Bills: HB316, HB549, HB646, HB752, HB824, HB873, HB1129, HB1157, HB1170

Keywords: literacy, adolescent, teacher education, high-dosage tutoring, reading intervention, workforce development, training programs, Bayou Growth Opportunity, funding, employment, skills gap, qualified employer, credential recognition, government growth limit, recurring revenue, state finance, Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund, fiscal responsibility, legislative sessions, regular sessions

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm honored to be here to speak with you and advocate for this recognition.

Bills: HB506, HB590, HB647, HB685, HB692, HB839, HB860, HB873, HB887, HB965, HB972, HB982, HB1072, HB1157

Keywords: license plates, prestige plates, Fraternal Order of Police, charitable donations, high school representation, waterway projects, application timeline, government funding, semi-annual submissions, Louisiana waterways, public procurement, motor vehicles, rolling stock, FAST Act, Louisiana bid law, hospital service district, construction management, public works, contract limit, bidding process

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1157, which would create a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank to provide a new funding mechanism for transportation projects, including roads, bridges, rail, ports, and airports. The chairman and DOTD Secretary Glenn LaDoux said the bank would help leverage state, federal, local, and private dollars, modelled in part on programs in Florida and other states, and would be used for gap funding and faster project delivery. Members asked extensive questions about board makeup, oversight, seed funding, application priorities, and how the program would differ from capital outlay and other existing funding tools. Support testimony came from Greater New Orleans, Inc. and other groups, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then approved several mostly technical or local bills, including HB 860 allowing fillable electronic public bid forms; HB 972 naming a portion of Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish the Desert Shield Desert Storm Memorial Highway; HB 965 naming a portion of Highway 163 for Sergeant William Billy Earl Collins Jr.; HB 692 allowing local governments to use group purchasing organizations, as amended; HB 685 allowing cooperative procurement for public motor vehicles and rolling stock under FAST Act procedures, which passed after a roll call vote with one no vote; HB 982 designating portions of highways in Morehouse Parish, as amended; HB 506 creating specialty license plates, as amended; HB 839 lowering the CMAR threshold for hospital service districts from $2 million to $1 million via substitute bill; HB 647 revising the waterway assistance program and application timelines via substitute bill; and HB 887 revising construction management-at-risk procedures, as amended. Most of these measures were reported favorably or favorably as amended, with little or no opposition. The committee also received an update on the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction from Representative Chesson, who said the office will assume control of about 4,000 miles of roadway and 2,000 bridges and has been moving projects quickly using internal procurement procedures. HB 1072, which reforms the office’s powers and emergency authority, was amended to narrow emergency provisions and clarify funding and reporting language, then reported favorably as amended. The final major item was HB 873, which would fund pursuit-intervention technology and training for law enforcement through a $2 fee on driver’s licenses; the bill was presented alongside emotional testimony from the widow and daughter of Sergeant Grant Candies and from a St. John the Baptist Parish captain, who argued the fee would help agencies buy safer equipment and obtain grant support. The transcript ends during questioning on HB 873, before any final committee action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 774 acknowledges that mental injuries sustained on the job deserve the same recognition and
• tab number four, Senators, SPB 7026 by Governmental Oversight and Accountability relating to OGSR trade
• SPB 7026, relating to OGSR trade secret held by an agency.
• This bill seeks to repeal the current public records exemption for trade secrets that are held by an
• The bill also consolidates several specific trade secret exemptions into one agency-wide exemption, and

Bills: S0774, S7028, S7024, S7026

Keywords: mental health, first responders, employment benefits, 911 telecommunicators, nervous injuries, retirement, elected officials, Deferred Retirement Option Program, DROP, cost-of-living adjustment, trade secret, public records exemption, public meetings exemption, open government, sunset review, agency confidentiality, proprietary business information, proprietary confidential business information, confidential records, Florida public records law

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met and first heard Senate Bill 774, which would extend workers’ compensation medical benefits for employment-related mental or nervous injuries to 911 public safety telecommunicators, even without a physical injury. The sponsor and several dispatchers, a clinician, and communications directors testified in support, describing repeated exposure to traumatic calls, chronic understaffing, and the need for mental health treatment and retention support. Senator DiCeglie and Chair Mayfield praised dispatchers’ work, and the bill was reported favorably by committee vote, with Senator McClain later recorded as voting yes on the bill. The committee then took up SPB 7028, a retirement bill that sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2026, leaves the 3% employee contribution unchanged, allows certain elected officers to receive a DROP payout under specified conditions, and provides a 1.5% alternative cost-of-living adjustment for eligible special risk retirees. Firefighters, police, sheriffs, and chiefs’ groups spoke in support, emphasizing recruitment and retention. The committee voted to submit the proposal as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7024 and SPB 7026, both open-government-related bills. SPB 7024 would repeal the current public records and public meeting exemption for cybersecurity information and consolidate agency-specific cybersecurity exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. SPB 7026 would repeal the current public records exemption for trade secrets held by an agency and similarly consolidate specific trade secret exemptions into one agency-wide exemption. Neither bill drew testimony or debate, and both were submitted as committee bills and reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It establishes the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission. SCR 5 by Senator Mizell.
• It establishes the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission. That’s exactly what it is.
• What this commission does is establish the trade commission to boost bilateral trade, mutual infrastructure

Bills: HR118, HR196, HR237, HR285, HCR85, HB442, HB443, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR63, SB25, SB202, SB319

Keywords: water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, fallen trees, property damage, insurance, property values, hurricanes, storm damage, local government, homeowners, risk management, committee study, census, military population, Department of Defense, representation, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, for the recognition. Welcome to the House. Announcements, we're still in announcements.

Bills: HB95, HB111, HJR1, HB32, HB33, HB61, HJM2, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB8, HB30, HB43, HB156, HM2, HM16

Keywords: HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order

Bills: HB4248, HB4429, HB2588, HB3472, HB4317, HB3462, HB2035, HB3501, HB3127, HB3143, HB3144, HB3260, HB4321, HB3011, HB3522, HB3530

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency

Summary: The Business and Insurance Committee met with a quorum and laid over Item 8. Members first took up House Bill 4248, which was amended to prohibit anyone under 21 from buying, selling, delivering, furnishing, or possessing beverages containing hemp. Pro Tem Paxton explained the bill as a response to THC-infused hemp drinks being sold in convenience stores, and the committee passed the bill 9-0. The committee then approved a nomination for Stephen Brickle of Moore to the Alarm, Locksmith, and Fire Sprinkler Industry Committee for a four-year term ending June 30, 2030, also by a 9-0 vote. Members next passed House Bill 4429, the Proxy Advisor Transparency Act, which requires proxy advisors to disclose when recommendations are not based on a written financial analysis and allows enforcement through the Attorney General and civil actions; it passed 9-0 after questions about ESG-related considerations. Several other bills were considered and advanced, including House Bill 2588 on HOA board eligibility for resident owners, House Bill 3472 on tire pyrolysis facilities, House Bill 4317 on CPA exam eligibility, House Bill 3462 on plumbing licensing, House Bill 2035 on funeral transportation agreements, House Bill 3501 on multiple alcohol manufacturing licenses on one premises, House Bill 3127 and House Bill 3143 on medical marijuana regulation, House Bill 3144 on limiting grower licenses, House Bill 3260 on funeral director continuing education approval, House Bill 4321 on labor rules for existing structures, and House Bills 3011, 3522, and 3530 on home brewer licensing, ABLE Commission reporting, and purchase-record timing. Most measures passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, with a few receiving one no vote. The meeting adjourned after all listed items were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 365 passed the House unanimously, reflecting broad bipartisan recognition that listening to
• to honor the original stewards of these homelands, the proposed commission supports remembrance, recognition

Bills: HB89, HB328, HB344, HB365, HB283, HB89, HB328, HB344, HB365, HB283

Keywords: home improvement, consumer protection, consumer fraud, dispute resolution, mediation, contractor registration, home repair, renovation, homeowner, building contractor, construction fraud, treble damages, attorney fees, Department of Justice, Division of Consumer Protection, Department of Labor, good faith, unfair trade practices, Delaware, regulations

Summary: The Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee met in hybrid format, approved the June 10 draft minutes, and then heard a long agenda of bills. HB 89 (home improvement fraud dispute resolution) was presented as a consumer protection measure developed with DOJ to address contractor fraud, especially against vulnerable homeowners; members voiced support and asked to be added as sponsors. HB 283 updated realty transfer tax exemptions to use gender-neutral “spouses” language and add a direct grandparent-to-grandchild transfer exemption; it drew supportive public comment. HS1 for HB 390 would let DelDOT choose electronic-only bidding for projects, remove newspaper bid-opening notices, and clarify bidding records, with no opposition raised. HB 328/H.A. 2 modernizes the Register of Regulations statute, keeps newspaper distribution requirements, and delays some effective dates to 2027; it was described as a technical update. HB 365 would create the Delaware Indigenous Affairs Commission, prompting supportive testimony from Indigenous community members and some discussion about representation and internal tribal اختلافs, but no formal opposition. HB 423 would automatically enroll new state employees in the 457B deferred compensation plan unless they opt out, with exclusions for collective bargaining units and implementation tied to payroll readiness; it was presented as a retirement-savings measure. SS1 for SB 342 would modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission to support a broader film/media incentive package, with support from the Delaware Arts Alliance and a request to help attract productions to Delaware. The committee also heard SB 331, a cleanup bill on garagekeeper liens for manufactured housing and related assets. The sponsor and an attorney explained it as clarifying who can recover funds and attorney’s fees in lien sales, but the Chief Magistrate and the manufactured housing association said the issue should be addressed more carefully and possibly in another section of code; they were open to further work. HB 436 would update the Smyrna charter, including school impact fees, election challenge procedures, vacancy rules, domicile standards, Board of Elections terms, and meeting schedules. HS1 for HB 376 made technical and organizational changes to the Millville charter, including a tiebreaker for municipal elections and a property tax cap, with the town solicitor saying there was little substantive change. HB 460 would require New Castle County municipalities to submit permit data monthly rather than on a much slower schedule, limited to closed permits with certificates of occupancy, to improve property assessment data; it was presented as part of broader reassessment/data-quality efforts. Public comment was heard on several items, especially HB 365 and SS1 for SB 342. Indigenous speakers supported the commission as a way to preserve heritage, improve representation, and create a formal seat at the table. The Delaware Arts Alliance supported the film commission modernization bill as part of a broader creative-economy plan. No recorded votes were taken on the individual bills in the transcript, and the meeting ended with a unanimous motion to adjourn.

Bills: HB2009, HB2022, HCM2001, HCM2002, HCM2004, HCR2001, HM2001, HM2004

Keywords: campaign contributions, foreign contributions, constitutional amendments, public disclosure, Arizona Revised Statutes, elections, voter registration, provisional ballots, primary election, voter participation, Muslim Brotherhood, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, national security, Islamist extremism, Congress, Arizona, domestic security, CAIR, terrorist organization

Bills: SB140, HB235, HB276, HB317, HB340

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety

Bills: HB95, HB111, HJR1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM34, HB2, HB32, HB33, HB61, HJM2, HM23, HM24, HM26

Keywords: HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order

Bills: HB145, HB279, HB292, SB35, HJM1, HM7, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM32, HM51, HM1, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM30, HM52, HM64, HM65, HM66, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HM17, HM46, HM13, HM20, HM54, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM59, HM2, HM16, HM47, HM53

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, healthcare privacy, electronic medical records, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, data protection, location tracking, confidentiality, sexual abuse, prison safety, correctional facilities, inmate rights, investigation procedures, judgeship, judiciary, court system

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, for that recognition.
• Speaker, and thank you, Representative, for bringing forth this memorial in recognition of New Mexico
• Speaker, for all the wonderful recognition.
• So I appreciate that you mentioned the credential recognition of workforce training, but how is Workforce
• House Bill 124 is a recognition that New Mexico will invest in our immigrant community.

Bills: HB111, HB103, HB109, HB128, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB49, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB124, HB145, HB154, HB158, HB164, HB180, HB291, HJR6, HJR7, HR1, HJM1, HM13, HM47

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House took up Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974, a bill modernizing and strengthening laws concerning sheriffs, police chiefs, volunteers, youth cadets, and related law enforcement roles. Members first considered a striking amendment and then a series of floor amendments, with debate repeatedly focusing on sheriffs as elected constitutional officers, the scope of state authority over local law enforcement, and whether the bill would create unfunded mandates or practical problems for counties. Supporters of the bill and many amendments argued for clarifying language, local flexibility, and state payment for new requirements; opponents generally warned the bill would weaken elected sheriffs, impose costs on counties, or overreach into local control. Amendment 2343, which would have added intent language emphasizing that sheriffs are directly accountable to the electorate, was debated at length and defeated on a roll call vote, 41 yeas to 56 nays. Amendment 2373, shifting background-check costs to the state through the Washington State Patrol, was also defeated, 44 yeas to 53 nays. Amendment 2374, narrowing provisions affecting private security and specially commissioned officers, failed 41 to 56. Amendment 2369, clarifying rules for volunteers and youth cadets, failed 41 to 56. Amendment 2371, limiting surveillance-related provisions to situations requiring a warrant, failed 42 to 55. Amendment 2372, clarifying that only non-public information would be restricted from disclosure, also failed 41 to 56. Later, Amendment 2370, which would have aligned the bill’s definition of volunteer law enforcement officers with existing statute, was defeated 42 to 55. Finally, Amendment 2352, which would have exempted current sheriffs from the bill’s new decertification rules, was debated as a protection against changing the rules midstream but was opposed on the grounds that the bill already grandfathered in the one sheriff who did not meet the new experience requirement; the amendment’s vote was not completed in the excerpt provided. The transcript also begins with the Speaker signing several bills, including Substitute House Bill 1570 and Substitute Senate Bill 6248.

Bills: HCR14, HB201, HB218, HB352, HB626, HB636, HB738, HB749

Keywords: Department of Education, federal overreach, education policy, Tenth Amendment, local control, fine arts, high school diploma, arts education, capstone project, academic achievement, student recognition, Louisiana education, food insecurity, hunger, student hunger, school meals, free lunch, community eligibility provision, McKinney-Vento, homeless students

Bills: HB2127, HB2257, HB2305, HB2573, HB2772, HB2941, HB2957

Keywords: special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges

Bills: SB82, SB1807, SB2254, HB119, HB130, HB581, HJR98, SB1988

Keywords: business liability, concealed carry, handgun policy, premises liability, criminal acts, civil liability, business premises, concealed handgun, property liability, property rights, gun regulations, criminal liability, protective order, confidentiality, personal information, court records, victim protection, charitable raffle, nonprofit, wildlife conservation

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met to consider several pending measures and adopted committee substitutes on multiple bills before voting them out. Senate Bill 2403, Senate Bill 1888 (jury wheel procedures in certain counties), Senate Bill 2417 (Attorney General actions under the Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act), Senate Bill 2459 (personal identifying information for judiciary employees), and Senate Bill 2943 (discrimination involving occupational licenses) were each reported favorably to the full Senate, with most passing unanimously and SB 2943 passing on a 10-1 vote. The committee also certified SB 1888, SB 2417, and SB 2459 for the local and uncontested calendars, and later did the same for SB 2943. The committee then considered House Joint Resolution 98, the Convention of States resolution, which was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-3 vote. House Bill 1393, dealing with daylight saving time and keeping the state on daylight saving time year-round, was also reported favorably, with the committee noting it heard the House bill rather than a Senate companion. House Bill 2884, concerning financial relationship disclosures for defense contractors, was likewise reported favorably, with the final tally announced as 11 ayes and 1 nay. No testimony was taken in the excerpt, and no substantive debate was recorded beyond brief clarifications about the bills and their companions. After completing the votes and calendar motions, the committee recessed.

Bills: HB4248, HB4429, HB2588, HB3472, HB4317, HB3462, HB2035, HB3501, HB3127, HB3143, HB3144, HB3260, HB4321, HB3011, HB3522, HB3530

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency

Bills: SCR21, SCR75, SCR50, SCR149, SCR47, SCR163, SCR169, SCR170

Keywords: healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, health care, interdepartmental collaboration, public awareness, support services, education, health insurance, affordable healthcare, working group, Hawaii Health Plan, Medicaid expansion

Bills: SCR21, SCR75, SCR50, SCR149, SCR47, SCR163, SCR169, SCR170

Keywords: healthcare, rural clinic, feasibility study, access to care, community health, Volcano community, Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, emergency services, health assessment, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, health care, interdepartmental collaboration, public awareness, support services, education, health insurance, affordable healthcare, working group, Hawaii Health Plan, Medicaid expansion

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just mirroring the language that's already in the Unfair Trade Practices Act, which exempts the
• This is just mirroring the language that's already in the Unfair Trade Practices Act, which exempts the
• RS 51:1409, which is the private action that's found in the statute governing the Louisiana Unfair Trade
• RS 51:1409, which is the private action that's found in the statute governing the Louisiana Unfair Trade
• or commerce for the purposes of the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, La

Bills: HB207, HB267, HB300, HB464, HB618, HB853

Keywords: Louisiana Auctioneers Licensing Board, auctioneer licensing, professional licensing board, board membership, gubernatorial appointments, consumer members, public at large, Public Service Commission district, East Baton Rouge Parish, venue, domicile, licensure requirements, licensed auctioneer, occupational licensing, state board governance, Act 138, home inspectors, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met for its first meeting of the 2026 regular session, established a quorum, re-adopted its rules and prior interim amendments, and welcomed new members. The committee then took up several bills, beginning with HB 853 by Rep. McMakin, which updates Louisiana’s misleading solicitation laws. After adopting technical amendments and a substantive amendment tying the bill to the Unfair Trade Practices Act, members discussed how the bill would apply to deceptive mailers, digital solicitations, foreign banks, industrial loan companies, and possible overbreadth. Secretary of State Nancy Landry and staff supported the bill as a consumer-protection measure, and the committee reported it favorably with amendments. The committee next heard HB 618 by Rep. McMakin, dealing with Louisiana Economic Development fees and costs. Secretary of LED presented a lengthy update on the department’s recent economic development results, including major capital investment announcements, job creation, the Source Louisiana vendor database, and workforce coordination efforts. Members questioned fee increases, hardship waivers, discretion in setting fees, tracking of incentives and local tax impacts, and whether the department could better distinguish jobs held by existing Louisiana residents versus new arrivals. After adopting technical amendments and removing the inflationary adjustment provision, the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments. The committee also advanced HB 207 by Rep. Henry, which restructures the Louisiana Auctioneer’s Licensing Board. Amendments were adopted to make the changes prospective, preserve two consumer/public members on the board, and clarify board domicile and venue in East Baton Rouge Parish while removing an unnecessary office-location requirement. Members briefly discussed the rationale for eliminating PSC district-based appointments. In addition, HB 300 by Rep. Riser, raising the appraisal threshold for certain state bank residential loans from $250,000 to $400,000, was reported favorably after questions about valuation fairness and federal oversight, and HB 464 by Rep. Riser, requiring more centralized reporting of utility damage during excavation or demolition, was also reported favorably with support from Louisiana 811 and utility representatives. HB 267 by Rep. Thomas was deferred, and the committee adjourned after a motion by Rep. Jordan.