Transcript Highlights:

• It includes difficult decisions on both targeted reductions and new revenues.
• These are anticipated revenues that will be set aside for allocation in next year's budget.
• But we also recognize that our revenue... ...as well as budget year plus one.
• So there are a lot of solutions in the budget that together with the revenue...
• , including creating that pathway for addressing corporate revenue and Medi-Cal.

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the way that the fund distributions work is they're tied to the tier, a revenue tier of the land grant
• We received a revenue of $51,000, and so that extra $1,000 cost them about $20,000 in revenue that they
• All of these subdivisions increase the revenues and decrease the dependence.
• The original bill also had a baseline salary calculation in it.
• So, just to give you a sense, we've simplified that calculation.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• So expenditures are calculated using data from the Arkansas Public School Computer Network, which we'll
• These are calculated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Again, these are calculated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• education, but pursuant to state law, districts must expend a specific amount of state and local revenues
• Looking at those totals and calculating it into this amount, about two-thirds, or actually more than

Summary: The House/Joint Education committee continued its adequacy study with a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on resource allocation, focusing first on matrix spending and then non-matrix spending. Staff explained the methodology for mapping APSCN expenditure data to matrix lines, reviewed district and school categories used in the analysis, and highlighted key findings: foundation funding covered a large share of matrix costs but total spending on matrix items exceeded foundation funding, with classroom teachers making up the largest share. Members asked for additional breakdowns on waivers, superintendent survey responses, trend data, and spending by district type, size, and rural/urban status. Staff also noted limitations in tracking two matrix lines—salary enhancement for other employees and all personnel health insurance—because of coding and definition issues. The committee then reviewed non-matrix expenditures, including instructional aides, facilities, school safety, mental health, dyslexia services, gifted and talented, and career and technical education. Staff reported that non-matrix spending remained above $2 billion over the last three years, with most of it coming from other funds rather than foundation funding. Members raised concerns about dyslexia identification and funding, mental health needs, school safety, food service, athletic transportation, and whether some items should be added to the matrix. The Department of Education clarified that the building fund reflects district-held funds for construction and maintenance projects, while the facilities partnership program is a separate state process for approved projects. In the final discussion, staff summarized total spending as more than $15,800 per student in 2025, with about 69% going to matrix resources and 31% to non-matrix resources. The chair explained the adequacy process and the committee’s role in setting future funding recommendations, and members discussed the recommendations worksheet included in the binder. The chair then proposed postponing the remainder of Part Two of the presentation until a May meeting after the fiscal session, along with inviting the Department of Education back for more detailed questions; with no objections, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• time, both to do what you just suggested: to count who's actually in which districts, and then to calculate
• And then to calculate, there are units in our formula that are actually calculated based on that 40th
• Chair and Representative, one of the things that's calculated in the Environmental Product Declaration
• So the energy source, how the product is made, that is all calculated, and the baselines are established
• It is a revenue-neutral bill, which is It is a revenue-neutral bill, which establishes a competitive

Bills: HB253 , HB153 , HB255 , HB287 , HB371 , SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: distance learning, virtual instruction, public education, student enrollment, school funding, education standards, pandemic education response, low-carbon construction, construction materials, rebate, environmental product declaration, EPD, embodied carbon, carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization, industrial incentives, clean manufacturing, cement, concrete

Transcript Highlights:

• competition across the prices consumers face in areas that are a gigabit monopoly, that is how we calculate
• competition across the prices consumers face in areas that are a gigabit monopoly, that is how we calculate
• competition across the prices consumers face in areas that are a gigabit monopoly, that is how we calculate
• And even the CPC's affordability ratio calculator, which is a tool the PUC developed to assess utility
• You are converting them from people who pay $0 into the revenues into some modicum amount of money.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee held an informational hearing on the state of broadband affordability in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the committee was examining how broadband prices, access, and affordability are affecting households, especially after the end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and amid concerns about federal resistance to state broadband regulation. She noted the committee’s continued interest in policy options for 2026 and referenced prior legislation, including AB 353, that would have required affordable home internet as a condition of doing business in California. Industry witnesses from U.S. Telecom and CTIA argued that broadband and wireless prices have generally fallen in real terms even as inflation and other household costs have risen, citing competition, infrastructure investment, and faster speeds as the main drivers. They said California’s higher costs are tied to permitting delays, taxes, copper theft, and legacy obligations such as COLR requirements, and they urged the Legislature to preserve market incentives, reduce fees and regulatory burdens, and support infrastructure deployment. They also discussed fixed wireless access, federal BEAD funding, and Universal Service Fund reform, arguing that more entities benefiting from networks, including tech platforms, should contribute to support programs. Consumer and public-interest witnesses presented a different view, saying California still has a serious affordability and adoption problem, especially for low-income households. Sunny McPhee of the California Emerging Technology Fund said broadband adoption has improved dramatically over time, but about 500,000 households remain offline or underconnected and many low-income households still pay above the FCC affordability benchmark. Ernesto Falcon of the CPUC Public Advocates Office said California’s market is losing its competitive edge, with prices higher than in other states and meaningful price pressure coming mainly from fiber competition at the gigabit tier. He said roughly 4.8 million Californians are limited to one gigabit option and estimated that more competition could save consumers more than $1 billion annually. Both witnesses emphasized the need for stronger transparency, targeted subsidies, and a permanent affordability solution, including extending and refining the CPUC broadband Lifeline pilot and advancing SB 716. Public commenters, including representatives from cable providers, nonprofits, and digital equity organizations, largely supported SB 716 and a permanent broadband affordability program. Several urged the committee to remove a cap on the Lifeline program, expand the CPUC pilot, and invest in digital navigators, outreach, and enrollment assistance. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, after the chair thanked the witnesses and public commenters for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Total revenue related funds for the 26-27 biennium is projected to come from tax revenues.
• Sales tax is our revenue system's mainstay.
• revenue and all general revenue dedicated, cannot grow faster than the rate of. growth of population
• There's the general revenue funds, general revenue dedicated funds.
• General revenue is what was budgeted.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: budget, House Bill 1, public education, healthcare, border security, federal funding, spending limits

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing we've got to look at is revenue coming into the state.
• You're going to see, I think, very soon, a loss in revenue coming to the state.
• Now, this bill is revenue neutral because what it does is it brings everybody on the same playing field
• But if we don't do this, we continue on the path that we're on, we're going to see a drop in revenue
• And so if we were going to ever change that amount, it could be considered an increase in revenue which

Bills: HB2933 , HB3041 , HB3048 , HB3081 , HB3297 , HB3338 , HB3673 , HB3790 , HB3983 , HB4105 , HB4139 , HB4203 , HJR1023

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, insurance, nonadmitted insurers, surplus lines, Oklahoma, fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, towing services

Summary: The Business and Insurance Committee considered a long agenda of bills and executive nominations. Among the bills, it advanced measures to update fire extinguisher industry age restrictions and application rules (HB 381), create a five-day cancellation right for homeowners after severe storm-related contracts (HB 3790), require a biennial workers’ compensation medical fee schedule update (HJR 1023), create the Oklahoma Home Services Act to standardize home service contract disclosures (HB 4139, amended to correct a wording error), cap surcharge fees and add a career tech exemption (HB 3041), create the Oklahoma Tolling and Recovery Board (HB 3297), allow expired electrical contractor licenses to be reinstated without re-examination (HB 3673), clarify who is not a security guard for licensing purposes (HB 4105), create a licensing framework for in-ground pool contractors effective November 1, 2027 (HB 3338), and streamline surplus lines insurance procedures and premium tax enforcement (HB 3048). One bill on smokeless tobacco taxation (HB 3983) drew extended debate over whether a weight-based tax would be fairer and revenue-neutral; after questions about health impacts, reporting, fraud concerns, and inflation, the bill failed to receive a second and was left in committee. HB 3041 also drew significant debate over whether it would effectively allow higher credit card surcharges, but it ultimately passed 5-4. The committee also heard numerous executive nominations, all of which were approved and sent to the full Senate. Those included Michael Stop and Michael Bauer to the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, Michael Cantrell and Burrell Sears to the Oklahoma Abstractors Board, Richard Willoughby to the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, E. Keith Mitchell and Andrew Revelis to the ABLE Commission, Jackie Ward to the alarm, locksmith, and fire sprinkler industry board, Terence Shreve to the Used Motor Vehicle Dismantler and Manufacturer Board, and Adra Berry as Cabinet Secretary of Licensing and Regulation. Nominees generally described their professional backgrounds and commitment to public safety, regulation, or industry expertise, and several senators spoke in support of their service. Most nominations passed unanimously or near-unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the Division of Financial Management noted a calculation error that affected the amount of general
• Finally, the Division of Financial Management noted a calculation error that affected the amount of general
• and add $365,000 from dedicated funds for enhancement number one, aligning utilities costs to rent revenue
• For enhancement number one, align utilities costs to rent revenue; add three FTP and $397,300 from dedicated
• and adjusts the general fund rescission in the department's program maintenance budget due to a calculation

Summary: The committee took up a series of FY 2027 budget items, beginning with health education programs. Members approved additional general fund support and FTPs for psychiatry residents, a Burley family medicine resident, a family medicine OB fellowship, additional family medicine residents, child psychiatry residents at the University of Utah, and a veterinary education FTP adjustment. They then approved language to shift fellowship funding to the rural health transformation program if available, with debate focused on whether that money should instead be reserved for broader rural health needs; the language ultimately passed despite objections. The Office of the State Board of Education budget was approved with funding for Canvas LMS renewal, transfer of risk managers to institutions, and a federal post-secondary education grant. In the colleges and universities budget, a substitute motion to add general fund support and restore a rescission failed, but the original motion passed, providing dedicated funds for endowment adjustments and restoring the FY 2027 rescission. Community colleges were then considered, and a motion to reduce the Canvas LMS item and leave the rescission unfilled failed; the original motion restoring the rescission passed. The committee also approved a one-time Career Ready Students Fund appropriation for secondary CTE programs, then later approved a separate one-time Career Ready Students Fund increase for Idaho Division of Career Technical Education secondary programs after rejecting a general fund substitute. The Department of Administration budget drew the most debate. Members discussed utilities transfers, new procurement staff for Medicaid managed care contracting, training and administrative support transfers, inflationary utilities costs, IT hardware, and a vacancy adjustment correction. The committee rejected the motion, largely over concerns about the Medicaid procurement staffing request. It then approved the Permanent Building Fund budget, including state match for a Bonneville County National Guard Readiness Center design and replacement items for public works projects, along with standard language and reporting language by unanimous consent. Finally, the State Lottery budget was approved for $25,800 in replacement items for design equipment. The committee adjourned after announcing the next meeting schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• A 1% placeholder for any increases in judicial compensation was included in the budget for calculation
• As you know, the governor's recommendation The budget for calculation purposes.
• As you know, the governor's recommendation is that current revenue projections do not support a change
• We didn't have a good calculation and a good count until then.
• This on the screen is a screenshot of the revenue for the Second District program, which receives $224,000

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee reviewed the Judicial Branch budget, beginning with the Court Operations division. Legislative staff outlined the branch’s structure, recent spending trends, technology upgrades funded with ARPA dollars, and FY26/FY27 budget changes, including judicial compensation increases, added judges in several districts, and a late request for $800,700 from a dedicated fund to cover senior magistrate retirement and purchase-of-service costs. Court officials explained that the retirement request was driven by an unusual number of magistrate retirements announced too late to include in the original budget, and they also described the impact of declining federal support and the need to shift some treatment-court and technology costs to other funding sources. Members asked about the holdback, the court’s cloud and network modernization, the purpose of senior judge purchase-of-service payments, and the effect of treatment courts on public safety and incarceration; no vote was taken. The committee then heard the Second Judicial District CASA/Guardian ad Litem request for $77,900 in general funds. The program said the money would support a trainer/recruiter/data supervisor position, required office and record space, annual financial review, and liability insurance, citing rural service needs, declining VOCA and grant funding, and the need to recruit and support volunteers across a large district. The executive director described the program’s statutory role in child protection cases and said fundraising now covers about 30% of the budget, taking time away from direct services. Members asked about the decline in VOCA funds, the number of children served, and examples of the program’s impact; the director gave a detailed success story about helping a family reunify. The hearing ended with no recorded appropriation action, and the chair adjourned the meeting until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• A 1% placeholder for any increases in judicial compensation was included in the budget for calculation
• As you know, the governor's recommendation The budget for calculation purposes.
• As you know, the governor's recommendation is that current revenue projections do not support a change
• We didn't have a good calculation and a good count until then.
• This on the screen is a screenshot of the revenue for the Second District program, which receives $224,000

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: A joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee heard presentations on the Idaho judicial branch budget, beginning with court operations. Legislative staff reviewed the branch’s structure, staffing, recent technology upgrades funded with ARPA dollars, and prior budget enhancements, including support for court technology, judicial compensation, and additional judges in several districts. Court officials explained a late budget request for an additional $800,700 from a dedicated magistrate retirement fund to cover unexpected retirement bonuses and purchase-of-service costs for seven magistrates, as well as the impact of a governor holdback and reduced federal support for some treatment and domestic violence court-related services. Committee members asked about the timing of the revised retirement request, the purpose and success of the magistrate retirement bonus program, the court’s technology modernization, and the effect of losing federal and other outside funding. Court officials said the retirement timing could not be known earlier because magistrates had until January to notify the court, and they described the bonus as helping judges complete their terms. They also said the court had moved case management and recording systems to the cloud and built a statewide network, and that cuts to treatment court and peer support funding would likely force reductions in non-constitutional services. The committee then heard the Guardian ad litem division request, including a $77,900 general fund enhancement for the Second Judicial District CASA program. The CASA director said the money would support a recruiter/trainer/data supervisor position and required compliance costs such as financial review, office space, and liability insurance. She described volunteer shortages across a large rural district, declining VOCA and grant funding, and the need to spend more time fundraising instead of serving children. Members asked about the decline in VOCA funds, the share of funding coming from donations and fundraising, the number of children served, and the role of CASA for older youth. The director said about 30% of the program’s funding comes from fundraising, that the district serves children over age 12 and some older youth, and she gave an example of a case where CASA helped stabilize a family and reunify children with their parents. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• respond because you'd asked about the costs, and I've actually done some back of the envelope calculations
• I actually had calculated the biggest cost in all of this is the housing, which is about 2/3 to 3/4,
• I had calculated it'd be about a billion dollars a year. Yeah. Of 1 billion a year.
• I mean, many, many years, we have not had much revenue and we've struggled through that.
• Now, thanks to oil and gas in large part, we have a lot of revenue, and I believe we're trying as hard

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> costs of a route less the fair revenue costs of a route less the fair revenue for<00:03:50.799><
• In the bottom left corner, you can see the actual formula that calculates this.
• </c><00:21:01.120><c> Uh</c><00:21:01.360><c> there</c> uh that that calculates this.
• Uh there uh that that calculates this.
• </c><00:27:56.799><c> for</c> areas in orange uh we calculated for areas in orange uh we calculated for

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a value calculated for each individual member.
• There is a value calculated for each individual member.
• So you can have an audit on one end that fully replicates that entire calculation, the entire valuation
• </c><00:28:29.120><c> Code,</c><00:28:29.679><c> which</c> 401A, the Internal Revenue Code, which is
• Uh, that helps show the Internal Revenue Service good faith that we have, in fact, what the IRS would

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:09 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:42 Approval of Minutes: 00:03:23 Overview of Actuarial Audit Process: 00:03:47 Overview of Reemployment After Retirement Provisions: 00:25:26 Teachers’ Retirement System: 00:25:26 Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: 00:50:32 Adjournment: 01:02:55, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with quorum, approval of the prior minutes, and an announcement that the June meeting had been canceled and replaced by this combined May/June meeting; the next official PPOB meeting was announced for July 21 at 2:30. Staff then gave an overview of the Public Pension Oversight Board’s required actuarial audit process, explaining that House Bill 238 requires a review every five years of the retirement systems’ actuarial assumptions and methods, funded by the systems themselves. The presentation distinguished this audit from a financial or forensic audit, described the three possible audit levels (full replication, limited/spot review, or basic review), and noted that the last audit in 2021 was a level one performed by Milleman Consulting at a cost of about $190,000. Members discussed timing for the next audit cycle, with a request to LRC likely needed in July or August to target the June 30, 2026 valuation, and several members expressed interest in another level one review. Questions also addressed whether prior audits found major issues; staff said the 2021 review was generally clean but recommended more consistency in reporting and assumptions across systems. The committee then welcomed new staff and interns, including Odet Guanzi of KPPPA and Team Kentucky intern Amamira Bowman. Bo Barnes of the Teachers Retirement System presented an overview of the statutory framework for reemployment after retirement under KRS 161.605. He explained that the law is intended to let retirees return to help with staffing needs, do so in an actuarially sound way through required contributions, and keep TRS compliant with federal tax rules for a qualified plan under section 401(a). Barnes described the required breaks in service and earnings limits for retirees returning part-time or full-time, including the three-month or 12-month break depending on the employer, the 6,900-day limit, and the daily wage threshold based on years of service. He also noted a lightly used critical shortage program that allows school districts to hire retirees without a wage cap, while still observing the break-in-service rules. Members asked questions about who decides the scope and level of the actuarial audit, how the audit would treat leave balances and other benefit-related items, and whether the prior level one audit identified substantial problems. Staff said the committee would request the audit, but LRC would handle contracting, and that the audit scope could include items like sick leave and annual leave costs if requested. On the reemployment topic, Barnes emphasized that the rules are designed to avoid pre-arranged retire-and-return arrangements that could jeopardize TRS’s tax-qualified status. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the meeting concluded with the presentations and discussion of these pension oversight issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does estimate a decrease in our annual revenues to our state parks revenue fund of approximately $200,000
• The Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting estimates a revenue impact to our state parks revenue
• How do we calculate how many veterans might walk in?
• Revenue loss of $61,400 from the fiscal note.
• Revenue loss of $61,400 from the fiscal note.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee opened with a lengthy chair’s statement about Department of Child Safety oversight, saying prior hearings had revealed systemic failures in communication, child placement oversight, response times, transparency, and accountability. The chair said the committee would continue pursuing reforms through legislation and ongoing reporting requirements. Members then discussed allegations involving child trafficking in congregate care settings and the need for separate legal representation for children who are victims of crimes, with one member saying the state and AG’s office were aware of trafficking issues and that outside representation was necessary. The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 1141, dealing with presidential electors if a candidate dies, withdraws, or becomes incapacitated before the Electoral College meets, received support from the sponsor and outside groups and passed 4-3. SB 1186, requiring disclosure of certain things of value by companies seeking government contracts or grants, also passed. SB 1808, concerning display of certain flags in HOA and planned community settings, passed after the sponsor said it was intended to protect the ability to fly the Israeli flag. SB 1050, providing a lifetime state parks pass for certain veterans, passed after adoption of an amendment expanding eligibility to some disabled veterans; Arizona State Parks testified neutral but warned of revenue impacts, while members debated the fiscal note and support for veterans. The committee also passed SB 1140, which creates a misdemeanor expungement process for certain people, including trafficking survivors, after testimony from anti-trafficking advocates and service providers who said it would help survivors rebuild their lives while excluding serious offenses. SB 1437, requiring public records to be provided in the least expensive electronic form when possible, passed over opposition from some local government groups. SB 1246, raising the delinquency threshold before a condominium lien foreclosure can occur, passed unanimously. SB 1664, lowering signature requirements for constable candidates in large counties, passed unanimously. Finally, SB 1338, making certain noncitizens ineligible for state or local public benefits, passed 4-3. The meeting ended with members offering farewells and thanks to one another and staff, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• calculations.
• What's important about doing it as a credit is it gets counted as revenue received.
• I'm the legislative director for the Missouri Department of Revenue.
• I’m Zach Wyatt, Legislative Director from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
• out to the Department of Revenue and they did not respond... ...and they did not respond.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Summary: The Special Committee on Tax Reform heard three measures focused on property tax relief and tax administration. House Bill 2869, sponsored by Rep. Mike Jones, would authorize counties to offer up to a 100% property tax credit on the primary residence of 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans, with a $500,000 value cap, surviving-spouse carryover, no stacking with other credits, and protections for bonded indebtedness. Jones and supporting witnesses from Missouri veterans organizations said the bill is a practical, county-option approach that recognizes veterans’ service and could help keep federal retirement and disability income in Missouri. The Department of Revenue noted the bill could reduce eligibility for the existing property tax credit and urged timely fiscal-note review. No opposition testified. The committee also heard H.J.R. 115, sponsored by Rep. Dave Griffith, which would place a constitutional amendment before voters to exempt 100% disabled veterans from personal property tax and homestead-related taxes, with surviving-spouse protections. Griffith said the measure has been pursued for years, would affect a relatively small number of veterans, and should be treated as a common-sense benefit for service-connected disabilities. Veterans’ groups strongly supported the resolution, describing it as overdue relief for veterans on fixed incomes and urging the committee to move it forward. Several members discussed whether the policy should be in the Constitution or statute, but all testimony was in favor. Finally, the committee heard HB 3303 from Rep. Cecily Williams, a cleanup bill to clarify that state and local sales or use taxes are exempt when the General Assembly purchases goods or lodging for official business and is reimbursed with public funds. Williams said the current statute lists outdated tax categories and leaves some local taxes on reimbursable expenses, causing the state to pay unnecessary taxes. Members generally supported the concept, and the Department of Revenue testified only on the need for timely fiscal-note requests and said the fiscal impact appeared minimal. No one testified in opposition to any of the three bills, and the committee concluded its hearing without taking final action or votes in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Referred to the Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.
• It comes from Revenue and Fiscal Affairs favorably, as ordered to the Legislative Bureau.
• It comes from the Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs favorably, it is ordered to the Legislative
• It comes from revenue and fiscal affairs favorably as ordered to the Legislative Bureau.
• We're going to go after other sources of revenue for that.

Bills: SR113 , SR114 , SCR64 , SCR65 , SCR66 , SCR67 , SCR12 , HB59 , HB66 , HB79 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB455 , HB513 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB895 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1011 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1057 , HB1080 , HB1084 , HB1155 , HB1215 , HB1224 , HB1228 , HB1234 , HB1251 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB1256 , HB221 , HCR11 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR60 , HCR64 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR58 , SB25 , SB250 , SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , HB22 , HB28 , HB33 , HB41 , HB47 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB195 , HB214 , HB217 , HB233 , HB283 , HB290 , HB316 , HB319 , HB324 , HB345 , HB362 , HB363 , HB368 , HB377 , HB380 , HB382 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB431 , HB441 , HB466 , HB503 , HB511 , HB514 , HB533 , HB559 , HB575 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB636 , HB655 , HB664 , HB685 , HB692 , HB707 , HB715 , HB732 , HB738 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB807 , HB822 , HB856 , HB860 , HB868 , HB887 , HB888 , HB896 , HB905 , HB908 , HB961 , HB980 , HB990 , HB992 , HB999 , HB1000 , HB1010 , HB1146 , HB1157 , HB1233 , HB1236 , HB1243 , 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 , SB424 , SCR9 , SB132 , SB35 , SB65 , SB135 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , HCR26 , HCR45 , HCR31 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , 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 , HB1237 , 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 , HB677 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB728 , HB759

Keywords: condolence resolution, memorial resolution, sympathy, tribute, Martha Elizabeth Odom, Louisiana Senate, bereavement, obituary, student recognition, ballet, dance, softball, soccer, tennis, creative writing, theater, high school honors, Ascension Episcopal School, University of the South, Sewanee

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present and opened with the introduction of guest pastor Dr. Jeff Williams, who delivered the invocation before members recited the pledge and approved the journal without objection. The chamber then handled a series of communications from the House, including notice of House action on numerous Senate bills and joint resolutions, and introduced several Senate resolutions and a concurrent resolution, many of which were laid over. One resolution to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month drew objection to suspension of the rules, while SCR 64, creating a task force on construction management at risk, was amended to add the Louisiana Police Jury Association president or designee and then adopted 34-0. SCR 66 designating Anti-Hunger Day and SCR 67 honoring Chef John Folse were also adopted unanimously. The Senate also heard personal privilege remarks recognizing Southwest Louisiana Day at the Capitol, honoring the late John Gillespie, and designating a Day Without Child Care at the Capitol through SR 115. The chamber then considered a large number of House bills and House concurrent resolutions on second reading, mostly referring them to committees or ordering them to the Legislative Bureau. Among the measures advanced from committee were bills on veterans’ employment at schools, anti-cancer medication coverage, domestic abuse arrest holding periods, food safety, state finances, vaccination status and public buildings, construction code commission purpose, elected official compensation, clinical trial competitiveness, law enforcement records, sexual assault nurse examiner oversight, human remains documentation, wildlife disposition, and several local or tax-related measures. HCR 11 supporting the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard was concurred in 135-0. The Senate also received committee reports on multiple House bills, with several reported favorably or with amendments. On final passage, the Senate approved a series of bills, including SB 135 on sports wagering revenue allocation, which passed 32-2 after debate over shifting more funding to early childhood education and capping the sports fund allocation. Other bills passed included HB 238 on ethics exceptions for former school board members, HB 241 on bank records definitions, HB 242 allowing a St. Tammany Parish constable to appoint a deputy, HB 250 on financial disclosure for board members, HB 260 on complimentary transportation for legislators, HB 265 expanding video voyeurism offenses with a funeral-service exemption amendment, HB 275 increasing penalties for domestic violence committed in the presence of a child, HB 300 raising the appraisal threshold for certain residential loans, HB 320 creating a crime of unlawful exposure by an inmate, HB 338 extending the Office of Financial Institutions sunset, HB 339 expanding privacy protections for law enforcement officers and administrative law judges, HB 349 expanding the Imported Seafood Safety Fund’s uses, HB 379 allowing certain 17-year-old students to serve as poll commissioners, HB 427 revising online minor-protection language after a debated amendment restoring an opt-out, HB 463 raising emergency communication service charges under voter approval and hearing requirements, HB 464 requiring utility damage notices to go to the Regional Notification Center, and HB 468 regulating wholesaling of residential real property. Most of these measures passed unanimously or by wide margins, with several motions to reconsider laid on the table after passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• We start to do those calculations based on actual past operating expenditures.
• We were required to have a revenue... Thank you.
• Second, in times where revenues are higher, it allows the counties to set aside some of these revenues
• So I just would urge another look at what you're using to calculate the minimum expenditure levels.
• So I just would urge another look at what you're using to calculate the minimum expenditure levels.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> using gas that revenue stream goes away. using gas that revenue stream goes away.
• </c> address this lack of revenue source. address this lack of revenue source. Right?
• </c> however we do need to get some revenue however we do need to get some revenue so<00:32:27.519><c
• We have have two sources of revenue.
• </c> &gt;&gt; yeah um yeah I did a similar calculation &gt;&gt; yeah um yeah I did a similar calculation

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll notice we'll lose about $15,000 in revenue.
• But you seem to be worried about state revenue. Take the name and match that up for me.
• I would say that we're already facing a revenue shortfall in the coming years.
• Cole, how do you calculate your prevalence rate today? How is that calculated?
• Cole, how do you calculate your prevalence rate today? How is that calculated?

Summary: The committee first considered several local property-transfer and wildlife/fisheries bills, including SB 229 (Bojeur Parish property transfer), SB 71 (Lafayette Parish property transfer), and a series of Department of Wildlife and Fisheries measures. SB 203 simplified possession rules for fish on multi-day trips and remote camps; SB 429 created an administrative path to register “orphan” boats with lapsed registrations; SB 204 removed a residency-based restriction on certain commercial fishing gear licenses; SB 205 reduced duplicate registration requirements for federally documented boats; SB 213 clarified titling rules for vessels and outboard motors; and SB 257 removed Social Security number requirements from certain commercial fishing tags. Each of these bills was reported favorable, generally without objection, after brief explanations from sponsors and department counsel about reducing red tape, improving enforcement, or modernizing records. The committee also heard SB 214, which would allow the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District to stop pumping during an imminent flood threat identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, addressing liability concerns and giving local officials more flexibility in emergencies. SB 274, as amended, required lead hazard risk assessments for certain child care, early learning, and pre-kindergarten facilities and required hazards found in assessments to be addressed before licensing. Both bills were reported favorable. SB 379, a technical reorganization bill for the Department of Conservation and Energy, received two amendment sets: one changing investment language and another standardizing judicial-review procedures and online notice requirements; it was reported favorable after those amendments. The committee then adopted HCR 62, urging FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects, with members discussing the burden of flood insurance and the need for FEMA to recognize levees, pump stations, and elevated homes. HCR 78 was also reported favorable, memorializing Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 in support of Louisiana’s seafood industry. HB 662, as substituted, was reported favorable after being rewritten to codify the department’s internal protocol for seized sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, prioritizing release, rehabilitation, placement, and euthanasia as a last resort. Finally, the committee considered two more contentious items. HR 216, which urged repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, drew extended debate over whether the plan had been adopted without legislative input and whether it could affect permits or future policy; after discussion, the sponsor voluntarily deferred the resolution to return with a revised approach focused on a legislative hearing or review. SCR 24, dealing with chronic wasting disease rules, was introduced with amendments that would raise the prevalence threshold, cap samples, allow zone removal after three years without new detections, and lift baiting/feed prohibitions above a higher prevalence level; the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wouldn't even call it special revenue. It's categorized as special revenue.
• I wouldn't even call it<00:04:34.080><c> special</c><00:04:34.320><c> revenue.
• It's categorized as it special revenue. It's categorized as special<00:04:36.479><c> revenue.
• Um [clears throat] but special revenue.
• And if we've eliminated that, Representative Sherwood, then the choice is like any other special revenue

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all