Video & Transcript Research : 'egg grading'
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WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration, June 25, 2026 - PM
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration
Transcript Highlights:
- So in Gan County they have several middle and high schools or grade...
- Several middle and high schools or grade bands at various schools.
- things that was added to the basket of goods before just recently was computer programming at all grade
- it certain ways or not grading certain ways, but nothing will be as authentic as some of those skills
- I was doing 13 grade levels every day. I was going crazy. The kids weren't learning.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 11th, 2026 at 11:17 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , then playing for Frey Basketball Academy from fourth grade through his freshman year of high school
- And whereas J.B. attended Ortiz Middle School, and in the eighth grade, he helped the basketball team
- You have the first time that you go from sixth grade, all of a sudden you're in seventh grade, now you
- I didn't even know what a syllabus was in seventh grade.
- I didn't even know what a syllabus was in seventh grade. Passes it all the way down.
Bills:
HB111, HB103, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB145, HB154, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB38, HB47, HB63, HB64, HB127, HB165, HB184, HB200, HM20, HM51
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:26 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She's in 11th grade at... Serving as Ms. Hujon Nashah. Okay. She's in 11th grade at Navajo Prep.
- She's in 11th grade. She stays in the residential homes on the campus.
- Dean's also in the 11th grade. Student resides in Gallup.
- We have Lisa Walker, whose 10th grade is currently the secretary for the sophomore class of 2028.
- She is in the 11th grade at Silver High School.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Apr 8th, 2025
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- If you count our prek to 12th grade cohorts as of prek to 12th grade cohorts as of prek to 12th grade
- school gym to cover six small middle school gym to cover six small middle school gym to cover six grades
- And when we took over, that was grades. And when we took over, that was grades.
- because we an immediate need that we had because we an immediate need that we had because we had six grades
- trying to use one gym for had six grades trying to use one gym for had six grades trying to use one
Keywords:
primary election, election calendar, off-presidential year, May primary, second Tuesday in May, fourth Tuesday in May, runoff primary, special primary, presidential primary, election administration, candidate filing, ballot access, political parties, county election officials, state election law, Alabama elections, sheriffs, term of office, Alabama law, local government
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- In grade school, yes. >> Uh-huh. In grade school, not in college?
- In grade school, not in college? In grade school, not in college?
- In fifth grade, I learned that my best chance at seizure freedom was brain surgery.
- I started sixth grade knowing that in January, I would undergo two brain surgeries.
- Two years later, during my eighth grade year, I underwent a third surgery.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- levels because these tests scores grade levels because these tests scores are<00:13:53.279>
done< - ...are done across multiple grade levels. So again, the ballot will be longer.
- You know, there are other educational assessments which track students' progress from grade to grade.
- You know, there are other educational assessments which track students' progress from grade to grade.
- Gross. same grade level before you would same grade level before you would realize<00:53:12.480>
any
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Strengthen guidance and implement grade.
- students from across the state grade students from across the state located<01:09:44.719>
in < - I got good<01:42:14.080>
grades. - Um in fact, I was fortunate good grades.
- <01:42:23.600>
in where I actually got better grades in where I actually got better grades
Summary:
The Education Finance Committee met on March 3, 2026, approved the minutes from February 26, and then held a lengthy informational hearing on the Minnesota Department of Education’s funding and internal allocation of resources. House fiscal staff walked members through several spreadsheets showing federal, non-general fund, and general fund administrative spending, noting the data was filtered from SWIFT and was not exact. The chair said the discussion was intended to help members understand how MDE is funded and how those funds are used internally, in advance of later budget decisions and a separate upcoming hearing on the Perpich Center.
Commissioner Willie Jett opened by describing MDE’s mission, statewide reach, and FY 2026 budget of about $14.1 billion, most of which flows directly to districts and charter schools for instruction, special education, transportation, nutrition, and operations. He emphasized transparency, accountability, and the department’s role in implementing laws, distributing aid, and supporting schools and students across urban, suburban, and rural communities. He also noted the department serves more than 873,000 pre-K through 12 students in 2,264 schools.
Deputy Commissioner Maren Holden outlined the Office of American Indian Education, the Office of General Counsel, and the Office of Inspector General, highlighting support for American Indian students, legal and rulemaking work, special education dispute resolution, fraud prevention, and student maltreatment investigations. Assistant Commissioner Dr. McCari Traum described the Office of Equity and Engagement, including equity and inclusion training, safe and supportive schools work, public engagement, family outreach, and fraud-prevention coordination. Assistant Commissioner Darren Cordy reviewed nutrition programs, special education services, and the charter center, including free school meals, commodity food distribution, IDEA compliance, and charter school support.
Assistant Commissioner Bobby Bernham then described the Office of Teaching and Learning, including early education, academic standards, instruction and assessment, state library services, expanded learning, and literacy work. He highlighted early childhood alignment efforts, standards development across core subjects, professional learning, and library grants. No votes were taken beyond approval of the prior minutes, and the meeting remained informational, with members expected to ask questions after the presentations.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Tim O’Driscoll departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The other part that I remember is riding on the school bus coming down here with my sixth grade class
- here<00:12:44.360>
with <00:12:44.440>my <00:12:44.600>sixth <00:12:44.880>grade - here with my sixth grade class. here with my sixth grade class.
Summary:
Representative Tim O’Driscoll delivered a farewell floor speech marking his retirement from the Minnesota House and requested a roll call at the start. He reflected on his 16 years in the chamber, his first election after serving as mayor of Sartell, and the importance of relationships, bipartisanship, and learning how the Legislature works. Much of the speech was personal, including stories about his parents, his father’s service as a police chief, and how those experiences shaped his commitment to public service.
He also highlighted several policy and institutional accomplishments, including work on school trust lands and the School Trust Fund Commission, which he said helped double the fund for Minnesota children, as well as pension work and restoring earlier pension cuts. He thanked colleagues from both parties, former and current co-chairs, and House staff for helping him get work done, especially during difficult periods such as the split House and the COVID-era remote meetings.
O’Driscoll closed by thanking members’ families and House staff, offering a special shout-out to Representative Paul Thorkelson for support during his freshman year, and saying he hoped his career would be remembered for the relationships built and the future being created for Minnesota. The speech ended with applause; no formal vote on legislation was taken in the excerpt beyond the requested roll call.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- to congratulate my son for receiving academic excellence award yesterday for maintaining a superior grade
- award yesterday for maintaining a award yesterday for maintaining a superior<00:20:10.880>
grade - <00:20:11.120>
point <00:20:11.360>average, superior grade point average, superior - grade point average, demonstrating<00:20:12.280>
leadership, <00:20:13.120>and <00:20:13.280
Bills:
HB2241, HB1163, HB1514, HB1696, HB2021, SB2135, SB2466, SB2727, SB3082, SB3097, SB2861, SCR100, SB3096, SB99, SB2138, HB2289, HB2319, HB1711, HB2270, SB3138, SB3076, HB1642, HB2338, HB2171, HB1785, SB2881, HB2505, SB2552, HB1518, HB1815, SB3125, SB3234, SCR162, SB2614, SB3118, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB2158, HB1718, HB2207, HB1801, SB3229, SB2338, SB3069, SB2600, HB2300, HB1800, HB1960, SB2999, SB2060, SB2866, SB2239, HB1741, HB1713, HB2023, HB2417, SB2877, SB2598, SB2921, SB2645, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2329, HB2339, HB1838, HB1509, HB1661, HB2271, HB2272, HB2344, HB1888, HB1707, SB2340, HB2474, HB1576, HB1853, HB1804, HB1854, HB2095, HB2050, HB472, SB3215, SB2247, SB2400, HB1618, HB1802, HB1969, HB1541, HB2310, HB2498, HB2443, HB2218, HB649, HB2104, HB1710, SB2802, HB1973, HB1974, HB1894, HB1891, HB1890, SB177, SB2101, SB3320, SB2487, HB2429, HB1870, HB1839, HB2583, HB1391, HB2094, SB2671, SB2673, SB2892, SB2057, SB3245, HB306, HB2592, SB3157, SB3204, SB3324, SB2580, SB2074, SB411, SB3025, SB2934, SB2567, SB2125, SB3238, SB2367, SB2599, SB3007, SB2001, SB2756, SB3029
Keywords:
renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, commercial driving, driver's license
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Practicing mortuary science 3/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's above my pay grade, but I do have phone a friend.
- It's<00:04:41.840>
above <00:04:42.160>my <00:04:42.320>pay <00:04:42.560>grade - It's above my pay grade, but I do what?
- It's above my pay grade, but I do have<00:04:44.320>
phone <00:04:44.560>a <00:04:44.800
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- And if we could please welcome her son, her 10-year-old son, an excellent fourth grade scholar who is
- 00:01:37.680>
an <00:01:38.000>excellent <00:01:38.400>fourth <00:01:38.720>grade - <00:01:38.960>
scholar son, an excellent fourth grade scholar son, an excellent fourth grade
Summary:
The Senate convened with 33 members present, heard an invocation from Reverend Lauren Holder of St. Martins in the Field Episcopal Church, and received several chamber introductions and welcomes, including district-night guests, former Delegate Sam Aurora, League of Conservation Voters constituents, and a new group of pages from across the state. The presiding officer also noted that a presentation by the state archivist in the old Senate chamber would be the main event of the evening.
On the legislative side, the chamber read Senate Bill 960 on Maryland’s Public Charter School Program and school facilities funding rules, which was referred to the Rules Committee. Two bond initiatives were also read and sent to the Capital Budget Subcommittee: one for Carol Classical Charter School and one for Springboard Community Services’ Youth and Training Center. House Bills 28 and 226 were received from the House and referred to the appropriate standing committees.
The Senate then announced that executive nominations would likely be held until the next day so more members could be present for votes. Caucus meetings were announced for the following morning, and a Senate Pass event was promoted for Thursday evening. After a quorum call showed 38 members present, the majority leader moved that the Senate recess to the old Senate chamber in about five minutes, and the motion was adopted without objection. The chamber was secured as members prepared to move for the evening program.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Regulated Industries Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- What grade? All? All the grades. You're a senator in school? You're a senior.
- What grade? All. All the grades. You're a senator in school? You're a senior.
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met and reported several bills favorably. SB 530 on state lotteries was presented with two technical amendments and passed as amended. The bill revises Department of Lottery powers and duties, updates bid/proposal information requirements, adds definitions related to ball machines, and gives the department more flexibility to purchase rather than lease machines. SB 204 also passed favorably; it increases penalties for illegal slot machine operations to a third-degree felony and creates a process for veteran service organizations to seek binding declaratory statements from the Gaming Commission about whether a machine is lawful. Testimony on SB 204 included support from Florida Gaming and soft opposition from a veteran organization that wanted clearer language and more cooperation on electronic bingo-type games.
The committee then took up a combined proposed committee substitute merging SB 658 and SB 608 on water safety requirements for rental and residential properties. The merged bill requires certain rental properties near water bodies or with swimming pools to have specified safety devices, such as exit alarms, self-closing/self-latching locks, pool fences, pool covers, or pool alarms, and allows DBPR enforcement for vacation rentals. Supporters emphasized the bill’s goal of preventing child drownings, citing Florida’s high number of fatal drownings and the disproportionate impact on young children and children with autism. The combined bill was reported favorably.
SB 980 on nicotine dispensing devices was amended with a delete-all amendment creating the Florida Agegate Act. The substitute bill restricts advertising, promotion, and display of non-FDA-approved nicotine devices in retail settings accessible to those under 21, sets escalating penalties, directs fine revenue to enforcement and youth prevention, and authorizes inspections and warrantless searches tied to retail permits. Members discussed whether the bill would effectively curb illegal and counterfeit products and how enforcement would work; the sponsor said the measure is intended to reduce youth access in light of limited enforcement resources. The bill passed favorably. SB 1708 on veterinary licensure by endorsement also passed, removing a three-year out-of-state practice requirement for licensed veterinarians while keeping other qualifications intact to help address veterinary shortages. Finally, SB 680 on electric vehicle charging taxation passed with a strike-all amendment creating a sales tax exemption for electricity sold to EV charging station operators and transferred to consumers, provided it is separately metered and properly documented. The committee adjourned after noting additional support forms and inviting members to a later K-12 speech and debate bill presentation.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 8 Feb 12th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 2,000 feet in about a mile straight up the mountain, consisting of 2,768 steps at an average of a 45% grade
- and as steep as a 68% grade.
- has a history, and all these young ladies that go through it have a history of teamwork, excellent grades
Bills:
HB3880, HB3263, HB2970, HB3043, HB3044, HB3078, HB3940, HB4117, HB3428, HB4275, HB3257, HB3901, HB4298, HB4260, HB2981, HB3695, HB2960, HB3967, HB3968, HB4339, HB4341, HB4342, HB2940, HB4295, HB4196, HB3134, HB1016
Keywords:
Oklahoma Today Magazine, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, tourism promotion, advertising sales, commission pay, employee bonus, sales commission, digital publication, print publication, sponsorships, bulk subscriptions, newsstand sales, ancillary products, public records, procurement exemption, administrative procedures exemption, tourism magazine, revenue sharing, executive director, state agency compensation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The primary reasons are the grade that the student received and the... ...applicability to the degree
- more hours than can apply to the degree program they're transferring into, or they're receiving a grade
- that counts as passing at the community college but doesn't count as a high enough grade at the institution
Keywords:
higher education, bachelor's degree, core curriculum, general education, semester credit hours, credit hours, degree acceleration, time to degree, workforce-aligned credentials, workforce readiness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, public universities, community colleges, transferability, curriculum reform, academic requirements, degree completion, transfer students, education transparency, academic credit
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Sure, the primary reasons are the grade that the student received and the applicability to the degree
- of more hours than can apply to the degree program they're transferring into, or they're getting a grade
- Count as sort of a high enough grade at the institution or the program or major that they're at at the
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Apr 24th, 2025
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- The P-TECH program, as y'all probably know, provides students in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity
- indicated It's that a percentage of students in districts with a four-day school week who met STAR meets grade
- So, in essence, it works; however, the grades, or the scores of the tests, are concerning, and I think
Keywords:
school funding, instructional days, education, public schools, school performance, four-day school week, performance rating, school governance, school calendar, education funding, emergency closures, school district, school operations, Texas education, public school accountability, academic distinction designation, postsecondary readiness, career and technical education, CTE, P-TECH
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As I said, Prop. 98, on the other hand, is protecting pre-K through 12th grade as intended, and it's
- As I said, Prop. 98, on the other hand, is protecting pre-K through 12th grade as intended, and it's
- levels into the 2040s before it really gets through the high school grades.
- Inflationary pressures already mentioned, while inflationary has been tapped... grade levels into the
- levels, there's even a larger dollar impact on school districts because the LCFF rates vary by grade
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students.
The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it.
The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- classroom, but he attends specials like PE, library, music, lunch, and recess with all of his fourth-grade
- here is that as the student gets older and they move to a different school or if they move up in grades
- here is like as the student gets older and they move to a different school or if they move up in grades
- I'm a proud public educator, a fourth-grade paraprofessional and student teacher in the Cambridge Public
- I'm a proud public educator, a fourth-grade paraprofessional and student teacher in the Cambridge Public
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with most testimony focused on two main topics: improving access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students with disabilities, and raising educator pay statewide. On the AAC bills (House 514/Senate 418), parents, advocates, and attorneys described how AAC devices and communication books help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate, participate in class, and reduce frustration and behavioral issues. Testimony emphasized that while districts are generally required to provide devices, many teachers and school staff lack training to use them effectively; the bill would direct DESE to update licensure and training requirements so newly licensed teachers are prepared to support AAC users. Committee members asked about current teacher-prep practices, implementation, and whether DESE could act without legislation, and witnesses said the proposal was intended as a long-term solution and had previously received some support and compromise language.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on House 733/Senate 370, which would set a statewide minimum salary of $70,000 for teachers and $55,000 for education support professionals (ESPs/paras), with inflation adjustments and a phase-in structure that would shift costs over time from the state to municipalities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, MTA leaders, and school employees from several districts, argued that current pay is not a living wage, contributes to staffing shortages and turnover, and forces many educators to work multiple jobs or rely on public assistance. They said the bill would help recruit and retain staff and better reflect the importance of the work. Committee members raised questions about how the state would fund the mandate, how it would interact with Chapter 70 school aid and local budgets, whether other states have similar mechanisms, and whether the proposal could create disincentives for districts already paying above the floor. Witnesses pointed to the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, and the need for a broader school funding formula review as possible parts of the solution.
The committee also briefly heard and discussed Senate Bill 435/House Bill 736, which would require de-escalation training for school bus operators, with the training paid for by employers. The sponsor and a parent advocate said the bill was prompted by a school bus incident involving a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and would improve safety and reduce reliance on law enforcement. Members asked whether the bill should also cover bus monitors and other transportation staff, and whether private contractors and public operators currently provide similar training. At the end of the hearing, the chairs closed testimony on the full list of bills and adjourned the hearing without taking any votes.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Louisiana Commission on Civic Education May 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Grades 4 and 5 cover world history.
- Grades 6 through 8 examine American history from 1776 through the election of Barack Obama.
- , this really touches on a 6th grade standard right now predominantly.
- But many of the 6th grade teachers that we have in Louisiana were world history teachers prior to the
- They're geared towards that sixth grade level.
Summary:
The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations.
The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana.
LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 29th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that every third-, fourth-, and fifth-offense DWI, that's a felony grade, started as a misdemeanor
- grade, as a first or second offense.
- And we know that every third, fourth, and fifth offense, DWI, that's a felony grade, started as a misdemeanor
- grade, as a first or second offense.
- That's a felony grade started as a misdemeanor grade as a first or second offense.
Keywords:
sports wagering, gambling, elections, local control, revenue generation, inmates, housing, corrections, Department of Public Safety, local jurisdiction, criminal justice, juvenile justice, jury trial, felony offenses, crime of violence, sex offenses, correctional facilities, in-custody deaths, medical oversight, independent investigations
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred HB 517. It then took up several Senate bills focused largely on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, child protection, and criminal procedure. SB 118 by Sen. Boudreaux required substance use disorder screening for misdemeanor DUI offenders; supporters, including the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, said early screening could identify underlying addiction and reduce repeat offenses, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 125 increased wrongful conviction compensation from 10 to 15 years and raised the cap to $600,000; supporters emphasized the hardship faced by people who spent decades wrongfully imprisoned, and it was also reported favorably. SB 294 allowed gaming operators to reallocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite opposition from the Louisiana Family Forum.
The committee also advanced several bills aimed at child sexual exploitation and worship protections. SB 87 clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity in trafficking laws so prosecutors could more easily charge adults who solicit or pay for sexual images of children online; prosecutors said the current language was too narrow, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 93 set minimum bond amounts for certain child sexual abuse material offenses, and an amendment by Chair Villio added broader bail restrictions and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm-related offenses; the amended bill was reported favorably. SB 98 expanded the definition of educator to include school resource officers and security guards for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it was reported favorably. SB 306 created the crime of obstructing freedom of worship; after an amendment reducing a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500, supporters argued it was needed to deter disruptions at churches, while the ACLU raised concerns about overbreadth and redundancy, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. SB 277, allowing certain statewide officials with POST-qualified handguns to carry in the State Capitol, was also reported favorably. SB 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence and sex-offender registration for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity; supporters said it would reduce demand, and it was reported favorably as amended.
Two House bills drew significant discussion but were not advanced. HB 333 would have required the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home parish or offense location; the author argued it would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, prosecutors, and DOC said the proposal was not practical given bed space, security, and facility-location constraints, and no motion was made, so it remained in committee. HB 828 would have created an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate inmate deaths and report to the legislative auditor; the author said it would improve transparency, but prosecutors and corrections officials warned it could interfere with criminal investigations and duplicate existing coroner and law-enforcement processes. The author asked for and received voluntary deferral. HB 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish election on sports wagering, also received opposition and no motion, so it stayed in committee. The meeting ended with adjournment after all listed measures were handled.