Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is filed<00:44:17.040><c> the</c><00:44:17.280><c> amendment</c><00:44:17.680><c> and</c><00
• the amendment and every time I see filed the amendment and every time I see a<00:44:18.640><c> new</
• </c><01:06:59.359><c> to</c><01:07:00.000><c> engage</c><01:07:00.400><c> in</c> so [snorts] I refuse
• I refuse to do that.
• I refuse to do that.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• federal government, backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, and when a business refuses
• So after I filed this bill, I received a letter of support on it, and...
• So after I filed this bill, I received a letter of support on it, and they brought up some excellent
• And in addition, a bill was filed in recent years on the federal level...
• And in addition, a bill was filed in recent years on the federal level that would require businesses

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're refusing to contribute to the economy and the community that the rest of the community is already
• It would no longer impose the $5 minimum late filing fee on certain tax programs, where we find often
• the reason no one has filed a return is because they had no activity.
• Chair, and Senator Wilson, what we're talking about there is right now there's a minimum $5 late filing
• so a taxpayer might have no receipts or we have no income that's taxable in a period, so they don't file

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, he's a great partner and a champion of public safety, and it's evident in the bill that he filed.
• We filed this like 5 minutes before the deadline, uh, but it was due to a constituent concern, and House
• So if there was ever issues with the purchasing department, the county auditor can always, uh, refuse
• HB 3205 enables counties, if they so decide to impose a fee that is added to county clerk filing for
• Uh, it only covers real property and personal property filings, but even in Harris County, there's going

Transcript Highlights:

• Walle, he's a great partner and a champion of public safety, and it's evident in the bill that he filed
• We filed this like five minutes before the deadline, but it was due to a constituent concern.
• So if there were ever issues with the purchasing department, the county auditor can always refuse payment
• HB 3205 enables counties, if they so decide, county clerk filing for real and personal property.
• Property filings, but even in Harris County, there are going to be hundreds of thousands of those a year

Bills: HB1597, HB2364, HB2437, HB3205, HB3253, HB3310, HB3648, HB3906, HB4259, HB5645

Keywords: county jailer, jail training, veterans, Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, TCOLE, criminal justice system, county jail, law enforcement training, mental health training, jail standards, correctional officers, veteran services, veteran interaction, occupations code, jailer licensing, parking, county courthouse, infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THESE OBJECTIONS.
• THE AGENCY FILED NOTICES TO AMEND 26 OF THOSE RULES AND NOW THE QUESTION IS TO EXPLAIN THE AGENCY'S RATIONALE
• THE AGENCY TOOK IT SERIOUSLY THAT THESE OBJECTIONS WERE FILED.
• MEMBERS BY YOUR VOTE WE SEE THIS OBJECTION PASSES AND WILL BE FILED IN A TIMELY FASHION.
• THIS IS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE PUBLIC TO LOCATE FILES ASSOCIATED WITH STATE LAND.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He held up that mirror and he refused to put it down until we changed, Madam Speaker.
• to imagine a nation that has learned from its past, not one that forgets its wounds, but one that refuses
• Not just to condemn violence, but to refuse to normalize it. So on this Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Let us refuse the false choice between accountability and compassion.
• King and so many others who refused to give in to the cynicism. His legacy wasn't abstract.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, the flags were escorted in, and the chamber observed the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance by Pastor Pamela Bowman, and a prayer by Pastor Joseph Bowman. The session was centered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with remarks emphasizing Dr. King’s legacy of justice, nonviolence, equality, and service, along with musical performances including “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Grateful.” House Resolution 4672, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was read in full and moved for adoption by Representative Penner. Several members offered extended remarks supporting the resolution and reflecting on King’s impact, the continuing struggle for civil rights, and the need for moral courage, nonviolence, and community service. The House then voted and adopted House Resolution 4672 by voice vote, with the Speaker noting that applause was appropriate. After the resolution, the House handled routine procedural business. Bills and resolutions on the introduction sheet were advanced to first reading and referred to committee, committee report items were referred as designated, and the Rules Committee was relieved of House Bill 1160 on local government design review and House Bill 1798 on firefighters pension boards, placing them on the second reading calendar. The Rules Committee was also relieved of Substitute House Bill 1066 on regulated substance use data and Engrossed House Bill 1574 on substance use care services, placing them on the third reading calendar. Both caucuses announced meetings after adjournment, and the House adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, January 20.

Transcript Highlights:

• That meant solitary confinement, loss of phone... ...up for refusing to work.
• They did a full review of my police record, court records, and prison file.
• Millions of these files have this particular serial number.
• , and how to adjudicate or resolve cases that have been filed.
• , how to adjudicate a resolve cases that have been filed.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes. Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• testifier</c><00:01:09.080><c> please</c><00:01:09.400><c> take</c><00:01:09.640><c> the</c> Senate File
• Senate File 863 is not a simple bill, but it does solve a simple problem in a country that aspires to
• He refused and said that she was not allowed to come into the meeting.
• <00:10:06.800><c> for</c> filed for filed for unemployment<00:10:09.240><c> and</c><00:10:09.720><c>
• Senator Port moves that Senate File 863 be recommended to pass and sent to Judiciary, as amended.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• treatment, all of them refuse help, all of them refuse housing.
• treatment, all of them refuse help, all of them refuse housing.
• treatment, all of them refuse help, all of them refuse housing.
• treatment, all of them refuse help, all of them refuse housing.
• treatment, all of them refuse help, all of them refuse housing.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services. Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations. The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can't refuse it. Didn't seek it. Didn't choose it. But it's up to me to use it.
• Rest is the refusal to let oppression steal our joy on top of exploiting our labor. Dr.
• </c><00:08:03.440><c> Can't</c><00:08:03.759><c> refuse</c><00:08:04.080><c> it.
• Can't refuse it. Didn't Forced upon me. Can't refuse it. Didn't seek<00:08:04.800><c> it.
• Rest<00:09:20.240><c> is</c><00:09:20.560><c> the</c><00:09:20.800><c> refusal</c><00:09:21.360><c> to

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, January 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Massport, which housed illegal aliens at Logan Airport during the Biden years, refused to cooperate at
• With the operators of JFK and O'Hare Airports, both of whom also housed illegal aliens, Massport refused
• And if you refuse, this committee will exercise all the authorities it has to ensure we can engage in
• When I and several colleagues asked whether he would refuse to carry out illegal orders from the president

Bills: SB244, SB28, SB289, SB323, SB389, SB414, SB428, SB433, SB582, SB613, SB759, SB792, SB841, SB843, SB97

Keywords: national security, cybersecurity, consumer technology, routers, modems, study, communication, consumer protection, smart devices, transparency, internet-connected devices, FTC enforcement, broadband, infrastructure, federal programs, internet access, accessibility, affordability, deployment, government coordination

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an important meeting where they discussed various bills aimed at addressing pressing issues like consumer protection, technology, and environmental management. Chairman Cruz opened the meeting by emphasizing the role of subpoenas in ensuring accountability and oversight, highlighting a recent compliance from several parties following such threats. The meeting progressed to consider several bills, including the Romance Scam Prevention Act championed by Senator Blackburn, which seeks to protect vulnerable populations from online dating scams that have resulted in enormous financial losses, particularly among seniors. The committee also nominated Michael Kratios for the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Medder for the Federal Trade Commission, underscoring the significance of leadership in fostering innovation and consumer protection in technology sectors.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:29:21.760><c> a</c> was on consent, but the agency filed a was on consent, but the agency filed
• When agencies file interim rules, they have to file two separate forms.
• They have to file the interim rule notice and they have to file the cover sheet.
• file interim rules, they have to<00:36:37.520><c> file</c><00:36:37.760><c> two</c><00:36:38.000><c>
• You and I to file two separate forms.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then adopted the consent calendar without objection. On the regular calendar, it took up a Health and Human Services Medicaid rule on laboratory services. Committee members questioned why an expired rule was still needed and whether any fees, fines, or appeals had occurred during the lapse. DHHS staff said there were no fees or fines, the service remains in the state Medicaid plan, providers continued to be reimbursed under the billing manual, and there had been no known appeals. The committee then approved the rule. The next item was a Natural Resources rule package covering wood processing mills, wood concentration yards, forestry health, forest fire, and administrative fines. Representative Leon pulled the item from consent and objected to the rule’s repeated 5-inch diameter limit for burnable material, arguing that the statute authorizes permits for camp or cooking fires but does not clearly authorize a diameter limit, and that larger wood can be responsibly burned or otherwise managed in forested properties. DNCR’s forest protection chief responded that the 5-inch limit is intended to reduce smoldering and wildfire risk, align with DEES air rules defining brush as 5 inches or less, and keep backyard burning consistent with air-quality regulations. He said larger material can be handled through other permitting processes and that the rule is meant to educate the public and prevent unsafe burning. Members continued to debate whether the rule exceeded statutory authority and whether it was practical for landowners managing larger wooded parcels. One member suggested narrowing the 5-inch restriction in the category 4 permit language, while another noted the statute appears to speak in terms of small or large amounts of material rather than a specific diameter. The discussion ended without a final resolution in the excerpt, with the committee still considering possible amendments to the Natural Resources rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you want to go in file order? 252.
• I assume, are we going to start in file order, Assembly Member?
• She was told I didn't love her because I refused to poison her.
• When you refuse to engage with the evidence, you are not staying neutral.
• That's just actually what has been heard, not the total filed.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a matter of fact, the judiciary's own data indicates that there are over 4,700 petitions filed in
• 37.760><c> them</c><01:05:37.920><c> when</c><01:05:38.160><c> they</c><01:05:38.400><c> say,</c> refused
• to listen to them when they say, refused to listen to them when they say, "I<01:05:39.280><c> can't<
• call 911 for help, but was turned away, including police officers asking her if she really wanted to file
• Turned away, including police officers asking her if she really wanted to file a police report against

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot be so concerned that people are going to pimp the system that we refuse to take care of the
• Renee Amor, with the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, I refuse to beat a dead horse.
• So we don't have it on file that you did provide us at one time your birth certificate.
• get the Real ID, we would have that on file.
• We should have that on file. We should have your birth certificate.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 23 with a quorum and received an update from OMV leadership. Director Brian Adams and Commissioner Keith Neal said the agency has improved morale, staffing, and efficiencies, is operating in the black, and expects to begin testing the driver’s license portion of its modernization project in September. They also said the agency is working on customer service and technology upgrades. The committee then considered several OMV-related bills. HB 781, creating a fleet vehicle registration program, was amended to delay implementation until the OMV system is ready and was reported with amendments. HB 712, which waives OMV fees for driver’s licenses and state IDs for eligible homeless persons, drew extensive testimony for and against; supporters said it would remove a barrier to employment, housing, and identification, while opponents raised concerns about eligibility, fraud, and policy scope. The committee adopted amendments clarifying the waiver and verification requirements, and the bill passed on a roll call vote. HB 372, requiring OMV education on roundabouts, was discussed but voluntarily deferred in favor of a House concurrent resolution approach. HB 746, dealing with oversized trucking permits, was amended to preserve existing permits while imposing a one-year moratorium on new local permit requirements and was reported with amendments. HB 732, allowing temporary waiver of certain OMV-related debts for people in special circumstances such as hospice, was amended and reported favorably. HB 722, providing automatic reinstatement of driver’s licenses after payment of fees and fines except for DUI-related suspensions, was amended and reported with amendments. HB 593, raising the maximum service fee for certain OMV field offices, was amended to exclude Shreveport and reported 9-5. HB 613, adding a citizenship indicator to Louisiana driver’s licenses and IDs, was heavily debated over its purpose and implications but was reported 8-5. Finally, HB 582, reducing reinstatement fees for insurance lapses, was reported favorably, and HB 762, which would block referral of certain OMV debts to the Office of Debt Recovery, was taken up with testimony emphasizing the burden of added collection fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, since this bill was filed, there's been actually better coordination, and that's been the problem
• Since this bill was filed, there's been actually better coordination.
• And even since this bill has been filed, there's been great discussions on, you know, how can we get
• As a mother raising two teenage sons in this state, I refuse to let their future be negotiated away for
• As a mother raising two teenage sons in this state, I refuse to let their future be negotiating away

Summary: The committee first took up HB 703 on utility relocation, as amended by a strike-all. The sponsor said the bill would require government authorities that order communication service providers to move infrastructure to pay the relocation costs, clarify expedited timelines, and align the House bill with the Senate version. Supporters argued the communication services tax should help cover these costs, while cities and counties warned the bill would shift major unfunded costs to local governments and taxpayers, especially in fiscally constrained counties. After public testimony from local government and industry representatives and debate over fairness, coordination, and the tax’s intended use, the committee adopted the strike-all and then passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed CS/HB 379, a securities package updating Chapter 517. The bill and conforming amendment made several technical and policy changes, including expanding certain exemptions, updating foreign jurisdiction and exchange considerations, revising merger-and-acquisition broker rules, aligning fingerprinting requirements with FBI standards, and adding protections related to financial exploitation of specified adults. Industry and Office of Financial Regulation witnesses supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably without opposition. Next, the committee passed CS/HB 867 establishing the Coastal Link Commuter Rail Service Act to create a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor and to help Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties secure insurance and indemnification for service on the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. The Florida Chamber supported the bill, and it was reported favorably without debate. The committee also passed CS/HB 1161, which revises Florida’s deepfake law to require covered platforms to remove altered sexual depictions and copies upon request by the victim; the bill drew emotional testimony from a student victim and broad support from members, and a severability amendment was adopted before the bill passed unanimously. The committee then passed CS/HB 453 on pool and spa contractors, which updates Chapter 489 terminology and scope-of-practice rules and, through amendment, limits certain equipment to commercially available products. Finally, the committee passed HB 955 requiring all private employers to use E-Verify for new hires, removing the small-employer exemption. Supporters framed it as workforce integrity and rule-of-law legislation, while opponents warned about labor shortages, burdens on small businesses, and impacts on immigrant workers. After debate, the bill passed 19-3. The committee then began hearing CS/HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow voluntary waivers of minimum wage for certain internships, pre-apprenticeships, and on-the-job training; the sponsor presented an amendment limiting the duration and clarifying minor waivers, and the committee heard both support from small business groups and opposition from labor, immigrant, and worker advocates before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, SB 53 eliminates the outdated requirement that electronically filed court documents must be
• I have filed a floor amendment, and at this time, I'd like to lay out that floor amendment.
• But many of you refuse to accept what Texas is.
• So, again, I'd be remiss if I didn't thank them and thank Senator Schwartner for filing this.
• Following amendment, clerk will read the amendment I've been filed by Rosenthal. Mr. Rosenthal.

Bills: SB37, SJR84, SJR87, SJR27, SB8, SB10, SB227, SB261, SB15, SB12, SB25, SB57, SB127, SB293, SB441, SB3059, SB512, SB241, SB1718, SB140, SB2055, SB2075, SB2018, SB1534, SB1567, SB785, SB1233, SB1580, SB1663, SB413, SB447, SB519, SB467, SB1579, SB1191, SB1021, SB1838, SB2807, SB2835, SB546, SB2121, SB2167, SB2035, SB2024, SB1032, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1302, SB401, SB1596, SB1281, SB1242, SB1343, SB310, SB1346, SB2753, SB2703, SB2221, SB1719, SB2177, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2972, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB961, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1610, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1362, SCR9, SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB2166, SB2148, SB535, SB777, SB827, SB1141, SB1330, SB1352, SB1664, SB1862, SB1936, SB1453, SB1448, SB1398, SB2137, SB2111, SB53, SB226, SB1677, SB1723, SB1839, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SB552, SB646, SB37, SJR84, SJR87, SJR27, SB8, SB10, SB227, SB261, SB15, SB12, SB25, SB57, SB127, SB293, SB441, SB3059, SB512, SB241, SB1718, SB140, SB2055, SB2075, SB2018, SB1534, SB1567, SB785, SB1233, SB1580, SB1663, SB413, SB447, SB519, SB467, SB1579, SB1191, SB1021, SB1838, SB2807, SB2835, SB546, SB2121, SB2167, SB2035, SB2024, SB1032, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1302, SB401, SB1596, SB1281, SB1242, SB1343, SB310, SB1346, SB2753, SB2703, SB2221, SB1719, SB2177, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2972, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB961, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1610, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1362, SCR9, HB5560, HB762, HB 107, HB 114, HB300, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323

Keywords: higher education, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council, ombudsman, tax exemption, property tax, homestead, fire damage, constitutional amendment, bail reform, criminal justice, felony offenses, public safety, judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, immigration enforcement, ICE agreements

Transcript Highlights:

• She had a bill filed that was very similar to mine.
• that are opposed to CCUS are opposed to it from a property rights standpoint, not just a blanket refusal
• most people that are opposed to CCUS are opposed it from a property rights, It's not just a blanket refusal
• . it from a property rights, not just a blanket refusal.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on March 17, 2026, adopted its rules again because they had not been properly posted, and voluntarily deferred several bills before taking up the day’s agenda. The committee then moved through a series of commerce and financial services measures, with members repeatedly noting the bills had been worked on jointly by authors and stakeholders. HB 489, on transfer-on-death securities, was amended to make the transfer requirements mandatory and to remove a liability limitation for registering entities, then reported favorable. HB 545, which narrowed a consumer-loan bill to origination fees only, was amended and reported favorable. HB 555, expanding protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation, was amended with technical changes and an amendment from Rep. Boyd, then reported favorable after testimony from bankers and advocates describing scams targeting seniors and the need for delayed transactions, trusted contacts, and training. HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program, was amended to clarify electronic payment platforms and reported favorable after questions about state involvement, insurance, and consumer protections. HB 952, modernizing the consumer loan framework, was amended to a three-tier rate structure and to add ability-to-repay and disaster-relief provisions, then reported favorable. The committee also considered two economic development bills from Rep. Owen. HB 672 would encourage brick manufacturing in Louisiana; after an amendment changed LED’s role from directing a priority industry to allowing support through existing programs and guidance, the bill was reported favorable. Testimony emphasized Louisiana’s clay deposits, limited in-state brick production, and potential benefits for housing costs and jobs. HB 670, on wood pellet manufacturing, received a similar amendment limiting LED to support and guidance rather than mandates, and was also reported favorable. A consultant testified that a proposed North Louisiana pellet facility could generate significant payroll, local spending, and revenue from timber that is currently underused, while LED described the sector as part of the state’s agribusiness and energy strategy and discussed global demand, carbon footprint requirements, and the role of CCUS in attracting large projects. The discussion on HB 670 continued at the end of the transcript, with members probing how the industry works and how Louisiana could benefit from it.

Transcript Highlights:

• She had a bill filed that was very similar to mine, and she and I have worked together to make the best
• that are opposed to CCUS are opposed to it from a property rights standpoint, not just a blanket refusal
• most people that are opposed to CCUS are opposed it from a property rights, It's not just a blanket refusal
• . it from a property rights, not just a blanket refusal.

Bills: HB489, HB545, HB555, HB583, HB670, HB672, HB797, HB814, HB913, HB952

Keywords: transfer on death, TOD, beneficiary designation, investment accounts, brokerage accounts, securities, nonprobate transfer, estate planning, succession, probate, community property, forced heirship, financial advisor, broker-dealer, custodian, transfer agent, banking, wealth transfer, inheritance, Louisiana Revised Statutes