Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of any situation like that? I am not aware of any situation like that.
• Are you aware of what I'm talking about?
• It was well aware to me as I drove around downtown.
• Are you aware of that? Oh, yeah.
• You are aware of it, is what you're saying? Okay.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation on LSU Health Care Services Division and Lallie Kemp Medical Center. Staff reviewed HCSD’s roughly $74.7 million budget, much of it tied to legacy obligations for former LSU hospital systems and support for Lallie Kemp. Committee members asked about prisoner care, risk management costs, declining admissions and emergency visits, and the hospital’s 340B drug program. Lallie Kemp officials explained that prisoner care serves multiple state and local facilities, that lower admissions largely reflect more patients being placed in observation status, and that the in-house 340B program provides major savings to patients and the prison system. Members also asked about care for unhoused patients and the hospital’s discharge practices, and the hospital said social services works to find placement when possible. The committee then moved to the Louisiana Department of Health budget, which was presented as just under $23.5 billion, with Medicaid making up more than 90 percent of the total. The presentation covered the Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, and Medicaid. Major items included the new Rural Health Transformation Program, the transfer of several functions from DCFS to LDH under the One Door initiative, changes to SNAP administration, and large Medicaid adjustments driven by enrollment, utilization, and federal policy changes. Testimony also highlighted the statewide crisis hub and 988, the commodity food program for seniors, women’s health and maternal outcomes, and the department’s efforts to modernize technology and reorganize services. Members questioned LDH officials on a wide range of budget and policy issues, including the rural health grant, crisis services, Medicaid redeterminations, provider taxes, physician and hospital supplemental payments, nursing home rates, HCBS funding, and the impact of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. LDH said the rural health grant would support workforce, technology, and care-delivery improvements; that the crisis hub and mobile crisis units are being expanded to improve access and reduce emergency room use; and that the department is working to keep the SNAP error rate below 6 percent to avoid a projected state cost increase. Officials also said they expect to return next year with additional funding requests for HCBS and other programs, while emphasizing that current budget changes are largely meant to realign funding with actual expenditures and new federal requirements. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• To me, it is about awareness and prevention.
• My intent is to bring awareness, prevention.
• It is not so much... ...necessarily to ban it, just to bring awareness. Yes and no.
• So they are aware of it.
• I am not aware of, at least from what I've heard, that there are many deadlocks.

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The Committee on General Laws met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bill 3088, where members discussed concerns raised by hospitals about proposed language changes. The bill sponsor said he was still working with hospitals and would continue to refine the measure, but several members objected to voting before seeing the revised language. HB 3088 was nevertheless voted do pass by an 8-4 vote. The committee then approved House Bill 2749 by an 8-4-1 vote, after which it moved into public hearing. The committee heard House Bill 2844, which would prohibit paraquat use in Missouri and require reporting related to its use. Representative Gallick said the bill was intended to be narrow and focused on paraquat’s toxicity and possible links to Parkinson’s disease. Supporters, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Sierra Club, and others, argued that paraquat is highly toxic, that research links exposure to increased Parkinson’s risk, and that many countries have banned it. Opponents from the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri AgriBusiness Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers, and Missouri Pork Association said paraquat is a restricted-use pesticide already regulated under federal law, is important for weed control and crop production, and that a state ban would set a dangerous precedent and harm farmers. The committee took no final action on HB 2844 during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 1880, which would bar school districts and charter schools from selling beverages with more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per container to students. Representative Reuter said the bill was inspired by students from Seckman High School and cited concerns about adolescent caffeine consumption. Student witnesses described energy drink use at school, health effects such as anxiety, heart racing, dehydration, and sleep disruption, and said the bill would help reduce harmful habits. Several members supported the goal but suggested the threshold might be too high, that private schools receiving state scholarship funds should be included, and that school boards might be a better place to address the issue; others noted the bill lacked an enforcement provision. No vote was taken on HB 1880.

Transcript Highlights:

• To me, it is about awareness and prevention.
• To me, it is about awareness and prevention.
• My intent is to bring awareness, prevention.
• I want to bring awareness.
• So they are aware of it.

Committee: House General Laws

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm well aware that we do have well.
• And I'm well aware that we do have broadband<00:32:34.559><c> well</c><00:32:34.960><c> aware</c><00:
• Um, I was not aware of any of that.
• Um, I was not aware of any of that.
• I was not aware of any of that.

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:32:55.679><c> our</c> question with, as you're aware, our question with, as you're aware, our
• I also have heard not be aware of them.
• Um and I just wanted to aware of them.
• So, I I'm aware of this one situation.
• </c> one cause of action that I'm aware of. one cause of action that I'm aware of.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• sure we got your bill given the timing now, got it in committee and probably out of committee, but be aware
• of committee, committee and probably out of committee, but<00:04:09.840><c> be</c><00:04:09.959><c> aware
• 11.160><c> you</c><00:04:11.280><c> know,</c><00:04:11.400><c> you</c><00:04:11.520><c> just</c> but be aware
• you got you know, you just but be aware you got you know, you just got<00:04:12.040><c> some</c><00:

Bills: HB468 , SB366 , HB468 , HB561 , SB227 , SB32 , HB561 , SB227 , SB32

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: service of process, funding, Marion County, fees, legal documents, firefighters, rights, personnel procedures, state law, public safety, HB468, local commissions, local authorities, municipal planning commission, planning commission, zoning, land use, municipal official, municipal officer, city council

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> aware of the student's condition. aware of the student's condition.
• But again, I think it's the training that's important we're focusing here, awareness, that what happens
• We had everybody aware.
• We had everybody aware. everybody. We had everybody aware.
• ,</c><00:48:42.200><c> does</c><00:48:42.440><c> not</c> far as I am aware, does not far as I am aware

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• call<00:11:39.760><c> or</c><00:11:40.240><c> you</c><00:11:40.360><c> know</c><00:11:40.600><c> awareness
• </c><00:11:41.360><c> briefing</c><00:11:42.360><c> that</c> call or you know awareness briefing that
• call or you know awareness briefing that they<00:11:42.680><c> were</c><00:11:43.079><c> talking</c>
• Jessica Wilcox said the sponsor is aware of the issue and intends to amend the language anyway.
• If you're aware, which I'm sure you are most of the time, people in New Hampshire rent a vehicle because

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, yes, I am very aware of those limitations in the GTcA. Follow up, so Mr.
• Madam President, yes, I am very aware of those limitations in the GTcA. Follow up, so Mr.
• So, I'm well aware of the scheduling... Conflicts, but the 30 minutes is reasonable.
• President, yes, I am very aware of those limitations in the GTCA. Follow-up: So, Mr.
• Are you aware of our constitutional cap?

Bills: SB65 , SB248 , SB330 , SB378 , SB844 , SB1330 , SB1410 , SB1475 , SB1476 , SB1565 , SB1618 , SB1623 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB2084 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB2174 , SB1775 , SB1873 , SB1204 , SB1884 , SB1916 , SB1937 , SB1447 , SB1500 , SB2007 , SB2074 , SB1944 , SB2018 , SB1984 , SB2026 , SB2045 , SB2049 , SB2062 , SB2112 , SB2118 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2135 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• And they become aware of that. And so there's many different types of...
• So, and they become aware of that.
• I'm aware of the opinion that came out yesterday about the executive order.
• The resolution recognizes August 2026 as Amblyopia Awareness Month.
• The resolution recognizes August 2026 as Amliopia Awareness Month.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief introduction of the doctor of the day before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up several claims bills, including SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, which was described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents; the House bill was substituted and passed 34-0. SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence, was also substituted with the House version and passed 35-0. SB 42/HB 47 on specific medical diagnoses and child protective investigations passed 34-0 after supporters said it would require child protection teams to consider certain medical conditions that can mimic abuse. Later, SB 1002 on child welfare passed 37-0 after sponsors said it clarifies that parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow earlier court intervention and services, while not changing parental rights law. The Senate then considered education and health-related measures. SB 206/HB 851 on students with autism spectrum disorder was amended to the House bill and passed 35-0; the sponsor said it expands teacher preparation, requires autism-related training, creates a loan forgiveness program, and adds salary supplements for teachers with autism endorsements. SB 556/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 36-0 and would allow students with disabilities to use Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements, while also fixing a marching band credit issue. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine passed 33-3, reestablishing licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors. SB 878/HB 1347 on clinical laboratory personnel passed 37-0 to address staffing shortages by aligning Florida more closely with federal CLIA standards. SB 914/HB 867 on dry needling by occupational therapists passed 37-0, clarifying authority for that treatment. SB 530 on state lotteries passed 36-0 with updates to operations, security, and retailer rules. SB 964/HB 6011 on financial disclosures and gifts/honoraria passed 36-0 after an amendment restored a percentage-based reporting option. The chamber also approved several government-administration and public-records measures. SB 326/HB 131 on curators of estates passed 36-0, updating probate rules for temporary court-appointed curators. SB 758/HB 625 on the Justice Administrative Commission passed 37-0 after an amendment broadened the judicial member to a judge or senior judge rather than only a circuit judge. SB 830 on public records passed 31-5, creating exemptions for the personal information of county and city managers and certain family members. The Senate also passed SB 21/HB 218 on land use regulations, which preserves hurricane-recovery restrictions in affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties, and the sponsor thanked colleagues for helping address unintended consequences from prior law. SB 354 on Blue Ribbon Projects was debated extensively over concerns about local control, conservation protections, and vague standards; after a late amendment excluding data centers from commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than passed. Finally, SB 1632/HB 1471 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles and domestic terrorist designations drew significant debate over references to Sharia law, religious freedom, notice, and due process; one amendment striking Sharia references failed, and a second amendment with broader revisions was under discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:04:09.480><c> um</c> aware, um aware, um that<00:04:10.320><c> receives</c><00:04:10.680><c> a</
• So, that's the thing that I think the legislature should be aware of.
• So, that's the thing that I think the legislature should be aware of.
• Um you know, when you're going aware of.
• We want to make sure committee is aware.

Bills: HF3564

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this contract is awareness uh... >> So, this contract is an awareness contract to highlight our academics
• So, this contract is awareness...
• I I aware of Kentucky State University.
• ><c> of</c><00:36:36.720><c> Kentucky</c> and their awareness of Kentucky and their awareness of Kentucky
• is um good awareness in in the<00:37:58.800><c> area.

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Are you aware of that? Are you aware of that?
• Am I aware of how much it cost? How much child care costs? Uh, yes, I am aware.
• </c> aware of of how much it cost? aware of of how much it cost?
• >> Not that I'm aware of. >> Thank you.
• Are you aware of any negative reporting regarding this staffing change? >> Not that I'm aware of.

Committee: House Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Director Johnson: I'm not aware at this point. I do not know that detail.
• Director Johnson: I'm not aware at this point. I do not know that detail.
• As I'm aware, there are approximately 18 states that have similar purple paint trespassing laws.
• As I'm aware, there are approximately 18 states that have similar purple paint trespassing laws.
• That's a good bill. land owners in the public to be aware of land owners in the public to be aware of

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I was unaware of this issue, but having individuals that are aware and close to these issues and
• :02:57.840><c> individuals</c><00:02:58.480><c> that</c><00:02:58.720><c> are</c><00:02:58.880><c> aware
• </c><00:02:59.200><c> and</c> having individuals that are aware and having individuals that are aware

Summary: The committee heard House File 3532, authored by Rep. Olson, which would adjust eligibility for burial in Minnesota state cemeteries. Olson explained that current law generally requires 181 days of active military service, and argued that this excludes many long-serving National Guard, Air Guard, and Reserve members who may not have had uninterrupted active-duty time despite years of service. The bill would allow burial eligibility for individuals who complete an entire contract with an honorable discharge, or who die while serving. Members spoke in support, saying Guard and Reserve service should be recognized regardless of whether members were called up for active duty and that their assigned status should not affect burial rights or benefits. One member also praised the bill as an example of representative democracy and thanked Olson for bringing forward an issue close to affected service members. The committee then voted to recommend House File 3532 be placed on the general register. The motion passed by voice vote with no opposition noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 8692, concerning Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The Secretary will read.
• May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and obviously since we're not here and hopefully won't be here in
• This is an ongoing awareness for people when they're on the road to be aware of motorcycles, to take

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 8692, concerning Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week/Month. The Secretary will read.
• May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and although we're not here and hopefully won't be here in May, we
• This is an ongoing awareness reminder for people when they're on the road to be aware of motorcycles,

Summary: The Senate approved the previous day’s Journal and referred committee reports and newly introduced measures as designated. Among the introductions, Senate Bill 6354 was read and sent to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8692, recognizing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week/Month, was adopted after remarks emphasizing motorcycle safety, the charitable work of riders, and the need for drivers to watch for motorcycles and use caution. Senate Resolution 8675, recognizing the shared democratic values of Washington State and Ukraine, was also adopted. Supportive remarks highlighted Ukraine’s endurance, the impact of the war on civilians and soldiers, and solidarity with Ukrainian Americans and the people of Ukraine. After adopting the Ukraine resolution, the Senate welcomed members and representatives of the United Ukrainian community in the gallery. The session then adjourned without objection until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please be aware that violations of these rules may subject you to removal or other enforcement action
• Please be aware that violations of these rules may subject you to removal or other enforcement action
• I reached out to several individuals in law enforcement and prosecutors, and I'm not aware of prosecutions
• Prosecutors, and I'm not aware of prosecutions from people obtaining this.

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety met to consider two bills, both on concurrence in Senate amendments. Assembly Bill 486 by Assembly Member Lackey would add key programming devices and key duplication devices to the list of burglary tools, with the author and the California Police Chiefs Association arguing these electronic devices are increasingly used in auto theft and related crimes and that the bill appropriately requires felonious intent. Support also came from the California State Sheriffs’ Association, the City of Thousand Oaks, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and the Riverside Sheriff’s Association/California Narcotics Officers Association; there was no opposition. The committee voted to concur in the Senate amendments. Assembly Bill 1152 by Assembly Member Patterson would exempt prescriptions for human chorionic gonadotropin, a fertility-related medication, from reporting to the Department of Justice, with the author saying the current controlled-substance reporting requirement is unnecessary and raises privacy concerns for Californians undergoing fertility treatment. No support or opposition testimony was offered. The committee voted to concur in the Senate amendments. After the votes were taken, the chair noted the committee might return later for another bill, Assembly Bill 1127 by Assembly Member Gabriel, pending transmission from the Senate. The meeting then adjourned after all measures were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 85 by Senator Umberg, relative to Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.
• support of SR 85, which recognizes the week of March 8, 2026, to March 14, 2026, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness
• Awareness, education, and continued research are critical to improving the quality of life for those
• Therefore, SR 85 proclaims the week as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week to educate and spread awareness
• large impact that MS has on a sizable portion of our state and country's population and to spread awareness

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including representatives of the National Council of Negro Women, students from Santa Clarita Christian School, and the Coachella Valley High School girls soccer team. The chamber then moved to confirmations and resolutions. Andy Nakahata was confirmed as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank by a 32-0 vote, Richard Stein was confirmed to the California Arts Council by a 33-0 vote, and Nick Hardiman was confirmed to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors by a 33-0 vote. The Senate adopted SCR 127, recognizing December as Multi-Faith Heritage Month, by unanimous roll call. Members also adopted SCR 110, designating March 16–22, 2026 as Women’s Military History Week, after remarks highlighting women veterans and military leaders, and SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with several senators speaking in support of Ginsburg’s legacy and the importance of women’s equality. SR 85, recognizing March 8–14, 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, was also adopted unanimously. The Senate then approved the special consent calendar, including Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 127, 128, 132, and 134, by a 33-0 vote. Committee announcements followed, with several budget subcommittees and the Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry announcing upcoming meetings. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. William Ma, offered by Senator Wiener, and the Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I raised my children in the 1950s and '60s, I felt I was aware of what their lives also might be
• House Resolution 89 by Assembly Member Patterson relative to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
• Members, today I rise to present H.R. 89 to recognize March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
• some colleagues soon here, is that it is happening younger and younger, and people need to be made aware
• Not mine, but, you know, just to bring some awareness.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, suspension of certain rules for guest introductions, and moving AB 568 to the inactive file. The chamber then recognized several visiting groups, including a fourth-grade class from Marigold Elementary School, representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and its Royal Court, and students from the University of California Students Association on lobby day. The main floor actions centered on two resolutions. ACR 147 by Assembly Member Lackey designated March 9, 2026 as California Special Olympics Day. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, sharing personal connections to Special Olympics and praising its impact on athletes, families, and volunteers. The resolution received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 89 by Assembly Member Patterson declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Speakers emphasized rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the importance of screening, and new testing options including blood tests. The resolution also received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. After the resolutions, Assembly Member Rodriguez offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Yuloa of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee and floor session dates and adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 9 a.m.