Transcript Highlights:

• know utilize it for other things they know utilize it for other things they could<00:34:11.200><c> lease
• <c> it</c><00:34:11.560><c> out</c><00:34:11.720><c> for</c><00:34:11.919><c> commercial</c> could lease
• it out for commercial could lease it out for commercial purposes<00:34:13.200><c> by</c><00:34:13.440
• While there was not unanimous agreement, there was significant consent for this to move forward.
• um there was was not unanimous agreement um there was uh<01:16:36.280><c> significant</c><01:16:36.840

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• where their lease amount has increased hundreds of dollars overnight.
• where their lease amount has increased hundreds of dollars overnight.
• with a whole National Security agreement with a whole Litany<01:35:10.320><c> of</c><01:35:10.920><c
• We signed data privacy agreements with every school that we are working with in your state that is a
• New Hampshire-based data privacy agreement to protect all of your student data.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It's capped at $5,000 per mile of owned or leased by the short line.
• Does that mean you're leasing from a Class I? Mr.
• Sometimes we do lease track from Class I railroads.
• Sometimes we lease them from cities or from ports.
• And I know that you all leased it so you can use it.

Committee: House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Summary: The Agriculture Committee first established a quorum and then went into executive session, where it voted House Bill 24-22 do pass by a vote of 18 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 present. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bills 2713 and 2716, both sponsored by Representative Deal. HB 2713 was described as the larger agriculture tax credit package, including removal of sunsets from several existing ag-related credits and technical changes to programs such as biodiesel, meat processing, specialty crops, wood energy, and rolling stock. HB 2716 focused on the short-line rail tax credit and related rail infrastructure incentives, including track rehabilitation and industrial development credits. Representative Deal said the bills were intended to provide long-term certainty for agriculture and rail investment and noted the programs’ positive return on investment. Committee members raised concerns about eliminating sunsets, how future legislatures would review the credits, and whether some credits could be used if Missouri moved toward eliminating income tax. Questions also focused on whether abandoned or minimally used rail lines would qualify, and on the transferability of rolling stock credits to entities with different tax liabilities. Deal and witnesses said the rail provisions were aimed at active short lines and that data on the credits’ performance could be provided. Testimony in support came from the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Soybeans, the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri, Missouri Dairy, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Bankers Association, Missouri Eastern Railroad, Missouri Economic Development Council, Osage Valley Electric Cooperative, and the Missouri Railroad Association. Supporters said the credits have stimulated ethanol, biodiesel, dairy, specialty crop, meat processing, and rural economic development projects, and that rail credits help preserve and expand short-line service, reduce truck traffic, and attract industrial investment. No opposition testimony was offered on either bill, and the hearings on HB 2713 and HB 2716 were adjourned without any recorded committee vote on those bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is the state's responsibility, and the Hawaiian Homelands Act is not only about awarding leases
• Hawaiʻi is an independent country of its own, like the Kingdom of Tonga, because of its executive agreements
• Hawaiʻi is an independent country of its own, like the Kingdom of Tonga, because of its executive agreements
• Hawaiʻi is an independent country of its own, like the Kingdom of Tonga, because of its executive agreements
• Hawaiʻi is an independent country of its own, like the Kingdom of Tonga, because of its executive agreements

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on February 13 and heard testimony on three measures before taking up decision-making. On SB 1410, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a practical way to require counties to timely respond when DHHL seeks transfer of infrastructure or facilities, and the chair later recommended passage without amendment. The committee adopted that recommendation, with Senator Ihara excused. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 1549, which would help fund the Kahili Homestead community’s planned multi-service center and park improvements. DHHL supported the measure, and community witnesses described a 16-year planning process, prior grant and developer funding, completed phase-one park work, and the need for state bonding to complete phase two. Members asked about community engagement, fundraising, and whether the design included features such as a lāʻau garden, Hōlua mound, imu hall, craft pavilion, and space for Native Hawaiian games and lua practice. The chair recommended passage of SB 1549 unamended, and the committee adopted the recommendation. The committee also considered SB 903, described as a housekeeping bill to create a vehicle for continued funding of OHA after the current working group sunsets. The chair recommended passage with amendments incorporating the contents of proposed Senate Draft 1 and recommittal to the Hawaiian Affairs committee, and that recommendation was adopted. The meeting then shifted to a joint hearing with Transportation and Culture and the Arts on SB 614, relating to Hawaiian Independence Day, and SB 1051, relating to Hawaiian History Month. Testimony on SB 614 was largely supportive, emphasizing cultural recognition and education, though one witness from Hawaii Sovereignty Studies opposed it; the Office of Collective Bargaining said it did not yet know the cost. SB 1051 also drew support, with testimony stressing the importance of teaching the history of the overthrow and Hawaiian sovereignty. Both bills were advanced with amendments, including technical changes and effective dates, and both committees adopted the chair’s recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We added lease costs on line seven.
• On line added lease costs on line seven.
• </c> additional uh money for lease additional uh money for lease costs.<00:04:20.959><c> Moving</c><00
• Everybody has to pay for their lease.
• Everybody has to pay for their lease.

Bills: HF2300

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, what the leases are is they're lifetime leases, and when they're done, they're done.
• lease owners, up until the time they either died or sold the lease.
• they were able to sell the the lease they were able to sell the lease<00:49:04.280><c> and</c><00:49
• Over time, the leases have transferred, and they're now all under the DNR's leasing terms.
• to whom the lease is transferred.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to begin with my complete agreement with Chief Justice Blacklock on judicial pay.
• Judge Newell: I want to begin with my complete agreement with Chief Justice Blacklock on judicial pay
• That'll be— I want to begin with my complete agreement with Chief Justice Blacklock on judicial pay.
• Examples of expenses include judicial staff, security, lease costs, and other operating expenses.
• So vendors have figured out there's no money in selling software; there's money in leasing per user.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• for your support of SB 110, which states that individuals holding a 98-year or longer residential lease
• will align with long-term leaseholders, with life estate holders, and ensure families using these leases
• for your support of SB 110, which states that individuals holding a 98-year or longer residential lease
• Currently statute is silent on leases that end at death.
• SB 110 resolves this uncertainty by explicitly confirming that a 98-year lease or longer lease that terminates

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Transcript Highlights:

• And they tell me, well, we've got to have that agreement. We've got to have that agreement.
• I said, that's fine, but it's a road agreement or a setback agreement or whatever it may be.
• But it's a road agreement or a setback agreement or whatever it may be.
• Chapter 380 and 381 agreements. It's a real issue.
• Seventy-seven agreements?

Bills: SB913 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1143 , SB1534 , SB1553 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB2004 , SB2322 , SB2448

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met to hear a series of bills and informational primers, with several resource witnesses from the Governor’s Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The chair opened by noting the death of Senator King’s son and asking members to keep the family in their prayers. Most bills were laid out and left pending subject to the call of the chair after brief author presentations and public testimony. The committee heard several local hotel occupancy tax bills: SB 1553 for Kerr County, SB 1086 for Childress County, SB 1087 for Mason County, and SB 913 for Alpine. Supporters, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and local officials, said the measures would allow counties or the city to use hotel tax revenue for tourism-related projects and local development. The committee also heard SB 1534, which would direct a study on health physics education and workforce needs in Texas; resource witnesses from TWC and THECB testified on the bill. All of these measures were left pending. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 1754, which would prohibit local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power at wholesale, with an exception for certain battery storage tied to dispatchable generation. The bill drew strong support from witnesses who argued counties should not subsidize wind and solar projects that can harm neighboring landowners and that renewables already receive substantial federal support. Opponents from the solar and storage industry argued the bill would remove a voluntary local economic development tool, raise power prices, and discourage investment. Senators also debated landowner impacts, grid reliability, and whether the bill was the right policy tool; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2322, a committee substitute related to the Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, which would exempt electric generation facilities from the program’s compelling-factor test so they can qualify for school tax limitation agreements. Supporters said the change would correct an unintended barrier for dispatchable generation, while Senator Johnson argued it would weaken the program’s purpose by subsidizing projects that would locate in Texas anyway. SB 1718 would add the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program; the NRA supported it, while gun violence prevention advocates opposed using state incentives for the organization. SB 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events program, and SB 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard SB 1143, a substitute bill aimed at improving transparency and coordination in programs serving opportunity youth ages 14 to 24, with witnesses supporting better reporting and workforce alignment. At the end of the meeting, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• We added lease costs on line 7.
• And a small amount for lease costs on line 66.
• On line 82, a $7,000 lease cost increase of $1.7 million per year.
• Everybody has to pay for their lease.
• So that's why lease costs are pulled out.

Bills: HF2300

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does is authorize a qualifying locality to enter into an agreement with an electric utility
• Code of Virginia related to regulation of contractors, solar installation companies, and the sale, lease
• Virginia residential landlord and tenant act, landlord remedies, and noncompliance with federal agreement
• The Senate amendment adds a provision of an agreement... Free the Cows.
• The Senate amendment adds a provision of an agreement between the parties and direction for action after

Transcript Highlights:

• And I do want to say, I love the way you started out your testimony with there is a lot of agreement,
• In addition, CAISO's agreements with those competitive bidders include cost containment provisions, which
• For example, a model sort of similar to Citizens, where there's sort of a lease between a public agency
• In practice, those agreements are complex and directly affect bid pricing and financing. Thank you.
• In practice, those agreements are complex and directly affect bid pricing and financing.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 710, which would expand dynamic pricing and time-of-use electricity rates and require utilities to develop plans for advanced metering infrastructure so more customers can participate. The author and supporters said the bill would encourage load shifting to times when electricity is cheaper and cleaner, reduce curtailment of renewable energy, and help address affordability. PG&E and SDG&E opposed the bill as drafted, arguing the deadlines were premature, could disrupt ongoing CPUC rate proceedings and pilot programs, and might force costly changes before results are known; Golden State Power Cooperative was neutral and flagged a technical issue. After questions and discussion about timing and scope, the committee passed AB 710 on an 11-0 vote and also approved the consent calendar 15-0. The committee then held its first 2026 oversight hearing on implementation of the California Transmission Accelerator created by SB 254. GoBiz, IBank, CAISO, and the Department of Finance outlined the new program’s structure: GoBiz’s energy unit will coordinate the accelerator, IBank will evaluate and finance eligible projects, CAISO’s transmission planning and competitive solicitation process will identify projects, and the tax credit will provide an additional incentive for developers. Administration witnesses said trailer bill language and about 10 limited-term positions are being proposed to clarify roles, protect confidential information, and support the revolving fund, with roughly $26 million in administrative costs over five years. Committee members focused on coordination among agencies, supply-chain risks, regional market planning, and whether the accelerator has enough authority to move projects quickly. CAISO said its planning and competitive procurement processes already align closely with the accelerator and that no tariff changes are expected, while GoBiz and IBank said they are still developing financing strategies and learning from other states. Public commenters supported faster transmission but urged the committee to preserve the role of competitive developers, clarify ownership and risk allocation, and ensure wildfire safety and accountability. The hearing ended with no formal action beyond receiving testimony and committing to continued oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's two lease agenda item five.
• Uh the first one I'm leases today.
• ><c> being</c> This lease modification is being This lease modification is being reported<00:16:28.480
• And this lease modification is being reported for KRS 56.823(11) for a lease modification also in excess
• And this lease modification is being reported for KRS 56.823(11) for a lease modification also in excess

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and a quorum call, then the committee approved the prior meeting minutes. Staff reported several informational items, including University of Kentucky medical and research equipment purchases, school district debt issues, leasehold improvements, and Kentucky Community and Technical College System bond allocations. The committee then approved a line-item appropriation increase of $350,000 in federal funds for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Cumberland Forest Conservation Program, along with two Department of Military Affairs projects: the Ashland Readiness Center window replacement and the MATES HVAC replacement at Fort Knox. It also approved four larger maintenance-pool projects without further action: HVAC and smoke evacuation work at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, HVAC and hot water tank replacements at Oakwood, a Green Bank energy-savings performance project across state facilities, and roof replacement at Lake Barkley Lodge. Members asked about the prison project, the roof procurement process, and whether minority-owned firms receive special bidding preference; staff said capital projects are awarded through open low-bid procurement with qualification and warranty requirements, and that minority participation is preferred but not a bidding criterion. Two lease modifications were approved for Franklin County agencies: an expansion and renovation for the Auditor of Public Accounts and a downsizing and renovation for the Kentucky Workers Compensation Funding Commission. The committee also approved Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including a Monticello sewer loan, several Cleaner Water Program grants and reallocations, and a House Bill 1 water grant that required no action. Members questioned engineering costs and were told the KIA board reviews technical details and anomalies before approval. Finally, the committee approved six economic development grants: one EDF grant for V Simple in Jefferson County and five KPDI EDF grants for projects in Breckinridge, Erlanger, Todd, and Washington counties. The last action item was approval of Western Kentucky University’s up-to-$10 million general receipts revenue bond issue for athletic facilities. An informational Kentucky Housing Corporation multifamily bond item prompted concern from members about rising per-unit costs for affordable housing, and they requested further explanation from the housing corporation at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Along with a bunch of strings, like project labor agreements, prevailing wage, to basically allow grift
• For over 20 years, California has required certain contracts, including leases, to be translated into
• This bill will ensure that local bargaining unions can discuss terms of termination in their agreements
• with community college districts. and ensures compliance with those agreements.
• We should not be executing these in the dark, concealed, clean record agreements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Broussard is an act to amend Title 38, relative to local governmental subdivision agreements
• Representative Broussard is an act to amend Title 38, relative to local governmental subdivision agreements
• to toll exemptions on ferries, bridges, and roads for all Louisiana school board-owned or Louisiana lease
• Members, current law requires carbon monoxide and smoke detectors when you sell or lease residential
• 315 by Representative Melancon is an act to amend Title 23 relative to non-compete contracts or agreements

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

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:

• on some of those investments, possibly enter into CEA so that you aren't paying all the different lease
• My guess is you'd probably get a better lease rate, too, if you're doing a partnership with another state
• the many meetings, the phone calls across the state, and with Louisiana Works, we've come to this agreement
• And with Louisiana Works, we've come to this agreement to keep working on it and to make sure that we
• wanted to state for the record that I didn't think it would pass, and neither would you all be in agreement

Summary: The Labor and Industrial Relations Committee first took up House Bill 680 by Rep. Weibel, which proposes a major overhaul of Louisiana’s workforce development system. The bill and a large amendment package were described as modernizing workforce planning, consolidating some state-level strategy and administration, and strengthening coordination with local workforce partners, employers, and regional stakeholders. A transition advisory team with an 18-month sunset was added to help implement the changes, and members repeatedly raised concerns about preserving local input for different regions, parishes, and cities. Rep. Weibel, the secretary of Louisiana Works, parish officials, and other supporters said the goal is to shift more resources from overhead to training and direct services while keeping local boards and parish involvement in place. Testimony from a Utah official and from local government and business representatives emphasized that similar consolidations can create efficiencies without eliminating local responsiveness. The committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 680 with amendments. The committee then heard House Bill 780 by Rep. Furman on workers’ compensation. The bill seeks to streamline disputes over compensation and medical benefits, reduce litigation, and lower costs by restoring an expedited preliminary determination process and changing the standard for penalties and attorney fees to an arbitrary-and-capricious standard. Supporters, including lobbyists and defense attorneys, argued that the current process is outdated, overly technical, and too litigious, especially because adjusters now often work remotely and the statute still relies on fax and certified-mail procedures. They said the bill would speed up decisions, reduce unnecessary attorney-fee claims, and help employers and injured workers alike. Opponents, including attorneys for injured workers, argued the bill would make it harder for workers to recover penalties when benefits are delayed, shift the burden in favor of insurers, and fail to address understaffing and defense costs. Members debated whether the bill’s new standard should replace the current “reasonably controverted” language; an amendment to restore that language was offered but opposed by the author and other members and was not adopted. The committee adopted technical amendments and other committee amendments, heard additional testimony, and continued debating the bill’s substantive changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill actually says if you already have a lease in place that allows you to drill on state forest
• THIS BILL ACTUALLY SAYS, IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A LEASE IN PLACE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO DRILL, ON STATE FOREST
• a situation where there is a Benefit that the insurance company is obligated by the contractual agreement
• process by which the family would seek the benefits that they were guaranteed under the initial agreement
• Guaranteed under the initial agreement.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I think we are all in agreement that we do not want children to have access to these things.
• This bill would force me and others to close our doors, cancel our leases, and lay off employees.
• Hemp-derived retail businesses have existed in this state for over six years, providing jobs, commercial lease
• Scientifically, both of them are Delta-9 THC, if that's what is in proper for their active agreement.
• I am 100% in agreement with that and doing everything we can to get it off our streets. Thank you.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, Bowen Lodge has a 20-year agreement with the U.S.
• Currently, Bowen Lodge has a 20-year agreement with the U.S.
• Currently, Bowen Lodge has a 20-year agreement with the U.S.
• Currently, Bowen Lodge has a 20-year agreement with the U.S.
• Currently, Bowen Lodge has a 20-year agreement with the U.S.

Transcript Highlights:

• The piece next to it is owned by a real estate company that leases the property.
• And if I don't have that easement to move or agreement with my fellow landowners to move my cattle from
• And if I don't have that easement to move or agreement with my fellow landowners to move my cattle from

Committees: House Agriculture , House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources