB966 , HB980 , HB228 , HB289 , HB735 , HB796 , HB284 , HB301 , HB722 , HB468 , HB546 , HB746 , HB842 , HB923 , HB46 , HB166 , HB349 , HB352 , HB436 , HB588 , HB140 , HB429 , HB827 , HB953 , HB901 , HB9 , HB52 , HB58 , HB193 , HB400 , HB570 , HB577 , HB582 , HB733 , HB747 , HB868 , HB952

Keywords: Tulane University, education, research, economic impact, healthcare, Louisiana, condolences, memorial, community service, faith, legacy, centenarian, tribute, honor, longevity, philanthropy, youth leadership, fundraising, nonprofits, physical therapy

Transcript Highlights:

• way those fees would allow for helping somebody who needs a temporary waiver because of the final delinquent

Bills: HB214 , HB217 , HB514 , HB593 , HB618 , HB732 , HB908 , HB961 , HB1010

Committee: Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs

Keywords: property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, blighted property, derelict property, property tax exemption, local redevelopment plans, rehabilitation standards, ad valorem tax, community development, senior citizens, homestead exemption, Louisiana Constitution, motor vehicles, local fees, transaction fees, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Exemption from criminal responsibility, delinquency proceedings provides for affirmative defenses.

Bills: HR218 , HR219 , HR220 , HR221 , HR222 , HCR91 , HCR92 , HCR93 , HR210 , HR211 , HR212 , HR213 , HR214 , HR215 , HR216 , SCR29 , SCR38 , SB100 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , SCR23 , HB276 , HB508 , HB512 , HB599 , HB632 , HB656 , HB998 , HB1052 , HB1084 , HB1171 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1204 , HB1209 , HB1250 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , HCR41 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HCR86 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB167 , HB227 , HB243 , HB321 , HB335 , HB398 , HB492 , HB624 , HB689 , HB708 , HB804 , HB906 , HB926 , HB955 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB985 , HB1005 , HB1029 , HB1069 , HB1077 , HB1095 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1187 , HB1203 , HB1217 , HB1220 , HB730 , HB225 , HB175 , HB198 , HB437 , HB457 , HB488 , HB646 , HB763 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1089 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231 , HB1246 , HB1248 , HB1249 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , HCR32 , HB59 , HB617 , HB897 , HB911 , HB1223 , HB798 , HB824 , HB989 , HB1140 , HB1166 , HB1244 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1113 , HB1180 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89

Summary: The House met with 89 members present and began with prayer, the pledge, and routine journal and leave requests. The early part of the session was largely ceremonial, with multiple personal privilege remarks recognizing visiting groups and special days at the Capitol, including St. Bernard Parish Day, Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association Day, ARPEC members, retired public servant Barney Arsenault, Deaf History Month, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Young Farmers and Ranchers, Louisiana Housing Corporation participants, and Louisiana Hospital Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, including concurrence in several House concurrent resolutions, Senate passage of a number of bills, and a list of Senate resolutions lying over. The House then moved through a long series of resolutions and bills, many of them adopted without objection. Among the measures approved were resolutions designating or commending various observances and groups, and bills addressing inmate documentation upon release, court filings on letter-sized paper, safe harbor protections for trafficking victims, public benefits verification, travel meal reimbursement limits for state employees, the Governor’s Task Force on Impaired Driving, school emergency operation plans, justice of the peace jurisdiction in East Baton Rouge Parish, unaffiliated voter participation in party primaries, electronic monitoring rules, crime victims’ compensation terminology, the indigent defender fund threshold for small municipalities, sex offender identification procedures, the Office of State Public Defender, microbrewery special-event permits, alternative power sources for nursing facilities, relay attack device penalties, and a capital-case intellectual disability bill. Several of these passed overwhelmingly; some were temporarily returned to the calendar or tabled after passage. A few bills drew more discussion. HB 335 on citizenship verification for public benefits passed 77-17. HB 398, limiting meal reimbursements for state travel to GSA rates with an exception process, passed 62-32 after questions about scope and lodging. HB 906 on presidential preference primary qualification and party rules for unaffiliated voters passed 68-19. HB 897, protecting health data collected by pregnancy centers and imposing fines for unauthorized disclosure, passed 94-0 after an amendment and questions about its application. HB 1107 on intellectual disabilities in capital cases passed 75-11 after amendments informed by disability advocates. HB 1187, allowing Citizens Property Insurance to direct certain emergency assessment overages to the Fortify Homes Program or reserves, passed 87-9. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners passed 95-0. The House also reconsidered and successfully revived HB 225 after suspending the rules, and several bills were returned to the calendar for later consideration, including HB 689 before it was later brought back and passed 84-7 after amendment. The session concluded with notice of additional Senate messages and upcoming floor scheduling.

Transcript Highlights:

• Greg Miller provides relative to assessment payment, collection of ad valorem taxes, collection of delinquent

Bills: HR210 , HR211 , HR212 , HR213 , HR214 , HR215 , HR216 , HR217 , HR196 , HR197 , HR198 , HR199 , HR200 , HR201 , HR203 , HR204 , HR205 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR209 , HCR87 , HCR88 , HCR89 , HCR90 , HR118 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HCR86 , SCR6 , SCR18 , HB79 , HB165 , HB175 , HB198 , HB437 , HB457 , HB488 , HB603 , HB646 , HB763 , HB902 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1089 , HB1099 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231 , HB1245 , HB1246 , HB1247 , HB1248 , HB1249 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , HCR41 , HCR76 , HCR77 , SCR19 , SCR3 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB316 , HB549 , HB578 , HB748 , HB798 , HB824 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1032 , HB1081 , HB1108 , HB1129 , HB1140 , HB1157 , HB1192 , HB1195 , HB1198 , HB1244 , HB167 , HB227 , HB243 , HB321 , HB335 , HB398 , HB492 , HB624 , HB689 , HB708 , HB804 , HB906 , HB926 , HB955 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB985 , HB1005 , HB1029 , HB1069 , HB1077 , HB1095 , HB1104 , HB1107 , HB1187 , HB1203 , HB1217 , HB1220 , SB73 , SB89 , SB128 , SB149 , SB191 , SB196 , SB238 , SB318 , SB340 , SB66 , SB68 , SB76 , SB139 , SB336 , SB475 , HCR32 , HB181 , HB1118 , HB1082 , HB225 , HB864 , HB1166 , HB1189 , HB59 , HB617 , HB897 , HB911 , HB1223 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1113 , HB1180 , HB1234 , HB1240

Summary: The House met on April 27, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of personal privileges recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy Day, Guarantee Corporation’s 100th anniversary, Delta Waterfowl, FFA and 4-H students, St. Bernard Parish Day, the Louisiana Notary Association, and New Orleans Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced several resolutions, including measures on Gulf States renewable energy, asthma and allergy awareness, St. Bernard Parish Day, and other commemorations. The floor then took up a long series of bills and resolutions. Among the notable measures were House Bill 316 on literacy and tutoring, House Bill 578 changing statutory references from gender to sex, House Bill 748 expanding toll exemptions for school board vehicles, House Bill 101 redesignating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, House Bill 1032 cleaning up DWI terminology, House Bill 1081 transferring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, House Bill 1108 creating a homeschool pride prestige plate, House Bill 1129 giving in-state auctioneers preference for selling surplus state property, House Bill 1157 creating a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank, House Bill 1192 creating a dental hygienist prestige plate, House Bill 1195 revising athletic commission rules and NIL-related provisions, House Bill 1198 barring arbitration in child custody and visitation matters, House Bill 181 allowing limited tax-data sharing for Medicaid/SNAP integrity, House Bill 1118 requiring disclosure of hospital ownership by real estate investment trusts, House Bill 1082 changing venue rules in suits involving municipal police employees’ retirement systems, House Bill 225 proposing a lifetime two-term limit for governor, House Bill 864 on municipal fire limits and storage of flammables, House Bill 1189 requiring captain’s licenses for certain freshwater charter guides, and House Bill 549 creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program. Most measures passed, often after brief debate and technical amendments. Several bills were recommitted or returned to the calendar, including House Bill 902, House Bill 1245, and House Bill 1247, while House Bill 225 failed on final passage. The House also considered and passed multiple Senate bills dealing with tax administration, child custody testimony, Supreme Court disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers, civil investigation demands in Medicaid fraud cases, service of process fees and notice, and permanent homestead exemption registration. The session ended with the House in recess after completing its bill agenda for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• proceeds are the remaining funds generated from a foreclosure or tax-defaulted property sale after all delinquent

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills dealing with tax policy, local revenue authority, consumer protections, and incentives for development. AB 1726 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the General Fund and Prop. 98 impact. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768 would authorize Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve local transaction and use taxes to offset projected federal funding cuts affecting health care and safety-net services; it received broad support from health providers and county representatives, opposition from one member and a resident, and passed the committee 5-2 to the Assembly Local Government Committee. The committee also considered AB 1790, which would repeal the Waters Edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations. The author and supporters argued it would close a loophole, raise several billion dollars annually, and help fund schools, Medi-Cal, and other programs; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After extensive testimony and member debate, the bill was referred to suspense. AB 2020 would provide a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069 would create a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects at fairgrounds; both measures had support from sponsors and related organizations, no opposition, and were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705 would regulate third-party “asset finders” who help claim excess proceeds from tax sales by requiring written agreements, disclosure that claims can be filed free with the county, and a cap on fees at 10%. County officials and local government groups supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, while recovery companies and related firms opposed it, arguing the work is complex and the cap would reduce access to services. The committee moved AB 2705 to the Assembly floor on a 4-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for instance, when things happen like CCIDC including hundreds of delinquent members in their active

Transcript Highlights:

• subject to refund, together with interest on the refunded amount at the same rate as the interest for delinquent

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes special immigrant juveniles.
• This includes special immigrant juveniles.
• I want to make sure we understand what special immigrant juvenile status is. It was something Mr.
• Siege, that's what they mean when they say special immigrant juvenile status.
• </c> say special immigrant juvenile status. say special immigrant juvenile status.

Summary: The hearing of the Minnesota Senate Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability focused on federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, especially ICE and CBP operations, and their alleged constitutional and civil-rights impacts. Opening remarks from both parties emphasized the need for calm, cooperation, and public safety, though they sharply differed on the causes of the current situation. Republican members argued that violent criminal undocumented immigrants should be removed and that state and local officials should cooperate with federal authorities. Senator McEwen and other Democrats described the federal presence as abusive and terrorizing, citing deaths, family separations, and community fear, and called for accountability and truth-telling. The chair also held a moment of silence for Renee Mlin Good and Alex Prey before testimony began. Testimony from the ACLU of Minnesota and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota described what they said was a large-scale federal enforcement operation, including Operation Metro Surge, with widespread alleged violations of the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, and other constitutional amendments. Witnesses cited alleged racial profiling, warrantless arrests, excessive force, denial of counsel, detention out of state, and failure to comply with court orders. They referenced specific cases involving Susan Tinure, Abdi Khadir Nure, Victor Manuel Diaz, and others, as well as reports of journalists and community members being threatened or detained while documenting ICE activity. The witnesses also said the federal government’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to know how many people have been detained or deported and argued that the harm extends to both immigrants and citizens. Committee members asked questions about ICE entering homes without judicial warrants, federal claims about constitutional limits, and access to counsel for detainees moved out of state. The witnesses said that out-of-state detention, poor locator systems, paid phone access, and lack of privacy make legal representation difficult or impossible, and that civil-rights remedies often come too late because people are removed before cases are resolved. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee moved from opening statements into testimony and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, so for juveniles, you have to report.
• So we're going to talk this morning about Act 662, which is Louisiana's statewide response to juvenile
• 2022 by the Louisiana legislature, who basically said we have to have a coordinated response to our juvenile
• care coordination, and so what that looks like is every mandated report that comes through DCFS for juvenile

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, GM560, Jeffrey Hicks, Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council.
• Seeing none GM 560 Jeffrey<00:18:47.039><c> Hicks</c><00:18:48.000><c> Juvenile</c><00:18:48.559><c>
• Justice</c><00:18:50.000><c> State</c> Jeffrey Hicks Juvenile Justice State Jeffrey Hicks Juvenile Justice

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on a series of gubernatorial nominations to health, disability, aging, and advisory boards. Early nominees included Pria Tay for the Kauaʻi Service Area Board on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, who emphasized her 25 years in the mental health field and commitment to community access to training and resources, and Ashley Mishihara for the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee, who described her involvement in the Red Hill response and ongoing concern about protecting the sole-source aquifer and ensuring remediation. Christopher Luthie, nominated to the State LGBTQ+ Commission, said he wanted to advocate for LGBTQ+ residents statewide and help improve programs so people are not overlooked, and he received support from commission member Michael Galuyo Jr., who said the commission had lacked a Hawaii County representative since December. The committee also heard from nominees to the Radiologic Technology Board, including David Wodsworth and Reena Shimata. Wodsworth said the board should modernize rules and regulations, while the Department of Health supported him and clarified that the board focuses on policy and procedures rather than direct licensing decisions. Shimata said she wanted to help protect patients, technologists, and the public from radiation exposure, and the Department of Health and several medical professionals supported her, with one witness noting that modern technology reduces dose but competent technologists remain essential to avoid unnecessary exposure. The committee deferred GM712, a nomination not present at the hearing, until Monday, March 9. Additional nominations included Judy Pike for the disability communications/access board, who cited her prior DECAP staff experience and long involvement in disability access work, with strong support from a current board member; Rick Taber for the Policy Advisory Board for Elderly Affairs, who sought a second term and highlighted his committee leadership and long mental health career; Amy Healey Austin for the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, who said she wanted to represent rural health needs and described her leadership roles in West Hawaiʻi health care; and Ed Chevy for DECAB, who stressed the importance of interpreter access and communication access, with support from Christine Pagano. The committee took no final votes in the portion of the hearing provided, and several nominees were told their decisions would be taken up later in the meeting or at the end of the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• quickly mention, particularly with the Department of Corrections and to some effect in the Office of Juvenile
• And we don't talk... ...Office of Juvenile Justice, the cost of medical care.
• those social services with LDH, DCFS, and corrections, to an extent in a smaller way with Office of Juvenile
• We are also coordinating with the Office of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Children and Family

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee began a series of House Appropriations budget hearings focused on the fiscal year 2026-2027 executive budget, the preamble, and the executive department. Staff presented revenue and spending trends showing projected declines in revenues alongside increasing expenditures, with members emphasizing the need for a standstill budget and additional efficiencies. The House Fiscal Division also reviewed the FY25 surplus and FY26 excess, the constitutional uses of surplus funds, and the overall FY27 budget structure, including the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending. The commissioner of administration described the administration’s use of one-time money, efficiency reviews, and budget reductions, while members asked about revenue forecasts, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication, corporate tax changes, and the impact of federal policy changes on state costs, especially SNAP and Medicaid administration. The committee then moved through several executive department agencies. The Division of Administration presentation covered its budget, vacancies, debt service, and reductions tied to statewide adjustments and efficiency measures. GOSEP’s functions were described as transferred into the Department of Military Affairs under Act 262 of 2025, and military officials outlined the new combined structure, emergency response duties, overseas deployments, youth programs, and concerns about future federal funding. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority reviewed its largely dedicated funding and explained that large apparent balances reflect long-term project planning and multi-year capital work. The Office of the State Inspector General presented a budget increase for consulting services tied to the governor’s DOGE-style efficiency initiative, and the inspector general said the effort had identified nearly $1 billion in savings across the executive branch, largely through eligibility reviews in Medicaid and SNAP and implementation of prior audit recommendations. Members raised questions throughout about how budget figures were calculated, why some totals appeared to rise while state general fund support fell, and how federal changes would affect state agencies. There were also questions about the transition of GOSEP into Military Affairs, the status of school safety centers, and whether the new structure would change local emergency responsibilities. No formal votes or amendments were taken during the portion provided; the meeting consisted of presentations, explanations, and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our juvenile court, which right now is not in a place in the building that can maintain the privacy for
• juvenile proceedings, whether they be juvenile justice or dependency, will be in our new courthouse
• down to Los Angeles and had a couple of great tours by Judge Tapia, Fultz, and a mosque, and the juvenile

Transcript Highlights:

• Our juvenile court, which right now is not in a place in the building that can maintain the privacy for
• juvenile proceedings, whether they be juvenile justice or dependency, will be in our new courthouse
• down to Los Angeles and had a couple of great tours by Judge Tapia, Fultz, and a mosque, and the juvenile

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation held a hearing focused first on courthouse facility funding and then on the Governor’s proposed court facilities budget. Legislative Analyst’s Office staff outlined the state’s court-facilities funding structure, including the 2002 shift of trial court facility responsibility from counties to the state, the main funding accounts, the insolvency of the construction fund, the move to General Fund support, the backlog of deferred maintenance, and the large estimated cost of needed new construction and repairs. Judicial Council representatives and judges from Los Angeles and Mendocino described severe seismic, safety, ADA, security, and maintenance problems, with examples of floods, elevator failures, asbestos-related closures, and long-delayed or underfunded projects. They argued that chronic underinvestment is making facilities less safe and more expensive to maintain, and that courthouse conditions directly affect access to justice and public confidence. Committee members pressed witnesses on how projects are prioritized, whether population and filing volume are adequately reflected, why reassessments have not been updated since 2019, how long acquisitions and construction take, and what level of funding would actually close the gap. Members also questioned the fixed county contribution, the use of General Fund backfills, and whether the state should set a clearer long-term funding target for the judicial branch. LAO staff emphasized that any new General Fund commitment would require tradeoffs with other budget priorities and said the Legislature must decide its appetite for funding. Judicial Council staff said the current prioritization was based on the 2019 reassessment and trailer bill language, that a new reassessment would cost about $14 million, and that acquisition delays are often driven by willing-seller issues and CEQA requirements. The chair asked for written testimony and indicated the committee would consider a future field hearing. In the second panel, Judicial Council and Department of Finance representatives reviewed the Governor’s budget proposals for court facilities. They said the proposal includes continued backfill for the State Court Facilities Construction Fund, several new construction and reappropriation items, relocation of Los Angeles courtrooms from the Spring Federal Building, and completion of a fire/life-safety project in Orange County. A court executive from Ventura testified that courthouse conditions affect public trust, employee morale, and the quality of service, citing roof leaks, elevator breakdowns, and HVAC failures as examples of why sustained facilities funding is needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our juvenile court, which right now is not in a place in the building that can maintain privacy for juvenile
• proceedings, whether they be juvenile justice or dependency, will be situated in our new courthouse
• down to Los Angeles and had a couple of great tours by Judge Tapia, Fultz, and a mosque, and the juvenile

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation held a hearing focused on courthouse facility funding and the Governor’s budget proposals for the judicial branch. The Legislative Analyst’s Office outlined the state’s courthouse funding structure, including the Trial Court Facilities Act, the main facility funds, the fixed county facility payment, and the heavy reliance on General Fund backfill. LAO also explained that the state’s construction funds were depleted after large transfers and declining fine-and-fee revenue, leaving a backlog of roughly 80 construction projects and more than 22,000 deferred maintenance projects statewide. Members and witnesses discussed the long timelines for capital projects, the need for reassessments, and the impact of inflation, CEQA, and site acquisition delays. Judicial branch representatives, including Justice Hill, Judge Moorman, and Judge Tapia, testified that courthouses across the state face serious seismic, ADA, security, and maintenance problems. They described cost-cutting efforts in design and construction, but emphasized that many facilities are aging and unsafe, with examples from Los Angeles, Compton, Ukiah, and other courts involving flooding, elevator failures, asbestos issues, and closures that disrupted thousands of cases. Judge Moorman highlighted the Ukiah courthouse replacement as an example of a project that is on time and on budget and would improve access, safety, and community services. Judge Tapia stressed that deferred maintenance in Los Angeles County alone exceeds $1.4 billion and argued that preventive maintenance is fiscally prudent because emergency repairs and closures are more costly. Committee members pressed the panel on how priorities are set, whether caseload and population growth are adequately reflected, how quickly projects can be accelerated, and what level of funding would actually meet statewide needs. The Department of Finance and Judicial Council staff explained that the county contribution is fixed and not inflation-adjusted, that acquisitions require willing sellers and can be delayed by CEQA and market conditions, and that the Judicial Council’s prioritization process was based on 2019 criteria that may need updating. LAO cautioned that any new General Fund commitment would require tradeoffs with other state priorities and suggested the Legislature decide what level of funding it is willing to support. The committee also reviewed the Governor’s budget proposals for courthouse facilities, which include backfill for the construction fund, selected new construction and judgeship-related projects, and major facility modifications such as the Orange County Central Justice Center and relocation of Los Angeles courtrooms from the Spring Federal Building.