Transcript Highlights:

• First, as an attorney who has sat as counsel in the California Voting Rights Act trials.
• intervene in the city's ongoing litigation relating to the CVRA and would force the city to implement the trial
• So, had AB 1079 been in effect when the trial court made this decision, the city would have had to make
• Among other things, the trial court ordered the city to scrap its 73-year-old at-large system to adopt

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• COMPETENCY RESTORATION JUST PREPARES SOMEBODY FOR TRIAL.
• HUNDREDS OF DAYS ISOLATED IN A COUNTY JAIL WAITING FOR A JUDGE TO DETERMINE HE WAS INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL
• AND THAT'S SOMETHING THEY, SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TO PROVE AT TRIAL. THEY WOULD SAY YES, I DID IT.
• FAMILY ACCEPTANCE, HAVING PROBLEMS AT HOME AND THIS IS THE REASON, DO THEY HAVE TO PROVE THAT THE TRIAL

Transcript Highlights:

• But they just took it to trial because someone told them that it had to reach that height, so they went
• to trial and...
• That height, so they went to trial and now they're doing 40 to life.
• Once you go to trial, it's fact-specific.

Bills: HB105 , HB296 , HB15 , HB264 , HB34 , HB304 , HB146 , HB26 , HB15 , HB34 , HB26

Committee: House Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: law enforcement, retirement benefits, Alabama Peace Officers, agency-issued badge, agency-issued pistol, resisting arrest, custody, public safety, Alabama law, traffic infractions, traffic ticket, disposition, criminal contempt, vessel registration, boating fees, state funds, regulatory changes, water safety, compliance, false information

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a facility used to evaluate persons with intellectual disabilities who may need to stand trial
• We expect the... ...who may need to stand trial for possible criminal acts.
• This is a facility used to evaluate persons with intellectual disabilities who may need to stand trial
• We expect the who may need to stand trial for possible criminal acts.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee heard three informational presentations. First, Lieutenant Rob Rowe of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed derelict vessel removal, explaining the legal definition of derelict and at-risk vessels, the causes of vessel abandonment, and the impact of recent hurricanes on the number of cases. He said FWC has nearly 1,000 active derelict vessel cases, with 576 ready for removal, and described the agency’s use of ARPA funds, grants to local governments, contractor lists, and the V-TIP vessel turn-in program to speed removals and prevent vessels from becoming derelict. Senators asked about how to expedite removals, insurance coverage, due process timelines, and storage challenges; Rowe said the 21-day process is constrained by constitutional due process and that more staffing and prevention funding would help. Next, Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services presented on the My Safe Florida Home program, which provides grants for homeowners to harden homes before storms. He reviewed program eligibility, grant types, reimbursement averages, and performance data, and said the program has received $633 million in appropriations overall. He noted that the program is outsourced to private vendors, has low administrative overhead, and has processed large numbers of inspections and reimbursements. Senators questioned contractor requirements, permits, overhead costs, and whether the program should be brought in-house; Fielder said permits are required before reimbursement, contractor licensing is verified, and the department is considering several administrative clarifications, including townhome roof work, inspection expiration, and whether grants should be limited per person or per home. A retired educator also testified in support of more assistance for homeowners facing insurance problems. Finally, Tom Berger of the Department of Management Services outlined the Florida Facilities Pool and the state’s real estate development and management work. He described the bonded facility program, the state’s 112 managed facilities, lease administration, parking contracts, maintenance operations, and more than $1 billion in active construction projects. He highlighted major projects such as the Emergency Operations Center, Capitol complex upgrades, a new visitor screening center, and facilities for other agencies including veterans’ services, juvenile justice, and the courts. Senators asked about lease terms, appropriation language, vacancy in leased space, and whether the state uses a uniform lease form; Berger said the lease document is standardized and that agencies determine their space needs. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, he terminated people who were running clinical trials at NIH and clinical trials on things
• </c><07:57:08.718><c> at</c> running clinical trials at running clinical trials at NIH<07:57:10.798><
• ><c> things</c><07:57:12.478><c> like</c> NIH and clinical trials on things like NIH and clinical trials
• And the idea was to trial in measles.
• </c> made to shut down these clinical trials. made to shut down these clinical trials.

Bills: HR36 , HR530 , HB1800 , HB2416 , HR1316 , HB1724 , HB1540 , HB1486 , HB1512 , HB1503 , HB1912

Keywords: federal programs, government efficiency, budget cuts, committee, oversight, rules resolution, House Rules Committee, procedural rule, floor procedure, appropriations, military construction, Veterans Affairs, VA funding, fiscal year 2026, immigration enforcement, special interest aliens, DHS reporting, monthly report, inadmissible, deportable

Transcript Highlights:

• The two statutes that issue the assessor's data statute and the Data Practices Act and the tax trial
• </c><01:04:32.760><c> statute</c> Practices Act and the tax trial statute Practices Act and the tax trial
• The witness said it happens in trial, and not just trials, but also in every property tax proceeding
• It's not in a public property tax trial, but it is in the possession of another property taxpayer.
• It's not in a public property tax trial, but it is in the possession of another property taxpayer.

Bills: HF2233 , HF1524 , HF1893 , HF1396 , HF2456 , HF2959 , HF2300 , HF2412 , HF3022 , HF2825 , HF1862 , HF1373 , HF1039 , HF3070

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so we wanted to go with the language that I actually worked out with Missouri trial attorneys.
• ...wanted to go with the language that I actually worked out with Missouri trial attorneys.
• I brought this bill to the attention of the Missouri trial attorneys and asked for some input, and that

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The Committee on Legislative Review met in executive session and voted House Bill 2408 due pass by an 8-0 roll call. It then considered House Bill 3092, where a House Committee amendment was adopted and rolled into a House Committee substitute despite objections that the amendment had not received a public hearing and would repeal significant insurance-related provisions. The substitute for HB 3092 was then approved 6-3. The committee also adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute for House Bill 3004, which passed unanimously 9-0. In open hearing, Representative Hausman presented House Bill 3090 as a transparency measure requiring the state treasurer to report annually on special treasury funds that have had no spending for five years and whether those funds were moved to general revenue. She said the bill would help lawmakers identify inactive accounts and unused money. Members asked how the reporting would work, what funds might be affected, and whether the bill would move unused balances into GR after five years; the sponsor said it would. No witnesses testified for or against, and the hearing closed. The committee then heard House Bill 3205 from Representative Castile, which would regulate third-party litigation funding, require disclosure of outside and foreign-linked funders, restrict funding from foreign adversaries, and give enforcement authority to the Attorney General. Members questioned the bill’s scope, including whether the foreign-terrorist language could be read too broadly and how liability and funding-risk provisions would work. Testimony in support came from Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Insurance Coalition/Missouri Civil Justice Coalition, and medical associations, all arguing that litigation funding can distort lawsuits, hide outside influence, and expose businesses and plaintiffs to abusive or foreign-backed financing. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I also expect that if something like this were actually going to trial, there’d be some latitude
• But I also expect that if something like this were actually going to trial, there'd be some latitude.
• that if something like this were actually going to trial, there'd be some latitude in the sentencing

Bills: HB3765 , HB4324 , HB3678 , HB4170 , HB3495 , HB3040 , HB3062 , HB4140 , HB4106 , HB4109 , HB4104 , HB3581

Committee: House Criminal Judiciary

Summary: The committee considered a series of criminal justice bills, many of them focused on penalties for theft, public safety, and offenses involving foreign ownership or riot-related conduct. House Bill 3765, as amended, increased the punishment from two to five years for certain felony conduct involving unlawfully acquired foreign land ownership, and was reported do pass. House Bill 4324, a prosecutor-initiated resentencing bill, was also reported do pass after brief explanation and no opposition. Other bills approved included HB 3678, expanding the definition of public officials to cover municipal and public school board members for purposes of harassment/intimidation protections; HB 417, increasing penalties for theft causing environmental damage from crude oil or gasoline; HB 3495, criminalizing straw purchases of land for foreign nationals; HB 3040, expanding “zone of safety” protections for children by adding places like skating rinks, youth recreation centers, pools, arcades, amusement parks, and water parks; HB 362, extending firearm-carry authority to retired municipal judges; HB 4140, creating a uniform felony penalty for firearm theft and possession of stolen firearms; HB 4106, lowering the grand larceny threshold to $900 and adding penalties for repeat petty larceny; HB 4109, creating a duty to report certain crime-related evidence and circumstances at hospitals and other facilities; and HB 4104, restructuring peeping-tom/voyeurism offenses and sex-offender registration consequences. Several of these bills were amended before passage, including HB 4106 and HB 4104, and HB 3581 was taken up later with a committee substitute and amendment before discussion of its riot-related provisions. The committee also laid over HB 3497 and HB 4142, and adjourned after reporting the remaining bills out with mostly unanimous or near-unanimous votes, typically do pass or do pass as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• now via the Trademark<00:43:18.640><c> Office</c><00:43:19.000><c> Trademark</c><00:43:19.480><c> Trial
• </c><00:43:19.800><c> and</c> Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and
• </c><00:43:26.200><c> and</c> A decision at the Trademark Trial and A decision at the Trademark Trial
• Sparks said the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decision is expected in approximately July 2026.
• </c> currently in that Trademark and Trial currently in that Trademark and Trial Appeal<00:48:29.840>

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• this by other colleagues in their questions to you, but he was thinking specifically: if you're on trial
• I can tell you I've tried many violent people in trials, gotten them convicted, had some sometimes that
• </c> tried many violent people uh in Trials tried many violent people uh in Trials gotten<00:28:56.799
• He added that he was talking about abusers—people who are in the middle of a trial and would do this
• that an abuser middle of a s any trial that an abuser would<00:31:29.720><c> do</c><00:31:29.919><c>

Summary: The committee heard extended debate on a bill requiring cooperation with ICE and reporting related to undocumented people in certain criminal contexts. Representative Rymer argued the measure was meant to align with federal priorities focused on violent offenders and to ensure local governments respond to federal inquiries, not proactively target immigrants. He also said the bill was intended to address serious crimes and protect victims, citing examples of violent offenders and trafficking-related cases. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s language was broader than described and could affect family court matters, health care, elder care, and routine interactions with government agencies. Testifiers and members warned it could be used as leverage against undocumented people in custody, child support, domestic violence, and labor exploitation situations, and could discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help. The sheriff’s association and county attorneys’ association letters were cited as raising due process, equal protection, civil rights, and public safety concerns. The discussion also focused on the bill’s definitions and mechanics, especially whether section three would require reporting after arrests that do not lead to charges and how county attorneys would know when to report. Representative Pinto pressed on the bill’s reference to “violent crime” and whether drug possession could be swept in, while Rymer argued the bill was narrower than critics suggested. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the exchange remained at the discussion and questioning stage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I'm the wrong Senator if you wanted me to justify the actions of trial lawyers.
• And look, I do agree it's probably bad for trial lawyers, but the fact of the matter is it's not bad
• Probably not a good bill for the trial lawyers, but I've never tried to represent trial lawyers.
• I'm not up here for the trial lawyers.

Bills: SR145 , SR146 , SR147 , SR148 , SCR78 , SCR12 , HB302 , HB221 , HCR58 , HB59 , HB89 , HB153 , HB243 , HB335 , HB342 , HB350 , HB407 , HB451 , HB513 , HB595 , HB682 , HB688 , HB690 , HB730 , HB762 , HB802 , HB816 , HB940 , HB944 , HB1003 , HB1011 , HB1029 , HB1053 , HB1058 , HB1062 , HB1064 , HB1079 , HB1084 , HB1098 , HB1161 , HB1189 , HB1203 , HB1215 , HB1247 , HB1248 , HB1251 , HB1253 , HB1257 , HB1258 , SCR3 , SB393 , SB401 , SB415 , SB426 , SB435 , SB487 , SB488 , SB523 , SB56 , SB163 , SB341 , SB504 , SB322 , SR125 , SCR54 , SCR59 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR72 , HCR5 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR62 , HCR64 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR86 , HCR97 , HCR102 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HCR3 , HB1095 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1129 , HB1154 , HB1166 , HB1195 , HB1230 , HB316 , HB511 , HB799 , HB1039 , HB12 , HB66 , HB145 , HB167 , HB196 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB256 , HB291 , HB326 , HB352 , HB401 , HB430 , HB433 , HB434 , HB448 , HB456 , HB476 , HB481 , HB487 , HB492 , HB549 , HB579 , HB608 , HB621 , HB624 , HB626 , HB632 , HB637 , HB656 , HB722 , HB745 , HB804 , HB818 , HB821 , HB833 , HB864 , HB867 , HB874 , HB893 , HB909 , HB951 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB979 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1005 , HB1007 , HB1024 , HB1032 , HB1038 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1059 , HB1077 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1108 , HB1112 , HB1153 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1175 , HB1192 , HB1193 , HB1204 , HB1218 , HB1242 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB1 , HB2 , HB3 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB330 , HB383 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1017 , HB1126 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB17 , HB27 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB308 , HB310 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB403 , HB571 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB740 , HB750 , HB759 , HB812 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1018 , HB1036 , HB1107 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB78 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB441 , SB449 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB149

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, received a Memorial Day guest minister introduction and prayer, and then moved through journal and legislative bureau matters. The chamber adopted or advanced several Senate resolutions, including SR 149 directing DOTD to study hazards from increased Norfolk Southern rail activity at the Alabo Street Wharf, SR 153 commending a Miss St. Tammany Parish Fair Queen, SR 154 asking LDH to study the in-home skilled nursing market, and SR 145 recreating the task force on protecting Louisiana critical infrastructure from foreign adversaries. It also adopted SCR 78 designating Bonfuca Museum and Research Center Day at the Capitol, and later adopted SCR 54 and SCR 59 memorializing Congress on the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission and Comite River Diversion Canal flood-risk map review, respectively. The Senate also considered a large number of House bills and Senate bills on concurrence or final passage, with most passing overwhelmingly. Topics included education and school policy, health care, criminal justice, natural resources, transportation, insurance, and local government. Among the measures discussed were bills on adolescent literacy, vocational training in graduation plans, special education due process, school crisis plans, autism therapy accommodations during the school day, Medicaid dental coverage, workers’ compensation procedures, prior authorization for certain generic drugs, boiler inspection authority, money transmission licensing, and alternative power sources for nursing facilities. Several bills drew brief explanations from sponsors about technical corrections or policy clarifications, while a few were returned to the calendar or recommitted to committee. A few measures prompted more substantial debate. Senate Bill 456 on workers’ compensation generated extended discussion over whether employers should be allowed to file actions to investigate questionable claims without first cutting off benefits; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, while opponents argued it would increase litigation and disadvantage injured workers. The bill ultimately passed 20-17. Senate Bill 401 on the Prescription Drug Affordability Board had House amendments rejected, and Senate Bill 487 on charitable gaming premises rental agreements also had House amendments rejected. Other bills, including SB 393, SB 415, SB 426, SB 435, SB 488, SB 523, and SB 163, had House amendments concurred in, while HB 1095, HB 1103, HB 1129, HB 1166, HB 1195, HB 220, HB 316, HB 511, HB 799, HB 12, HB 66, HB 145, HB 167, HB 196, HB 213, HB 218, HB 222, HB 256, HB 291, HB 326, HB 352, HB 430, HB 433, HB 434, HB 448, HB 456, and HB 1039 were among the House bills finally passed, many by wide margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• those misdemeanor cases and allow the district courts, with the two judgeships, to focus on jury trials
• and things of that nature. ...the district courts, with the two judgeships, to focus on jury trials
• we're just trying to get some framework with monitoring devices in between being arrested and going to trial
• to ensure that the defendant appears in court for scheduled hearings while remaining free ahead of trial
• This is so people can get out before their trial and work and be with their families or be in the community

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Summary: The Senate Committee on Judiciary B met on May 14, established a quorum, approved the May 5 minutes, and then took up a long agenda of bills and resolutions. The committee first heard House Bill 1252, which would expand and modernize local court jurisdiction in Avoyelles Parish by enlarging the Marksville and Bunkie city courts, adding small claims, misdemeanor, juvenile, and civil jurisdiction, and allowing online payments and virtual appearances. Supporters said it would keep justice local and reduce pressure on district court, while opponents urged more study and warned about impacts on existing courts and funding. The committee adopted Amendment Set 3835 and reported HB 1252 with amendments. It also reported HB 167, requiring state prisons to provide release documentation to inmates; HB 1038, after amendments and continued negotiation with marshals and constables; HB 1077, allowing microbreweries to sell at certain special events; HB 1204, changing administration of the Back on Track Youth Pilot Program to the Office of Juvenile Justice; HB 492, placing the Governor’s Impaired Driving Task Force into statute; HB 175, dedicating $500,000 in lottery proceeds annually to a veterans service grant fund; HCR 41, directing ATC to allow electronic beer rebates; HB 833, creating a Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force; HB 656, creating a pilot program for inmate-administered services; HB 978, raising the population threshold for mayor’s courts to remit indigent defender fees; and HB 969, updating and expanding the crime victim compensation program. The committee also approved HB 985, which adds QR codes to sex offender identification cards, after adopting Amendment Set 3861, and HB 579, updating the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act, after adopting Amendment Set 3830. Several bills drew notable opposition or requests for further work. HB 968, which creates a framework for electronic monitoring providers to notify courts before removing ankle monitors for nonpayment, drew objections from the ACLU and a vendor representative who argued it would turn criminal courts into debt-collection forums and could lead to jail for inability to pay; the author said the bill was intended as a public-safety framework, not debt collection. Despite those concerns, the committee reported HB 968 favorably and agreed to move a 10-day-to-15-day notice change on the floor. HB 525, requiring DOC to publish more incarceration data, especially from local facilities, was opposed by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, which said the bill would impose substantial new reporting burdens; DOC said it was already posting most of the data and would continue updating it. The committee ultimately deferred HB 525, with members encouraging further work. HB 1005, a cleanup-and-restructuring bill for the Office of the State Public Defender, was reported favorably after the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about substantive changes, including removal of board approval for the state public defender and changes to district defender protections; Vice Chair Harris said he would work with stakeholders on those issues. HB 1029, a local alcohol-permit moratorium bill for House District 3, was voluntarily deferred to next week so the author could address concerns about the length of the moratorium. The meeting ended after all scheduled business was completed, with the committee agreeing to revisit the deferred items later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, we have the Fourth District deputy trial court administrator, Imelda Lopez.
• And then secondly, you'll hear from the Third District deputy trial court administrator, Chris Paulson
• Chairman, members of the committee, my name is Imelda Lopez and I'm the Fourth District deputy trial
• I'm the Deputy Trial Court Administrator in the Third Judicial District.
• Only 4% of the 4,175 family law cases filed in fiscal year 2025 went all the way to trial.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe the trial date is set for September right now to present that to the judge.
• Typically, you know, I like to trial things out in a small case to see how it works, work through some
• option that we are utilizing in filing litigation in local district court, I believe it's just a judge trial
• option that we are utilizing in filing litigation in local district court, I believe it's just a judge trial
• It's a judge trial, and there's evidence, and it's a typical litigation process.

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the scenario in our jurisdiction came up at trial.
• Because it's actually at some point a due process right for the defendant regarding speedy trial issues
• I don't... in those cases people are sitting in jail for 3 and 4 years waiting for trial, which is wrong
• Daveon confessed Diana Warden: to the crimes but was found incompetent to stand trial.
• He was released in early March of this year, and because he never stood trial, all his charges were dismissed

Bills: HB33 , HB45 , HB48 , HB 1261 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB2596 , HB5238 , SB2969 , HB45 , HB48

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• committee sub that was adopted that you have before you simply made one sentence change, working with the Trial
• committee sub that was adopted that you have before you simply made one sentence change, working with the Trial
• > uh</c><00:05:16.680><c> uh</c><00:05:17.000><c> the</c><00:05:17.520><c> uh</c><00:05:18.280><c> Trial
• </c> change working with uh uh the uh Trial change working with uh uh the uh Trial Bar<00:05:19.720><

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 24, a measure aimed at combating property and casualty insurance fraud. Senator Girdler and witnesses from the Insurance Institute of Kentucky and the National Insurance Crime Bureau said the bill would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover statements that misrepresent the scope of property damage or repair costs, with the goal of addressing inflated storm-damage claims and out-of-state bad actors. Members discussed whether existing prosecutors were already handling these cases, the role of Commonwealth’s attorneys versus the Attorney General, and the need to keep the bill narrowly tailored to criminal intent rather than negligence or ordinary disputes over value. The committee substitute was adopted, the bill received favorable expression, and a title amendment was also adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 18, which would address a shortage of insurance options for automobile dealers by allowing nonadmitted carriers to provide garage liability coverage in Kentucky. Testimony from an insurance agent and a legislative agent for Big I Kentucky described a shrinking market in which some small dealers cannot find coverage at all, risking closure. Members asked about the meaning of garage liability, consumer protections, solvency concerns, and whether more competition could lower prices; witnesses said surplus lines carriers already operate in Kentucky, agents play an important vetting role, and errors-and-omissions coverage would apply to the agent. The bill was supported as a way to preserve dealer businesses and expand coverage options, and it passed the committee with favorable expression after roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• It can take a year, 18 months, before these cases go to trial.
• Then the trials begin. There is a criminal justice process.
• But what about after a trial? What if the defendant is convicted but then appeals?
• Well, good practice would be that we maintain that evidence in case that the trial goes back and has
• Good practice would be that we maintain that evidence in case that the trial goes back and has to do

Summary: The Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee met to hear a panel on the prosecution and enforcement of illegal gaming in Florida. The chair opened with a video showing seized machines at a Florida Gaming Control Commission warehouse and described the scale of illegal operations. Panelists included the commission’s executive director, local sheriffs and police officials, and state attorneys from several counties, who described widespread illegal slot-machine locations, often in strip malls or convenience-store-type settings, and said the machines are typically used in organized criminal activity rather than legitimate amusement gaming. Witnesses repeatedly said the current penalty structure is ineffective because possession and operation of illegal slot machines are generally second-degree misdemeanors, which they described as too minor to deter operators who can quickly reopen after paying fines or completing diversion. They said enforcement is resource-intensive, requiring undercover work, search warrants, machine seizure, storage, forensic review, and long prosecutions, often while the same operators reopen elsewhere. Several panelists cited associated crimes such as robberies, firearms offenses, prostitution, drug activity, human trafficking, and at least some homicides tied to illegal gaming locations. Members also asked about the difference between legal amusement devices and illegal slot machines, online gambling, illegal horse racing, local licensing and ordinances, and whether manufacturers or distributors could be pursued. The commission and prosecutors said legal slot machines are limited to specific regulated locations and that lawful amusement machines lack a material element of chance. They said many illegal machines are imported or reworked versions of gaming devices and that upstream accountability is difficult under current law. Panelists also discussed cooperation with licensed casinos, tribal gaming entities, and local governments, noting that some local ordinances have tried to permit or limit these businesses. The main policy takeaway from the panel was a call to increase penalties, likely to felony-level offenses, and to consider stronger forfeiture and enforcement tools. No vote or formal action was taken at the meeting, and the chair adjourned after thanking the panelists.

Transcript Highlights:

• All of the trial courts are now on one case management system.
• It's called Full Court Enterprise and it's used in every trial judicial branch trial court in the state
• It's called Full Court Enterprise and it's used in every trial judicial branch trial court in the state
• in every trial judicial branch trial<00:08:48.720><c> court</c><00:08:48.959><c> in</c><00:08:49.120
• Um, and then trial court in the state.

Committee: Joint Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Lewis for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, an employee of the Trial Court
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, an employee of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth

Summary: The Senate took up several committee reports and local bills, with repeated motions to suspend the rules so matters could be considered immediately. The Committee on the Judiciary reported ought to pass on a bill establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, a Trial Court employee, and the Senate ordered it to a third reading and then passed it to be engrossed. The Committee on Public Service similarly reported ought to pass on a sick leave bank bill for Irene O’Rourke, an employee of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and that bill was also advanced to a third reading. The chamber also acted on local legislation, including House No. 4004 validating the results of a special election in Hardwick, which was read a third time and passed to be engrossed after a title change by the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. Another local bill, House No. 801 concerning Cheshire’s special election, was passed to be enacted and sent to the Governor. In addition, the Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 on several House and Senate petitions so they could be referred to the appropriate committees, including a House petition on applied behavioral analysis reimbursement rates that was referred to the Committee on Health Care Financing. At the end of the session, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn and to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m., with the clerk directed to dispense with printing a calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 233 by Representative DeWitt, compensation for jurors, jury service, and criminal trials,
• Well, in no court in Louisiana do we impose the sentence before trial?
• Well, in no court in Louisiana do we impose the sentence before trial?
• Senate Bill 81 by Senator Morris, Code of Criminal Procedure, rights to waive trial by jury, provides
• cases, and prosecutors' consent to waive jury trial.

Bills: HR58 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HCR32 , HB43 , HB447 , HB573 , HB1000 , HB1001 , HB1002 , HB1003 , HB1004 , HB1005 , HR46 , HR48 , HR50 , HR51 , HR52 , HR53 , HR54 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HCR31 , HB20 , HB21 , HB166 , HB494 , HB710 , HB795 , HB985 , HB986 , HB987 , HB988 , HB989 , HB990 , HB991 , HB992 , HB993 , HB994 , HB995 , HB996 , HB997 , HB998 , SB128 , SB149 , SB174 , SB191 , SB205 , SB213 , SB218 , SB220 , SB229 , SB238 , SB243 , SB375 , SB379 , HB8 , HB9 , HB10 , HB15 , HB16 , HB17 , HB18 , HB19 , HB22 , HB33 , HB34 , HB35 , HB44 , HB46 , HB47 , HB48 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB135 , HB142 , HB164 , HB185 , HB215 , HB226 , HB232 , HB233 , HB242 , HB284 , HB292 , HB297 , HB301 , HB334 , HB436 , HB468 , HB548 , HB571 , HB582 , HB593 , HB594 , HB609 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB781 , HB827 , HB845 , HB848 , HB921 , HB923 , HB951 , HB953 , HB999 , HB129 , HB130 , HB287 , HB489 , HB545 , HB553 , HB555 , HB570 , HB854 , HB952 , HB28 , HB36 , HB50 , HB52 , HB56 , HB62 , HB68 , HB92 , HB110 , HB117 , HB119 , HB124 , HB140 , HB147 , HB171 , HB182 , HB193 , HB196 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB351 , HB400 , HB413 , HB469 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB149 , HB733 , HB875 , HB868 , HB901

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened in prayer, and received official notice from the Secretary of State certifying Dana Henry and Paul Sawyer to fill vacancies in the chamber. Both members were sworn in. The House also received Senate messages on several concurrent resolutions and a large slate of Senate bills, and it adopted a number of House resolutions recognizing groups and individuals, including agriculture, athletic trainers, GoFar Louisiana, homeschooling families, veterans, and several community honorees. Committee reports and bill referrals were also announced throughout the morning hour. A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to floor action on House bills, many of them memorial highway designations and policy measures. The House gave final passage to bills naming roadways and bridges for Officer Trevor Abney, Dr. Harry Blake Sr., Virginia Green Evans, and American Legion Post No. 14, and it also passed bills extending Tax Commission assessment fees, creating a transfer-on-death securities registration act, increasing lender origination fees, expanding assessor certification committee membership, and strengthening protections for eligible adults against financial exploitation. Other bills passed included measures on teacher certification appeals, removing Evangeline Parish from a juvenile justice district, re-creating the Department of Education, and repealing a $25 impaired-driving fine. Most of these bills passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The most extensive debate centered on House Bill 68, which would create a new offense for disturbing worship services and impose a mandatory 30-day jail term for certain misdemeanor conduct, with higher penalties for related offenses. Supporters argued the bill was intended to deter disruptions and reduce the risk of escalation in houses of worship, citing heightened security concerns and incidents in churches nationwide. Opponents questioned the bill’s vagueness, the mandatory minimum sentence, the distinction between misdemeanor and felony treatment, and whether existing law already covered the conduct. The bill remained under discussion as members continued to raise constitutional, enforcement, and policy concerns.