Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1201 by Representative Ilg is an act to amend Titles 24 and 36 relative to compensation of
• The patient compensation fund, which protects our doctors in the state, has over a billion dollars in
• Okay. ...compensation fund sitting on over a billion dollars in assets, okay.
• This is the investment income the Patient Compensation Fund makes.
• This is a revenue machine for the Patient Compensation Fund.

Bills: SR116, SR117, SR118, SR119, SCR68, SCR69, SCR12, HB682, HB766, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB824, HB926, HB1186, HB1201, HB1223, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1258, HB221, HCR53, HCR62, HCR72, HCR58, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1194, HB1198, HB1246, HB1250, SB29, SB30, SB32, SB41, SB42, SB43, SB47, SB84, SB93, SB113, SB192, SB199, SB219, SB220, SB221, SB222, SB241, SB253, SB255, SB289, SB292, SB306, SB314, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB14, SB102, SB133, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB200, SB217, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB330, SB449, SB489, SB521, SB424, SCR9, SB25, SB250, SB348, SB405, SB444, SB485, SB35, SB65, SB132, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, HCR26, HCR45, HCR61, HCR77, HCR31, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB17, HB21, HB51, HB55, HB74, HB106, HB108, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB168, HB215, HB226, HB263, HB296, HB299, HB322, HB364, HB519, HB535, HB538, HB568, HB571, HB622, HB635, HB676, HB772, HB784, HB1006, HB1018, HB1043, HB1070, HB1134, HB1239, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB210, HB220, HB228, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB750, HB813, HB815, HB826, HB870, HB949, HB953, HB1045, HB1092, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1177, HB1196, HB1214, HB1241, HB36, HB73, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB166, HB211, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB354, HB399, HB677, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB728, HB759, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, HB1036, SB149, SB382, SB441, HB258, HB842

Keywords: SR116, Senate Resolution 116, Louisiana Senate, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, Tyler Marie Grezaffi, law enforcement, corrections officer, deputy sheriff, master sergeant, investigator, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Pointe Coupee Parish, Iberville Parish, public service, bereavement, sympathy, SR117, Senate Resolution 117

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a long calendar of House and Senate measures. Early business included adoption of a large batch of Bureau reports and numerous committee reports, along with several personal privilege recognitions for guests and observances, including Aviation Day at the Capitol, Safe Boating Week, and recognition of a student’s educational achievements. The chamber also received messages from the House on several Senate concurrent resolutions and conference committee reports, including House Bill 842, the omnibus election bill, which was taken up and adopted after discussion of changes to Louisiana election procedures, congressional primary timing, ballot order, and related qualifying and public-records provisions. The Senate also adopted or concurred in several resolutions, including measures on community action, early education, condolences, and a blockchain and digital innovation task force. A major portion of the meeting focused on floor debate and final passage of several bills. Senate Bill 250, dealing with comprehensive weight management services through the Office of Group Benefits, was amended to remove GLP-1 and compounded-therapy provisions and then passed. Senate Bill 348 authorizing local law enforcement to contract for administrative and logistical support for motor vehicle regulatory enforcement passed, as did Senate Bill 405 creating a statewide quality oversight initiative for nursing facilities. Senate Bill 444 and Senate Bill 485, both relating to the new city of St. George’s expropriation and taxing authority, passed after amendments and questions about their local impact. Senate Bill 25, on compensation for registrars of voters and staff, also passed unanimously. Senate Bill 132, requiring exterior master key boxes and school mapping integration for public schools, passed as a school safety measure. The Senate then considered a series of House bills, many of them local or regulatory in nature. These included HB 649 on dual enrollment, HB 665 on hoop nets in North Pass and Manchac Pass, HB 681 on the Lakeview Crime Prevention District, HB 721 on night shrimping in parts of Vermilion Bay, HB 746 on statewide oversized vehicle permits, HB 781 on fleet vehicle registration, HB 835 on charter guide wildlife management area access permits, HB 857 on commingled seafood labeling, HB 872 and HB 886 on menhaden fishing radios and harvest reporting, HB 889 on bulk oyster tagging, HB 892 creating the West End Economic Development District, HB 982 naming memorial highways, HB 987 consolidating LSU energy-related programs, HB 1037 and HB 1072 on DOTD operational reforms, HB 1068 on garbage collection contracting authority, HB 1078 on tuition and fees for distance education, HB 1085 repealing private vehicle inspection sticker requirements, HB 1132 on lab school funding under the University of Louisiana system, HB 1137 limiting adverse employment action against state employees over pronoun use, HB 1167 naming memorial roadways, and HB 1174 recreating DOTD through 2031. Most of these measures passed, often after brief debate and occasional amendments; HB 1085 drew opposition over the loss of inspection-related jobs and concerns about unsafe vehicles, but it still passed. One notable bill, Senate Bill 500 on medical malpractice and the Patient Compensation Fund, was not brought to a vote; after extensive debate about the medical review panel system, claims costs, and proposed certificate-of-merit changes, the author said he would turn it into a study resolution instead.

Transcript Highlights:

• talented teachers to teach career and technology education, and that these teachers are fairly compensated
• We need to remove obstacles so that we can compensate these professionals for the valuable experience
• teacher is hired by a school district, If they have 30 years of experience, we can only start their compensation
• Districts will be able to offer more competitive compensation packages.
• way to engage and encourage them to come teach in the schools if their experience is adequately compensated

Bills: HB 1057, HB1876

Keywords: teacher salary, retirement benefits, career education, work experience credit, Texas Education Code, technical training, workforce development, grants, education funding, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there other questions on the committee resolution on compensation?
• Are there other questions on the committee resolution on compensation?
• Are there other questions on the committee resolution on compensation?
• Are there other questions on the committee resolution on compensation?
• Are there other questions on the committee resolution on compensation?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the federal tax law allows deferred compensation plans to offer both pre-tax contributions and
• Current state law limits the state and local administrative deferred compensation plans to only offer
• Current state law limits the state and local administrative deferred compensation plans to only offer
• By Senator Collaudiud, Senate Bill 1720, Public School Personnel Compensation.
• By Senator Collaudiud, Senate Bill 1720, Public School Personnel Compensation.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and introductions recognizing Dr. Thomas Clem as Doctor of the Day and a YMCA delegation, including Youth and Government students, in the gallery. Senators also noted the YMCA’s 175th anniversary and its community service, and later offered birthday wishes to the President. The chamber then took up several special-order bills. SB 100 adopted the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 session’s enacted statute materials; SB 102 removed provisions that had been repealed or expired; and SB 104 served as the general reviser’s bill, deleting obsolete language, updating cross-references, and correcting drafting errors. All three passed 36-0. The Senate also passed SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools, which reduces district-level requirements, expands teacher apprenticeship and certification flexibility, streamlines assessments and budgeting, and adjusts VPK and facility-planning rules; Senator Simon said the goal was to reduce burdens while maintaining accountability. The Senate further passed SB 7010, allowing state and local deferred compensation plans to offer Roth post-tax contributions in addition to pre-tax options. Senator Mayfield explained the bill would give DFS and local governments authority to add that option. The chamber also withdrew SB 1720, relating to public school personnel compensation, from further consideration. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules so all bills passed that day could be immediately certified to the House, and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to remove obstacles and ensure that we can compensate these professionals for the valuable experience
• teacher is hired by a school district, and they have 30 years of experience, we can only start their compensation
• It helps districts offer more competitive compensation packages.
• This may be the way to encourage them to come teach in a school if their experience is adequately compensated
• that way we can attract more school districts can attract more qualified CT teachers, and we can compensate

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 456 by Representative Chenevert is an act in Title 23 relative to workers' compensation, to
• provide for a claim for benefits under workers' compensation.
• House Bill 608 by Representative Chassion is an act on Title 17 relative to compensation for intercollegiate
• Next bill: House Bill 233 by Representative DeWitt is an act in Title 13 relative to compensation for
• The fourth amendment says that all jury commissioners are also entitled to recover compensation at a

Bills: SR126, SR129, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR12, HB221, HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR102, HCR104, HCR58, SB480, SB514, HB12, HB66, HB145, HB167, HB175, HB196, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB256, HB291, HB325, HB326, HB352, HB401, HB430, HB433, HB434, HB448, HB456, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB749, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB985, 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, HB538, SCR3, SCR23, SCR38, SCR24, SB102, SB133, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB200, SB217, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB330, SB449, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB274, SB304, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB436, SB54, SB72, SB129, SB164, SB232, SB287, SB322, SB374, SB375, SB386, SB409, SB447, SB458, SB222, SB399, SR119, SCR58, SCR65, SCR9, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, HCR41, HCR47, HCR63, HCR69, HCR31, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB195, HB214, HB217, HB233, HB283, HB290, HB319, HB324, HB345, HB362, HB363, HB368, HB377, HB380, HB382, HB386, HB392, HB406, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB503, HB533, HB559, HB575, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB655, HB664, HB685, HB692, HB707, HB715, HB732, HB738, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB807, HB822, HB856, HB860, HB868, HB887, HB888, HB905, HB908, HB961, HB980, HB990, HB992, HB999, HB1000, HB1010, HB1146, HB1157, HB1233, HB1236, HB1243, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1198, HB1246, HB27, HB143, HB205, HB259, HB267, HB288, HB308, HB403, HB405, HB414, HB417, HB478, HB546, HB548, HB555, HB557, HB609, HB670, HB672, HB740, HB779, HB786, HB796, HB812, HB848, HB915, HB917, HB921, HB930, HB933, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1187, HB1195, HB1230, HB17, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB211, HB226, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB354, HB399, HB571, HB677, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB728, HB750, HB759, HB789, HB844, HB850, HB870, HB966, HB1006, HB1018, HB1036, HB1241, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB382, SB441, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782

Keywords: SR126, Senate Resolution 126, World Preeclampsia Awareness Day, preeclampsia, maternal mortality, maternal health, pregnancy complications, hypertension, high blood pressure, pregnancy-related disorder, obstetrics, prenatal care, prenatal health, infant mortality, preterm birth, premature birth, Woman's Hospital, Louisiana Senate, women's health, public health awareness

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 456 by Representative Chenevert is an act in Title 23 relative to workers' compensation, to
• provide for a claim for benefits under workers' compensation.
• House Bill 456 by Representative Chenevere is an actman Title 23 relative to workers' compensation to
• provide for a claim for benefits under workers' compensation.
• The fourth amendment says that all jury commissioners are also entitled to recover compensation at a

Bills: SR126, SR129, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, SCR12, HB221, HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR102, HCR104, HCR58, SB480, SB514, HB12, HB66, HB145, HB167, HB175, HB196, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB256, HB291, HB325, HB326, HB352, HB401, HB430, HB433, HB434, HB448, HB456, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB749, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB985, 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, HB538, SCR3, SCR23, SCR38, SCR24, SB102, SB133, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB200, SB217, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB330, SB449, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB274, SB304, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB436, SB54, SB72, SB129, SB164, SB232, SB287, SB322, SB374, SB375, SB386, SB409, SB447, SB458, SB222, SB399, SR119, SCR58, SCR65, SCR9, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, HCR41, HCR47, HCR63, HCR69, HCR31, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB195, HB214, HB217, HB233, HB283, HB290, HB319, HB324, HB345, HB362, HB363, HB368, HB377, HB380, HB382, HB386, HB392, HB406, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB503, HB533, HB559, HB575, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB655, HB664, HB685, HB692, HB707, HB715, HB732, HB738, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB807, HB822, HB856, HB860, HB868, HB887, HB888, HB905, HB908, HB961, HB980, HB990, HB992, HB999, HB1000, HB1010, HB1146, HB1157, HB1233, HB1236, HB1243, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1198, HB1246, HB27, HB143, HB205, HB259, HB267, HB288, HB308, HB403, HB405, HB414, HB417, HB478, HB546, HB548, HB555, HB557, HB609, HB670, HB672, HB740, HB779, HB786, HB796, HB812, HB848, HB915, HB917, HB921, HB930, HB933, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1187, HB1195, HB1230, HB17, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB211, HB226, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB354, HB399, HB571, HB677, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB728, HB750, HB759, HB789, HB844, HB850, HB870, HB966, HB1006, HB1018, HB1036, HB1241, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB382, SB441, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782

Keywords: SR126, Senate Resolution 126, World Preeclampsia Awareness Day, preeclampsia, maternal mortality, maternal health, pregnancy complications, hypertension, high blood pressure, pregnancy-related disorder, obstetrics, prenatal care, prenatal health, infant mortality, preterm birth, premature birth, Woman's Hospital, Louisiana Senate, women's health, public health awareness

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from guest minister Troy Brigadio, and recited the pledge. The chamber then handled journal approval, committee and House messages, and a large number of resolutions and bills, with many items lying over or being referred to committees. Several Senate resolutions were adopted by voice or machine vote, including commendations for World Preeclampsia Awareness Day, Kathy Holloway, Jensen LeBlanc, and River Bend Station, and the Senate also recognized Senator Mike Reese’s new role as president of McNeese State University. The body spent much of the meeting concurring in or rejecting House amendments to Senate bills. Concurrences were approved on measures including SB 102, 133, 151, 165, 169, 170, 200, 280, 291, 303, 330, 396, 410, 425, 427, 436, 489, 521, 45, 156, 181, 203, 304, and 399. The Senate rejected House amendments on SB 217, SB 300, SB 274, and SB 379, sending those matters toward conference or further work. One notable floor debate occurred on SB 449, where Senator Moore objected to concurring in amendments affecting the North Orleans Belt Railroad; after discussion about corruption concerns and public bid laws, the chamber rejected the amendments 26-9. The Senate also took up numerous House bills on final passage, approving measures on local governance, public safety, education, tax policy, and infrastructure. These included HB 87 on Livingston Parish Gas Utility District per diem, HB 115 on abolishing the police chief office in Edgefield, HB 162 on a neighborhood improvement district fee, HB 195 allowing pepper spray on campus, HB 214 and HB 217 on optional ad valorem tax exemptions for rehabilitated blighted property, HB 233 on jury compensation, HB 354 renaming a bridge as the Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge, HB 283 on protections for assaulted school employees, HB 290 recreating the Department of Treasury, and HB 319 adjusting civic education commission membership. Several of these passed unanimously or with only a few dissenting votes, and members frequently moved to reconsider and record objections after final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:32:15.199> Uh, member compensation currently. Uh, member compensation currently.
• . compensation. compensation.
• Compensation serves both as an incentive Compensation serves both as an incentive and a mechanism to
• <01:37:33.520> unions compensation ensures that credit unions compensation ensures that credit
• <01:37:51.520> board credit unions to compensate board credit unions to compensate board members

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We fully support their request, and it is a compensation across the entire branch.
• branch compensation and it's always<00:46:05.240> hard<00:46:05.440> to<00:46:05.680><
• We fully support their request, and it is a compensation across the entire branch.
• Council which is one of our compensation Council which is one of our agendas<00:49:33.520> and
• <00:58:24.760> about compensation recommendations about compensation recommendations about

Bills: HF747, HF360

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, trusts, Uniform Trust Code, probate, estate planning, trust protector, directed trust, investment trust advisor, distribution trust advisor, excluded fiduciary, decanting, power of appointment, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, uneconomic trust, rule against perpetuities

Transcript Highlights:

• Supplemental pay is not a defined term within the workers' compensation statute.
• they're out on workers compensation they're out on workers compensation benefits<00:12:17.560>
• <00:12:22.000> statute within the workers compensation statute within the workers compensation
• So be it then, that should probably be compensated.
• <00:28:13.519> for shouldn't necessarily be compensated for shouldn't necessarily be compensated

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we do a better job supporting teachers, both through compensation and non-compensation-related practices
• Now that you say that, I want to double-check this. because we we get both total teacher compensation
• , so 90% of TIA money has to go to teacher compensation.
• and what like professions with like degrees are compensated.
• Not there's compensation on top of that for stipends and stuff like that.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 1819, an Act Relative to Judicial Compensation.
• H. 1876, an act addressing compensation rates for bar advocates.
• The SJC has affirmed the prejudgment interest and intends to make the plaintiff whole by compensating
• The SJC has affirmed the prejudgment interests and intend to make the plaintiff hold by compensating
• So the idea was: how can we get people compensated fairly and promptly, unclog the court system, and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn. On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees. The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• literally what Senate Bill 94 does, it amends Kentucky's motor vehicle franchise law to revise compensation
• <00:14:20.160> law<00:14:21.000> to<00:14:21.160> revise<00:14:21.680> compensation
• <00:14:22.440> to franchise law to revise compensation to franchise law to revise compensation
• dealer technician is fairly compensated. dealer technician is fairly compensated.
• addresses that technician compensation and<00:18:03.000> the<00:18:03.560> the<00:18:03.720

Keywords: 00:36 Roll Call 02:26 SB 291 07:42 SB 291 Vote 10:39 SB 94 19:53 SB 94 Vote, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum and began by noting several personal matters, including prayers for Senator Higdon’s family emergency and for Senator Smith’s daughter. The committee then heard Senate Bill 291, sponsored by Senator Storm, which would expand efforts to combat copper theft and related disruptions to broadband and telecommunications infrastructure. Storm said the bill builds on prior legislation by creating a statewide licensing and oversight system for recyclers, requiring licensing through the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission, and using the LeadsOnline database to connect law enforcement statewide. Testimony from representatives of River Metals Recycling and Charter Communications supported the bill as a public safety measure, while acknowledging added operational costs and compliance changes for recyclers. Members discussed the impact of copper theft on service outages, including a local example where theft disrupted internet service and affected homes, businesses, schools, and first responders. Senator Wheeler explained his vote by emphasizing the harm to children and businesses and the seriousness of the problem. The committee voted favorably on SB 291, with eight ayes, and reported it with the recommendation that it pass. The committee then took up Senate Bill 94, sponsored by Senator Wilson, with a committee substitute. The bill amends Kentucky’s motor vehicle franchise law to revise compensation for dealers’ warranty and qualifying repair work, establish more objective standards for reimbursement, and create a uniform process for labor-time disputes. Wilson and witnesses from the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation described the measure as the product of extensive negotiation among dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers, aimed at updating compensation rules for increasingly complex vehicles and helping retain technicians. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted unanimously to report SB 94 favorably with the committee substitute attached.

Transcript Highlights:

• When paired with the largest teacher, Performing educators can access meaningful compensation.
• Certification are accessible and attractive, where early career support is abundant and where compensation
• I just want it to take less than 60 to 80 hours a week and compensate me well enough to pay my bills
• And then, biennium to biennium to biennium, we're providing... ...compensation, and then biennium to
• HB 2 invests in experienced and effective educators, offering compensation that reflects their impact

Bills: HB2

Keywords: disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management

Summary: The committee continued public testimony on House Bill 2, which would make major changes to public school funding, teacher pay, special education, early learning, school safety, and related programs. Many superintendents and education advocates supported the bill’s overall direction but urged changes, especially a larger basic allotment and more flexible funding for rural and small districts. Witnesses from Paint Creek, West Hardin, Cushing, Blooming Grove, Mildred, Buffalo, Plano, and rural school groups said the bill’s targeted raises and new requirements would not fully cover inflation, TRS/Medicare costs, transportation, insurance, or support staff salaries, and several asked the committee to restore the House version’s higher basic allotment and small-school allotment. Charter school representatives supported the facilities funding changes and said charter schools need state help because they cannot levy taxes, while also noting the funding gap with ISDs. Fine arts advocates asked the committee to restore the fine arts allotment, arguing arts improve engagement, attendance, and academic outcomes, especially in rural and at-risk communities. Early learning and special education witnesses supported parts of the bill but raised concerns about pre-K restrictions, disability-related pre-K access, and the need to preserve or clarify special education provisions and mental health oversight language. Several witnesses praised the teacher pay raise, teacher incentive allotment expansion, and teacher preparation investments, saying they would help recruit and retain educators and improve student outcomes. Others, including counselors and support staff advocates, argued the bill should also include raises for counselors, nurses, librarians, bus drivers, custodians, aides, and other non-teaching employees who keep schools running. One witness from the Texas Counseling Association opposed the substitute because it removed a counselor pay provision, warning of counselor shortages and inequities. A parent and special education advocate said the bill’s structure creates too many strings attached and asked for a larger basic allotment instead of more targeted funding. Another witness from Mental Health America urged keeping the collaborative task force on public school mental health services through 2031, and a disability rights advocate said the committee substitute appears to omit some special education items that were in the House version. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 6, a school discipline bill. After questions about automatic mandatory expulsion for vape possession and concerns about younger students, the committee adopted the substitute and voted to report HB 6 favorably to the full Senate by a 9-1 vote, with Senator Menendez voting no and Senators West and Menendez expressing reservations but supporting further discussion. After that vote, testimony on HB 2 resumed. Senators used the hearing to ask about the bill’s cost, the difference between the basic allotment and the bill’s targeted funding buckets, and whether the permanent teacher pay increase shifts pressure off districts. The bill’s supporters emphasized that it represents an historic, roughly $8 billion investment and that many of the new funding streams are intended to be permanent or to address specific district needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those people don't really get adequate training, much less adequate compensation.
• Those people don't really get adequate training, much less adequate compensation.
• This bill does not do enough to address workers' compensation fraud.
• The licensing requirements include a requirement to file workers' compensation coverage.
• I would just add existing law requires that they have workers' compensation.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on labor standards, worker safety, and public transparency. SB 954 by Senator Blakespear would revise last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing by adding worker protections such as prevailing wage, a skilled and trained workforce, high-road employment standards, and environmental guardrails. Supporters from labor, environmental justice, and conservation groups said the bill restores promised safeguards after SB 131, while business groups argued the added requirements would undermine the exemption and discourage investment. The committee voted 5-0 to do pass and re-refer SB 954 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open for absent members. The committee then considered SB 966 by Senator Gonzalez, which would codify refinery worker participation and safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire. Supporters, including United Steelworkers and a former refinery worker, said the bill would preserve workers’ ability to report hazards, select representatives, and stop unsafe work, preventing future disasters. The Western States Petroleum Association opposed the bill, arguing it could be preempted by federal labor law and would add regulatory uncertainty. The committee passed SB 966 3-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations, with the roll left open. Next, SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas sought to modernize private security guard training, expand de-escalation instruction, strengthen accountability, and create a clearer professional pathway for the industry. The author and many security workers testified that guards are often first responders in volatile situations and need more practical training and better standards; opponents from industry and business groups warned the bill would raise costs, worsen staffing shortages, and create implementation problems, especially around third-party training and a new wage order. The committee voted 4-1 to do pass and re-refer SB 1203 to Public Safety, with one no vote and the roll left open. The committee also heard SB 1284 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, a transparency bill requiring DHCS to publish the names of large employers with workers enrolled in Medi-Cal and the estimated taxpayer cost. Supporters said the measure would show how low wages and unaffordable coverage shift health costs to the public, while opponents argued Medi-Cal enrollment depends on many factors and that naming employers would be misleading and amount to public shaming. After discussion, the committee voted 4-2 to do pass and re-refer SB 1284 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would improve workforce data collection and sharing to better evaluate job-training pathways, but the excerpt cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This authority includes reviewing executive compensation, incentive compensation, and other employee-related
• Then my base compensation gets docked for the next year.
• It's base compensation rolls into my rates.
• Then my base compensation gets docked for the next year.
• They can just pass those costs off to ratepayers. compensation. And if a an corporate compensation.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 6, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 117 members present, then 123 after a quorum call, and proceeded through routine introductions and referrals, including introductory House bills 959 through 1018, House Joint Resolution 8, House Simple Resolution 1, several Senate bills, and bond initiatives referred to Appropriations. The main floor item was House Bill 1, concerning investor-owned electric and gas utility cost recovery limitations, which was on third reading and final passage. Debate on HB 1 focused on whether the bill would meaningfully lower utility bills and whether it was necessary given existing Public Service Commission authority. Supporters argued the bill would prevent ratepayers from bearing the cost of executive bonuses and other compensation above $250,000, saying utilities can still pay those costs from shareholder profits and that the measure would save money for customers, even if only modestly. Opponents argued the PSC already has authority to review executive compensation, warned the bill could be largely symbolic or misleading, and said it might encourage utilities to shift bonuses into base salaries or harm recruitment and service quality. Several members also argued the bill did not address other drivers of high bills, such as riders and program costs, and one member said the General Assembly itself was responsible for rising energy costs. No final vote on HB 1 was shown in the transcript excerpt, but members on both sides stated their intended positions, with supporters urging a yes vote and opponents indicating they would vote no. The discussion ended with another member beginning remarks about taking on concentrated corporate power and standing with working people.

Transcript Highlights:

• 240 just goes off of the compensation 240 just goes off of the compensation for<01:24:32.440>
• 150 if you look at total compensation 150 if you look at total compensation most<01:24:50.679>
• and other websites compensating and other websites compensating Executives<01:29:17.480> and<
• not trying to limit the the compensation not trying to limit the the compensation for<01:40:40.679
• guidelines um we cap the compensation guidelines um we cap the compensation for<01:40:59.320>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• C.S. for SB 694, Compensation of descendants of Walter Greenlee, Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel
• This bill provides compensation to the next of kin of the Groveland Four, consistent with the state's
• But compensation is the remedy the law provides, and it is the remedy the state owes.
• Compensation is the repair.
• Compensation is not charity. It's accountability.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 694, which would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for the wrongful convictions, incarceration, and death tied to the 1949 case. Senator Bracey Davis described the bill as a final step after prior state apologies, pardons, and exonerations. The committee adopted a $4 million amendment that divided compensation equally among the four families and updated the recipient for Ernest Thomas’s share. Multiple family members and advocates testified in support, emphasizing the decades of trauma and the need for full justice. Senators in debate largely supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 330, which clarifies disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers by refining the definition of heart disease and allowing certain officers who transfer agencies to rely on a prior physical under specified conditions. SB 474 also passed, expanding military leave protections to include public officials and employees who serve in the Coast Guard or Florida State Guard, adjusting pay eligibility for federal service, and updating related retirement and assistance provisions. SB 96, the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program bill, was amended to expand eligibility to veterans with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level and to move funding into the General Appropriations Act; members debated whether the broader eligibility could increase demand, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced SB 7018 on child welfare, making the Step Into Success pilot program permanent statewide, adjusting visitor/background-check rules for out-of-home placements, and creating a best-practices program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. CS/SB 480 on state IT governance was reported favorably after amendments that strengthened vendor performance metrics and restored state data center security provisions; it creates a new central IT governance structure under the Governor’s office and aims to improve oversight of procurement, spending, and technical debt. SB 1066, addressing partial restoration of the Ocklawaha River and Kirkpatrick Dam, passed after a late-file amendment and extensive testimony from environmental, recreation, and local economic interests. SB 1216, which gives school districts more flexibility in educator compensation, and SB 1120, which increases oversight and reporting for water management district spending, were also reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 1366 on claims against the government, which raises sovereign immunity caps, ties future adjustments to CPI, shortens claim deadlines, and changes attorney-fee provisions. The bill drew support from local government and public-hospital groups as a compromise, but also significant concern from some senators about the impact on self-insured agencies and whether the fee changes would discourage attorneys from taking cases. The discussion remained ongoing, and the bill was still moving forward as the meeting continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does the home agency compensate them? Does the requesting agency compensate them?
• Does the home agency compensate them? Does the requesting agency compensate them?
• Does the home agency compensate them? Does the requesting agency compensate them?
• Does the home agency compensate them? Does the requesting agency compensate them?
• Does the home agency compensate them? Does the requesting agency compensate them?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on HB 153, a bill intended to improve law enforcement response to animal cruelty cases. The bill’s sponsor explained that the proposal would require one sheriff or deputy and one state trooper in each county to receive specific training in animal cruelty laws so they could serve as knowledgeable resources. The sponsor described real-world examples where agencies were unclear about jurisdiction, veterinary involvement, and response protocols, arguing that better training was needed because animal cruelty cases can require quick action and many towns do not have animal control officers. Jerry Sorenson, a retired UNH professor and longtime animal cruelty instructor, described the existing training structure at Police Standards and Training. He said recruits receive a required two-hour introductory block at the academy, while additional animal cruelty materials and a more comprehensive online resource library are available through the Benchmark system for certified officers. He noted that the older two-day in-service course he taught was more detailed and guided, but the current online materials are more of a self-study resource and are not mandated for in-service officers. He also said the committee could track usage through Benchmark analytics. Kurt Arenberg of the Humane Society of the United States and Rob Johnson of the Farm Bureau both supported the goal of ensuring a trained law enforcement contact is available statewide, but they questioned whether assigning one trained officer per county would be the best way to achieve it. They emphasized the need for a real-time response and for officers to know where to find help and guidance, rather than expecting one person per county to handle all cases. Vincent Greco of State Police said the agency is willing to help and has handled animal cruelty matters, but he said one trooper per county would not realistically meet the goal given coverage demands and vacancy rates; he suggested broader access to resources and training may be more effective. Representative Freeman asked how cases are handled now and was told State Police responses generally follow standard criminal investigation steps, with assistance from animal control, veterinarians, and other resources when available. No vote or final action was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The board will serve without compensation.
• It also expands the types of compensable losses, which allows more compensation for types of crimes that
• It's increasing access to compensation across the state.
• It's increasing access to compensation across the state.
• It's increasing access to compensation across the state.

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.