Video & Transcript Research : 'sponsored captive'

Page 9 of 378
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2026-04-08

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Additional captive elk herd detections have occurred in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Utah, and Colorado, all
  • The cost of responding to a new CWD detection in captive cervid herds will exceed $500,000 in testing
  • The cost of responding to a new CWD detection in captive cervid herds will exceed $500,000 in testing
  • The cost of responding to a new CWD detection in captive cervid herds will exceed $500,000 in testing
  • Which is broader than this particular issue with the captive elk, and that is okay we've invested at
Bills: HF2103, HF4508
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 17th, 2026

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then when we add the captive like we did on a... ...it's a very complicated industry to begin with
  • And then when we add the captive like we did on a very short schedule, it was quite an undertaking.
  • Moving on to the captive insurance programs rates for the '26-'27 year, we are proposing no change to
Keywords: 1204, all
Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. Grant Wallace presented March and April formulary changes, including moving to lower-cost generic and preferred drugs, leaving several new-to-market drugs not covered, and adjusting migraine and diabetes medications; the committee approved those recommendations. The subcommittee also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that excludes automatic coverage for those therapies so they can undergo prior authorization and review, with members emphasizing that the policy was intended to create review, not an absolute denial, and that expedited appeals would remain available. Members spent significant time discussing the UAMS pharmacy benefit consultant amendment. Wallace explained that the contract included both basic services and optional services related to coupon and rebate management and prior authorization support, but the written materials created confusion over the dollar amount. After questions about whether the committee was approving a higher amount than the base contract and whether the optional services duplicated work already being done by Navitus, the committee agreed to review the item with a contingency that any use of the optional services would return to the committee for approval. The committee also reviewed and approved the U.S. Able Mutual/Blue Advantage third-party administrator contract, the CompSack employee assistance program contract, and the proposed 2027 employee and public employee rates, which call for a 9.8% increase for state employees and a 4.9% increase for public school employees. On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules for the property insurance program, a contingency-fee subrogation contract with Denenberg-Tuffley, and renewals for Sedgwick claims management, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens Capital Management. Wallace said Sedgwick had faced delays after a major winter storm and other weather events, but performance guarantees and communication expectations were being added; members discussed whether a shorter renewal term would be preferable, but the item was reviewed. The committee also approved the 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which Wallace said would lower the overall rate by 10% while keeping minimum deductibles unchanged. He noted the program had stabilized after a difficult first year and that the rate structure was now based on a more transparent actuarial foundation. The meeting ended with an update that the UnitedHealthcare rebid was nearing completion and would return in August, and the committee adjourned after approving the remaining items.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 17th, 2026

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • that anyone who has worked in the insurance industry knows it is complicated, and that adding the captive
  • And then when we add the captive like we did on a very short schedule, it was quite an undertaking.
  • Moving on to the captive insurance programs rates for the '26-'27 year, we are proposing no change to
Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. Grant Wallace presented March and April formulary changes, explaining that the updates favored lower-cost generics, re-tiered some drugs, left several new-to-market drugs uncovered pending more evidence, and added quantity limits in some cases. The committee approved those formulary recommendations. The subcommittee also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that would exclude automatic coverage of those therapies and route them through prior authorization and review, with members noting the process should not delay urgent cases and that appeals remain available. Members then discussed a UAMS professional consultant services contract amendment for pharmacy benefit consulting. The discussion focused on confusion over the dollar amount and scope, with Wallace clarifying that the committee was being asked to approve up to $2.596 million, including optional services related to coupon and rebate management that could be used later without returning for another approval. Several members raised concerns about matching the written contract to the approval amount and about the relationship to the current pharmacy benefit manager, but the committee ultimately approved the item with the understanding that any use of the optional services would return to the committee. The committee also reviewed, without objection, a Blue Cross/Blue Advantage third-party administrator contract, a CompSack employee assistance program contract, and approved proposed 2027 employee and public school health plan rates of 9.8% and 4.9% increases, respectively. Wallace also said the UnitedHealthcare rebid was in final negotiation and would return in August. On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules for the property insurance program, a contingency-fee subrogation contract with Denenberg-Tuffly, and extensions for Sedgwick Claims Management, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens Capital Management. Members asked about claim-adjustment delays after a major winter storm, and Wallace said performance guarantees and communication requirements had been added, with claims still expected to vary by case. The committee also approved 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which included no change to minimum deductibles, lower rates for K-12 and higher education, a higher rate for state agencies, and an overall 10% reduction. Wallace said the reductions reflected improved actuarial foundations, better claims management, and the program’s first-year performance. The meeting adjourned after approving the rate item.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Jan 20th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was honored to co-sponsor it.
  • I've enjoyed working to co-sponsor it.
  • How does the sponsor review this and see it?
  • How does the sponsor review this >> Okay.
  • Uh the sponsor has asked for it to >> Okay.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 25, 2025 - 12:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sponsor recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, thanks for the question.
  • Sponsor is recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Not that I'm aware of, no.
  • The sponsor is recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
  • The sponsor is recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
  • “The sponsor is recognized.” “Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard a long agenda of bills covering education, public safety, local government, labor relations, and foreign policy. Early measures included HB 1055, which would support Florida State University’s Election Law Center; CS/HB 4073, a Leon County local bill updating career service rules for sheriff’s office employees; CS/HB 253, creating penalties for license plate obscuring devices and misuse of emergency-style lights; and HB 293, codifying the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s Office and creating a liaison and advisory council. Members raised questions on academic freedom in HB 1055 and on church-state concerns and oversight in HB 293, but both bills advanced after supportive testimony from university, faith-based, and law enforcement representatives. The committee also approved HB 4029, a local bill for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, and HB 889, requiring classroom driver education for minors before licensure, with supporters emphasizing roadway safety and teen crash reduction. The committee then took up PCS/HB 731, which would require standardized testing for admission to health-related degree programs at state universities. The sponsor argued the bill would ensure qualified applicants and objective admissions standards, while several members and public witnesses raised concerns that it would duplicate existing requirements like the MCAT and create unnecessary barriers; the bill still passed, though with several no votes. HB 1519, expanding Florida’s anti-BDS law to cover academic boycotts, nonprofits, local governments, and certain grants, drew strong support from Jewish organizations and strong opposition from speakers who argued it chilled free speech and punished criticism of Israel. After an amendment narrowing and clarifying parts of the bill, it passed favorably as a committee substitute. The most contentious debate came on HB 1387, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission procedures and public-sector union rules. Supporters said the bill would streamline PERC processes, improve fairness, and address cases where unions were certified with very low participation; opponents, including teachers and labor advocates, said it weakened collective bargaining and public employee rights. After a strike-all amendment and extensive testimony, the bill passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved HB 351, which adds extreme speeding to reckless driving and increases penalties, after removing impoundment language in an amendment, and PCB GOS 25-07, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking judicial waiver of parental notice/consent for abortion. The meeting adjourned after all measures were reported favorably.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Gracia la Castillo Crings here on behalf of Rock USA, another co-sponsor of the bill, and also asked
  • I want to thank the author and sponsors for working with us.
  • And that's why immediately after the fires, sponsored, Immediately after the fires, sponsored a motion
  • We're a proud co-sponsor of SB 1388.
  • Purva, with Young Community Housing California, a proud co-sponsor of SB 1388.
Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills. SB 996 by Senator Padilla would let manufactured homeowners opt to title their homes as real property, with supporters saying this would improve access to conventional mortgages, consumer protections, and lower-cost financing. SB 866 by Senator Blakespear would require cities and counties to include homelessness-related information in their annual housing element reports, with supporters saying the bill would improve transparency, regional coordination, and accountability around homelessness funding and services. The committee also heard SB 1090 by Senator Perez, which would impose a temporary moratorium in Altadena on certain state housing density laws after the Eaton Fire. Supporters, including Supervisor Catherine Barger and many Altadena residents, argued the bill would protect fire survivors from speculative investors and give families time to rebuild and return home. Opponents argued the bill could limit tools that homeowners need to finance rebuilding and could reduce future housing production. After extensive testimony, the committee passed SB 1090 to the Assembly Local Government Committee on a 10-0 vote. SB 1388 by Senator Durazo would create an Affordable Housing Risk Reduction Program to help affordable housing providers reduce insurance costs through technical assistance and risk-mitigation support. Supporters said rising insurance premiums are threatening the viability of affordable housing developments and existing units. The committee also reconsidered and then voted on SB 1092, which was taken up only for reconsideration and final vote; after a split vote, the bill ultimately passed the committee. Final recorded votes showed SB 866 and SB 996 passing unanimously, SB 1388 passing with one no vote and one not voting, and SB 1092 passing 7-5 after reconsideration.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jul 1st, 2026

Housing and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Gracia la Castillo Crings here on behalf of Rock USA, another co-sponsor of the bill, and also asked
  • I want to thank the author and sponsors for working with us.
  • And that's why immediately after the fires, sponsored, Immediately after the fires, sponsored a motion
  • We're a proud co-sponsor of SB 1388.
  • Pover about to charge you with Housing California, a proud co-sponsor of SB 1388.
Keywords: 988, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 13th, 2026 at 05:24 pm

House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, where's our sponsor here? Can you call Lara? Okay, let's do that. SB 96.
  • We're here to stand in support of this bill because of the diligent work these sponsors have done with
  • While we're waiting, do you want to introduce your co-sponsor and your witness? Yes, I will.
  • I have Representative Kathleen Cakes as one of the sponsors, and I have with me, Steve...
  • Thank you to the sponsors for this memorial and its timely introduction.
Bills: HB303, SB96, HM6
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (04/15/2025)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, and I think, uh, you know, the the the representatives from the manufacturers and their uh, captive
  • Um, and I think, uh, you know, the the the representatives from the manufacturers and their uh, captive
  • <01:14:44.480> finance<01:14:44.800> companies and their uh, captive finance companies
  • and their uh, captive finance companies are<01:14:45.280> behind<01:14:45.440> me.
  • As the prime sponsor, I appreciate the opportunity to introduce to you today House Bill 413, relative
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 17th, 2026

ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then when we add the captive like we did on a... ...it's a very complicated industry to begin with
  • And then when we add the captive like we did on a very short schedule, it was quite an undertaking.
  • Moving on to the captive insurance program's rates for the '26-'27 year, we are proposing no change to
Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. The committee approved formulary changes for March and April that favored lower-cost generics, removed some new-to-market drugs from coverage pending more evidence, and made maintenance changes to migraine and diabetes medications. Members also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that would route those therapies through prior authorization rather than automatic coverage; officials said the process should not delay urgent cases and that no current members would be affected. The committee then reviewed a UAMS pharmacy benefit consultant contract amendment, but after extended discussion about the written scope and dollar amounts, the motion was approved with the understanding that any use of optional services would return to the committee for further review. The committee also reviewed the U.S. Able Mutual/Blue Advantage third-party administration contract and the CompSack employee assistance program contract, which officials said would reduce per-member costs and add services. The subcommittee approved proposed 2027 rates for state employees and public employees, with a 9.8% increase for state employees and a 4.9% increase for public school employees. Officials also reported that the UnitedHealthcare rebid was in its final negotiation stage and would return in August, with medical and pharmacy coverage split as previously recommended. In response to questions, the director said the division was considering broader preventive-care offerings, including weight-loss drug coverage, but would proceed cautiously and with strong utilization controls and holistic support if such a program were adopted. On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules making prior temporary rules permanent, a contingency-fee subrogation contract, and renewals for claims management, actuarial services, and investment management. Members raised concerns about Sedgwick’s claim-adjustment timeliness and communication with school districts after severe weather events; officials said performance guarantees and communication expectations had been strengthened, but the renewal was kept at three years for continuity. Finally, the committee approved 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which included no change to minimum deductibles, a 10% overall rate reduction, and bucketed rate changes by entity type. Officials said the captive program was working as intended, with improved actuarial support and claims experience, and the meeting adjourned after the approvals.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

06/12/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair, to ask the amendment sponsor a question. Do you yield?” He yields. “Thank you.
  • I'm thankful to the sponsor. ...enough for our veterans. I'm thankful to the sponsor, Mr.
  • I'm very happy with the sponsor for introducing this.
  • private organization to recruit in that captive audience meeting.
  • So I thank the bill sponsor for bringing this forward. I'm very happy to be able to vote for it.
Keywords: 1182, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Regulated Industries Feb 11th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • WE HAD A PLEASURE WITH GOING DOWN TO THE MIAMI OFFICE AND MEETING WITH ONE OF THE BILL SPONSORS AND PERSON
  • THE OTHER BILL SPONSOR, CHAIR BRADLEY OVER THE PHONE TO WALK THERE AND GET THEIR IDEAS AND FEEDBACK THAT
  • KNOW, INCURRING ALL THESE COSTS SO WOULD SOME OF THESE ASSOCIATIONS TRY TO DO A SELF SELF INSURED CAPTIVE
  • PEOPLE WHO SPONSOR OUR SENATOR AND OVER ALL THE OUTLOOK FOR BOTH EQUITY AVAILABILITY AND DEBT AVAILABILITY
Keywords: 999, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jul 1st, 2026

Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am Nicole Rocha here on behalf of Fathom, the sponsor of SB 813.
  • We represent over 2,000 licensed psychologists and are proud co-sponsors of SB 903.
  • I appreciate all the great questions and certainly co-sponsors.
  • We are the sponsor of this bill.
  • If I may, through my sponsor, who would like to respond. Okay.
Keywords: 988, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Special Session B Jan 27th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Holocaust, and where there is a baby 10 hours away who's never celebrated a birthday outside of captivity
  • Who's never celebrated a birthday outside of captivity and terrorism.
Summary: The Senate convened in special session with an opening prayer focused on Holocaust remembrance and a warning against antisemitism, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of the joint proclamation calling the session. The proclamation said the special session was convened to consider immigration-related legislation and appropriations to support coordination with federal immigration enforcement, including a chief immigration officer, restrictions on benefits for undocumented immigrants, voting-related offenses, penalties for removed aliens who re-enter, bail and detention considerations, ID requirements, and support for local law enforcement. Senate Bill 2B on immigration was filed and placed on the special order calendar for the next day, with an amendment deadline set after the Appropriations Committee meeting. The Senate then took up veto overrides on House Bill 5001 from the 2024 regular session, which is the General Appropriations Act. Members discussed the governor’s vetoes of legislative support and transparency-related funding, including IT systems, research, oversight, and Florida Channel services. Senator Pizzo objected to waiving Rules on one item and argued the chamber should also address broader cuts, including arts funding, while the Rules Chair said the items under consideration were limited to support services and that broader funding concerns could be addressed separately. The Senate voted to override line item 2802, funding legislative support services, by 35 yeas and 1 name, and line item 2803, also for legislative support services, by 36 yeas and 1 nay, both passing by the required two-thirds vote. The Senate then adjourned until the next morning.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 16th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I want to commend the sponsor of the resolution, the author, for language in the resolution designed
  • musical innovation and cultural exchange. electronic dance music, EDM, has surged in popularity captivating
  • Sponsoring over 70 bills and seeing 28 signed into law.
Keywords: 988, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) May 1st, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair lays out HB 149 and recognizes the Senate sponsor, Senator Schwertner, to explain his bill.
  • Retail sellers of new motor vehicles work with a variety of lenders to finance cars, including captive
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard testimony on HB 149, the Artificial Intelligence Governance Act. Senator Schwertner described the bill as an outcomes-based AI framework that would require disclosure when people interact with AI, prohibit manipulative or social-scoring systems, address biometric capture, discrimination, and deepfake child exploitation, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. It would also create an AI Sandbox and AI Council. Witnesses from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a Houston attorney, TechNet, and the Texas Association of Business strongly supported the bill, praising its stakeholder process and pro-innovation approach, while Texas Appleseed suggested regulators should have more examination authority over sandbox participants. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard SB 229, which would prohibit motor vehicle dealers from conditioning a sale on dealer-offered financing or charging more because a buyer uses outside financing or cash. Senator West said the bill is meant to stop forced financing and bait-and-switch pricing, and he noted the bill passed the committee and Senate in the prior session. The Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposed the bill, arguing it would force dealers to accept any third-party lender or cash transaction on terms they cannot control. The Texas Credit Union Association supported the bill, saying consumers should be able to choose outside financing without hidden fees or pressure. After questions about cash purchases and dealer practices, the bill was left pending. The committee also took up SB 2566, which would clarify legislators’ access to information from executive agencies, including confidential information, by setting response deadlines, limiting confidentiality agreements to statutory terms, requiring a standard AG form, and creating a complaint and penalty process for noncompliance. No witnesses testified, and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 1749, as substituted, would let certain court-related employees and judicial conduct commission personnel keep personal information such as home addresses and phone numbers confidential, with work addresses used in place of home addresses for certain purposes. District clerk and judicial conduct commission witnesses described threats and harassment as the reason for the bill, and a court administration witness answered questions about how the address protections would work with voter registration and precinct records. That bill was also left pending, and the committee recessed without further business.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
  • Obviously, it's a pretty relevant question, especially when you're thinking about things like our new captive
  • Obviously, it's a pretty relevant question, especially when you're thinking about things like our new captive
  • think maybe it'd be instructive for us, again, as we're almost a full year into the state property captive
  • think may, may be instructive for us, again, as we're almost a full year into the state property captive
Summary: The joint education committee continued its adequacy study with a detailed Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on resource allocation, covering how Arkansas school districts and charters spend foundation and other funds on matrix and non-matrix items. Staff explained the methodology for mapping expenditures, the district and school categories used in the analysis, and key findings showing that districts spend more per student from all fund sources than the foundation amount alone. The presentation highlighted that classroom teachers account for the largest share of matrix spending, while operations and maintenance, student support staff, nurses, and other lines also drew significant attention. Members asked for additional breakdowns by district type, size, rural/urban status, and trend data, and several questions focused on how waivers affect funding and spending, especially for library media specialists and other positions. The committee then discussed non-matrix spending, including instructional aids, non-technology-related facilities, school safety, mental health services, dyslexia support, food service, gifted and talented, career and technical education, and other items not explicitly defined in the matrix. Staff reported that non-matrix spending exceeded $2 billion in 2025, with most of it coming from other fund sources, and that the top superintendent-identified unmet needs over recent surveys were mental health services, school safety, and dyslexia support. Members raised concerns about dyslexia identification and funding, possible over-identification, and whether some support costs are being coded in ways that obscure the true spending picture. There was also discussion of facilities funding, the building fund, and the Department of Education’s partnership program for school construction and maintenance, with staff agreeing to provide more information and potentially bring department officials back for a future meeting. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly requested more granular data and clarifications, including waiver counts and funding impacts, trend lines for superintendent-reported needs, district-by-district spending spreadsheets, and definitions for certain matrix and accounting terms such as salary enhancement, LEA indebtedness, and other employee health insurance. The chair noted that the committee would continue the adequacy process over the coming months and use the worksheet in the binder to develop recommendations for the next biennium. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; instead, the committee received the report, asked for follow-up data, and agreed to continue the discussion at future meetings.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-01-16 - 9:30AM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 36.393> [groaning] Members, we will begin with House Bill 649, which is an act relating to captive
  • Please listen to the third reading of the bill. >> H.649, an act relating to captive insurance companies
  • >> H649, an act relating to captive >> H649, an act relating to captive insurance<00:19:55.360
Keywords: 926, house, all
Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Brenda Steady and then suspended the rules to introduce 12 House bills by number only, referring them to committees. Members also read a House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2025 Milton High School Yellow Jackets boys soccer team on winning the Division 2 championship, and the chamber welcomed the team and coaches to the gallery. The Speaker announced that HCR 163 had been mistakenly placed on the consent calendar and removed it, and also announced committee appointments following a resignation. A series of guest recognitions followed, including visitors from the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative, the 2026 Snelling Early Childhood Leadership Institute cohort, mentoring organizations observing National Mentoring Month, the Vermont Historical Society, and former Representative Mari Cordes. Members also highlighted an upcoming Act 73 overview, the first Farmers Night concert, and a Caucus for Vermont’s Economy meeting. No votes were taken on these announcements, but the House formally welcomed the guests and recognized new House leadership and a new committee assistant. On the action calendar, the House passed H.649 on captive insurance companies and concurred in S.60 establishing the Farm Security Special Fund for weather-related farm losses. The House then approved H.534 on community action agencies, with the Human Services Committee describing it as a statute update that changes terminology, strengthens planning and governance requirements, and uses people-first language; the committee reported a 10-0-1 vote. The House also advanced H.84, which allows telehealth appointments to be recorded only with patient and provider consent; the Health Care Committee said it modernizes telehealth law without weakening privacy protections and reported a 10-0-1 vote. The chamber ordered third reading or passage on each bill and then adjourned until Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Natural Resources May 21st, 2026

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • SCR 46 was authored by former Senator L, and a member of this very committee, Senator Aileen, and sponsored
  • Two of the sponsors I’m talking to right now, and another sponsor is Representative Orchern right here
  • whenever the department or their agents come in contact with wildlife that is being illegally held captive
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Natural Resources May 21st, 2026

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • SCR 46 was authored by former Senator L. and a member of this very committee, Senator Aileen, and sponsored
  • Two of the sponsors I'm talking to right now, and another sponsor is Representative Orgeron right here
  • whenever the department or their agents come in contact with wildlife that is being illegally held captive
Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met on May 21 with a quorum, approved the May 14 minutes, and then took up a series of natural resources, wildlife, flood control, and transportation-related measures. HB 841 on expropriation procedures was amended to strip most of its substantive language and then deferred. The committee also adopted a technical amendment and reported SCR 54 favorably, which memorializes Congress to fully fund the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act to help address invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species. Several wildlife bills were heard and reported favorably. HB 1248 allows licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer for rehabilitation, and HB 1258 codifies a policy for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife so the department does not automatically euthanize animals that can be rehabilitated or released. HCR 5, which allows limited red drum harvest at certain established rodeos under strict guardrails, drew opposition from a fishing guide concerned about impacts to redfish recovery, but the committee still reported it favorably. HB 688 adds Atlantic tarpon to the definition of saltwater game fish, with support from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and others, and it was also reported favorably. The committee also advanced several infrastructure and flood-related measures. HB 595 requires local governments to respond within 30 days to certain road-use permit requests tied to natural resource development, and it was reported favorably after testimony from oil and gas and industry representatives. HB 802 creates a watershed restoration and conservation fund, narrowed to the Amite River Basin, and was reported favorably with support from conservation and levee interests. SCR 59, urging Congress to ensure FEMA lowers flood insurance rates once the Comite Diversion Canal project reaches 50% completion, was amended and reported favorably, and HCR 62, asking FEMA to review Louisiana flood maps every five years, was also reported favorably. The committee deferred HB 1171, which would have authorized airboats in the Maripaw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, after extensive testimony from supporters and from LDWF officials who raised concerns about habitat sensitivity, migratory birds, user conflicts, and deed restrictions. Finally, HB 1161, transferring certain state property in Lafourche and Jefferson parishes to local governments, HCR 78 supporting the American Seafood Competitive Act, HCR 86 supporting a migratory waterfowl study, and HB 1189 requiring charter boat guides on certain waters to hold U.S. Coast Guard licenses were all reported favorably.