Bills: HB136, HB137, HB220, HB213, HB256, HB136, HB137, HB220, HB213, HB256

Keywords: Teacher's Retirement System, TRS, DROP, Deferred Retirement Option Plan, retirement benefits, teacher retirement, classroom teacher, Tier I, Tier II, public pension, pension reform, education employees, retirement system, sick leave, cost-of-living adjustment, COLA, beneficiary, lump-sum payout, rollover, service retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, as you recall, in 2022, both bodies passed the Wire Intercept Law, which was called the Billy
• Senator Smithman, regarding the repeal of the agency, Billy Clarity the... ... repeal of the agency,
• Billy Clarity the Third Act.

Bills: HB2, HB43, HB49, HB94, HB137, HB156, HB200, HB250, HB3, HB42

Keywords: vaccination, parental consent, minors, medical consent, guardian approval, criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, HB49, Alabama criminal code, capital offense, capital punishment, death penalty, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, sexual torture, child sexual abuse

Transcript Highlights:

• Billy, C1 through 6. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section C.
• All right, Billy, D1 and 2. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• E, Billy, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section E.
• All right, and Billy takes the staff. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• E, Billy, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section E.

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies. Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options. The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we had our Billy Joe Jim Bob, and Billy Joe Jim Bob was like, you know what, there's nothing wrong
• Did Billy Joe Bimbob? You know, Billy Joe Jim Bob is very charming.
• Names Billy Joe as her guardian? Names Billy Joe as her guardian?
• Yes, there were actually two Billy Joes rolled into one, so I just made it one Billy Joe. Okay.
• So Billy Joe is a fictitious person, right?

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse opened by explaining it was gathering testimony on elder abuse, especially alleged misconduct involving court-appointed systems such as guardians ad litem and fiduciaries, to identify gaps in law and oversight and develop legislative fixes. The chair limited each witness’s time, asked for names and contact information for follow-up, and repeatedly noted that some allegations might warrant referral to law enforcement, the attorney general, or county attorneys if basic criminal elements were present. Several witnesses described alleged abuse in guardianship, conservatorship, and fiduciary cases. Dr. Holly Lauder said her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was subjected to allegedly deficient psychological capacity evaluations that ignored treating doctors and family input, leading to a fiduciary arrangement that later resulted in neglect. Kevin Axson described his mother’s probate case, saying a guardian ad litem and conservator were appointed after a family financial dispute, that the guardian ad litem and fiduciary had little contact with his mother, and that the estate was burdened with substantial fees and a $200,000 bond requirement. Frieda Alvarado testified about a 94-year-old client, Samuel Armento, saying he was isolated, medicated without his request, and treated without dignity after a fiduciary and care team took control. Bill Chalmers, Johnny Hamilton, and Kathy Hamilton also testified about Sam Armento’s case, alleging isolation, excessive fees, conflicts of interest, and poor oversight by fiduciaries and caregivers. Other witnesses raised broader concerns about Arizona probate practices. David Redkey said he has been under a long-running conservatorship despite earning degrees and maintaining capacity, and alleged that court-appointed professionals and fiduciaries overcharged his estate and blocked efforts to terminate the arrangement. Susan Wolfe described the Peyton case, alleging that a wife’s conservatorship and related court actions led to the loss of assets, exclusion of witnesses, and large fees for a relatively small monthly care bill. Dr. Lewis Heller, an OB-GYN and disciplinary committee member, said the medical evaluations he reviewed showed the people involved were competent and that the conduct he observed was unethical and possibly criminal. Renee Self testified that she lost her role as trustee and spent large sums defending her father’s estate, alleging that the probate process stripped her father of assets and limited her access to him despite APS findings that her actions were in his best interests. No formal committee votes or legislative actions were taken in the excerpt, but members repeatedly expressed concern, asked for documents and transcripts, and indicated they would follow up with witnesses and consider stakeholder meetings to craft legislation addressing oversight, transparency, and accountability in guardianship and fiduciary systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got Rashinda Billy, 2024 Milken Educator, and Louise Billy, mother of Ms.
• Billy, Ashley Ngo, a 2023 Milken Educator, Jonathan Ngo, husband of Ms.
• We have Rashinda Billy, 2024 Milken Educator; Louise Billy, mother of Ms.
• Billy, a member of the Navajo community herself, believes fun is the key to learning.
• Where Billy actively seeks innovative ways to captivate her students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Billy Joe Jim Bob could be anybody.
• But we had our Billy Joe Jim Bob, and Billy Joe Jim Bob was like, you know what, there's nothing wrong
• Names Billy Joe as her guardian. Names Billy Joe as her guardian?
• Yes, there were actually two Billy Joes rolled into one, so I just made it one Billy Joe.
• Billy Joe is a fictitious person. There was, um, Billy Joe number two was actually a fiduciary.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 57.840><c> Brandon</c> Whereas Brigadier General Billy Brandon Whereas Brigadier General Billy Brandon
• Billy Morgan ultimately achieved the Billy Morgan ultimately achieved the rank<01:04:42.800><c> of</c
• ><01:05:19.440><c> Morgan</c> Brigadier General Billy Brandon Morgan Brigadier General Billy Brandon
• 14.120><c> Brandon</c> Whereas Brigadier General Billy Brandon Whereas Brigadier General Billy Brandon
• </c> legacy of Brigadier General Billy legacy of Brigadier General Billy Brandon<01:08:40.240><c> Morgan

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Billy, C1 through C6. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section C.
• E, Billy, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section E.
• All right, and Billy, take the staff. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Billy, thank you, Mr. Chair. We've now entered the review section of the agenda.
• Billy N? Yes, there's a section in our monthly reports.

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of appropriation, transfer, contract, and other review items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests in Sections B through F, including funding for prosecuting attorneys, education-related adjustments, school operating needs, labor licensing divisions, ARPA fund returns from Workforce Services, IIJA grants for state police CDL implementation and a forestry-related county grant, reserve fund transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic development, and a Commerce reallocation tied to organizational realignment. Cash fund requests in Section G and budget classification transfers in Section H were also reviewed, along with pay plan requests in Section I, overtime requests in Section J, and multiple methods of finance in Section K. The committee also reviewed discretionary grants in Section L, including agriculture promotion board grants and DHS aging/adult behavioral health grants, plus RFQs, construction contracts, intergovernmental contracts, and out-of-state contracts in Sections M1 through M5. Several items drew questions from members. Workforce Services explained that $225,000 in TANF-related funds would be returned to the federal government because the two-year hold period for uncashed or moved checks had expired. Commerce officials described the $25 million site infrastructure grant program, saying it supports site development, due diligence, and infrastructure build-out at eligible sites of 30 acres or more, including rural communities, with grant agreements and matching requirements providing accountability. DHS and Education officials answered questions about the Care Solace mental health referral contract, saying it is a statewide concierge/referral service that helps schools connect students to Arkansas providers and follow up so students do not fall through the cracks; members asked for more information on provider selection, school-day scheduling, and Arkansas vendor participation. The committee held one item over: the DHS discretionary grant item for the RSVP retired senior volunteer program in L2, after concerns were raised about whether state general revenue was being used effectively and how much administrative overhead the providers retain. Members also questioned several contracts, including a DHS sole-source contract with EMSLink for document management software and a DHS bridge contract with Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care for Medicaid inspections of care reviews; in both cases, agency staff explained the need to avoid service disruption and said follow-up information would be provided. A Department of Corrections reentry center contract was discussed for its recidivism results, and ARDOT retirement-system investment contracts were briefly explained. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion of the Medicaid Trust Fund balance, with DFA and DHS officials saying the state is expected to finish the fiscal year without exhausting the fund, that a restricted reserve of $100 million is available as a backstop, and that the larger question is what minimum balance should be maintained going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Billy, C1 through 6. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section C.
• All right, Billy, D1 and 2. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• E, Billy, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section E.
• All right, and Billy takes the staff. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Let's move on to M, please, Billy. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're in Section M.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and that's why I asked Billy to go first.
• Um, and that's why I asked Billy to go first.
• Um, and that's why I asked Billy to go first.
• And I'm not so sure Billy may disagree with me.
• Billy may disagree with me.

Bills: HB24, HB27

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bills 27 and 24 on groundwater issues in East Texas, with members and witnesses focusing on a proposed large-volume groundwater export project and the need for more science before major permitting decisions are made. HB 27, which was within the special session call, would direct the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a hydrogeologic study of the aquifers in the affected area and temporarily pause new export permits while the study is underway. HB 24, a separate bill that would limit certain production and export permits to 5% of modeled available groundwater, was laid out but the chair said it would not be moved out of committee. Testimony on HB 27 was largely supportive, though some witnesses were neutral. Supporters, including representatives from a water supply corporation, the Trinity River Authority, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the region lacks enough hydrologic data, that the proposed pumping could affect private wells, surface water, and local economies, and that the state needs better information on sustainable yield and groundwater-surface water interaction. Several witnesses emphasized that groundwater conservation districts need clearer tools and better data, while also noting concerns about property rights and the rule of capture. Committee members discussed the scale of the proposed project, the absence of a groundwater conservation district in Houston County, and the possibility that the study should examine desired future conditions and maximum sustainable pumping rather than only modeled available groundwater. The committee adopted the committee substitute for HB 27 and voted it out favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass, be printed, and be sent to the Committee on Calendars. The roll call was unanimous, 11 ayes and 0 nays. After the vote, members briefly reflected on the complexity of the issue and the need to continue working on broader groundwater policy in the interim and next session. HB 24 was discussed later in the meeting, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, I'll call Leah Billy Wilburn... ...Todd. Next, I'll call Leah Billy Wilburn, an opponent.
• Hi everyone, my name is Leah Billy Wilburn.
• Next, we'll call Leab Billy Wellburn, an opponent.
• I've always gone by Billy.
• This bill penalizes teachers for calling Billy "Susan" or that vice versa. for calling Billy "Susan"

Bills: SB211, HB96, SB215, SB257, SB13, SB13

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, National Signing Day, athletic scholarships, military enlistment, postsecondary education, apprenticeship programs, high school students, educational commitments, education intervention, State Superintendent, local boards, provisional release, subpoena authority, compliance, educational operation control, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Billy represent Senate District 17.
• </c><00:05:09.160><c> It's</c><00:05:09.320><c> a</c> Billy, brought this to me.
• It's a Billy, brought this to me. It's a brilliant<00:05:10.480><c> idea.
• Thank you, Billy. Again, you did much better than I could have.
• Again, you did Thank Thank you, Billy.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, Billy Taylor, director of government affairs for the National Elevator Industry, in support
• My name is Billy Taylor, and I'm the director of government affairs for the National Elevator Industry
• Uh, next up, Billy Taylor, Javier.
• My name is Billy Taylor and committee.
• My name is Billy Taylor and I'm<00:31:58.720><c> the</c><00:31:58.880><c> director</c><00:31:59.120><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• say the county commission did all four of them contact you, or talking to the chairman or— >> The um Billy
• chairman or you or talking to the chairman or &gt;&gt; the<00:02:02.479><c> um</c><00:02:03.439><c> Billy
• :02:04.000><c> Underwood</c><00:02:04.719><c> reached</c><00:02:05.040><c> out</c> &gt;&gt; the um Billy
• Joe Underwood reached out &gt;&gt; the um Billy Joe Underwood reached out they<00:02:06.240><c> talked

Bills: HB606, HB606

Keywords: HB606, Alabama, Department of Transportation, DOT, public highways, utility relocation, right-of-way, state right-of-way, road construction, bridge, tunnel, toll road, interstate highway, defense highway, utility facilities, broadband, telecommunications, cable, electricity, gas

Transcript Highlights:

• Not wishing to speak: Zach Daniels, Executive Director at Louisiana District Attorneys Association; Billy
• We have green cards in support: Billy Joe Harrington, District Attorney for the 10th JDC; Brad Burkett
• So we have green cards in support, not wishing to speak: Billy Joe Harrington, District Attorney, 10th
• Same for Claire Howington with the 16th Judicial District Attorney and Billy Joe Harrington, District
• Brad Burkett, District Attorney for the 7th, JDC, Billy Joe Harrington, District.

Bills: HCR50, HB123, HB219, HB251, HB404, HB769, HB1065, SB58, SB81, SB92, SB97, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB207, SB396, SB410

Keywords: electronic monitoring, GPS ankle monitor, ankle bracelet, pretrial release, post-conviction supervision, bail monitoring, house arrest, corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, prosecuting authority, court reporting, provider registration, LCLE, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice, data privacy, personal information, cybersecurity, confidentiality, monitoring violations

Transcript Highlights:

• Billy Joe Harrington, District Attorney, 10th JDC, present in support, not wishing to speak.
• Billy Joe Harrington from the district attorney's office.
• Billy Joe Harrington, DA, 10th. Zachary T.
• Billy Joe Harrington, DA, 10th JDC. Zachary T.
• s office, Billy Joe Harrington, District Attorney 10th, J.D.C., Perry.

Summary: The committee met on March 18, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 36 by Rep. Butler, as amended, removed Evangeline Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District and was reported favorably. HB 160 by Rep. Knox increased penalties for domestic violence offenses involving strangulation; the committee adopted an amendment requiring at least one year without probation or suspension, heard strong support from survivors and prosecutors, and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 552 by Rep. Bryant, handled by Vice Chair LaFleur, clarified DWI law to include impairment beyond alcohol; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 119 by Rep. Fontenot created and strengthened penalties for AI-generated sexual images, especially involving minors; after amendments, including a new possession offense and a name change to “Act Ivy Daniels,” the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 171 by Rep. Spell corrected a citation in the personal surety provisions and was reported favorably without opposition. HB 140 by Rep. Cox drew the most debate. The bill lengthened juvenile delinquency filing and adjudication timelines and changed procedures for extensions and dismissals. Prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical update to account for modern evidence gathering and case complexity, while public defenders, juvenile advocates, and other opponents argued it would prolong detention, undermine speedy-trial protections, increase costs, and harm children. After extensive testimony and discussion, the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 140 favorably as amended by a roll call vote of 8-3, with Representatives Knox, LaFleur, and Moore voting no. The committee also heard HB 68 by Rep. Schlegel, combined with concepts from Rep. Glorioso’s similar bill, to update disturbing-the-peace law to protect houses of worship from intentional disruption. An amendment clarified definitions of worship spaces and interruptions and increased the mandatory minimum jail time from 15 to 30 days, while enhancing penalties to a felony for more serious conduct such as battery, property damage, or carrying a dangerous weapon during the offense. Supporters framed it as a deterrent and protection for religious liberty, while opponents, including the ACLU, raised First Amendment concerns and asked for tighter language. The transcript cuts off during opposition testimony, and no final vote on HB 68 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, Billy was frequently hospitalized at Boston Children's.
• Three days later, Billy told me that he hadn't eaten since he arrived.
• It was a place where Billy could thrive. Brian became Billy's best friend.
• At Pappas, Billy found friendship, community, and even a girlfriend.
• Billy embodied advocacy, friendship, leadership, and perseverance.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The special legislative commission on the future of Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children held a hybrid public hearing focused on the hospital’s future, admissions, staffing, infrastructure, and whether the facility should be preserved, expanded, or reimagined. Opening remarks from legislators, commissioners, parents, and union representatives emphasized that Pappas provides a unique combination of medical, rehabilitative, educational, and residential services for children with complex needs, and several speakers argued that the hospital is effectively being depopulated through reduced admissions and ongoing discharges despite public assurances that it remains open. Multiple speakers urged the commission to extend its authorization and continue its work before any closure or major change can occur. Testimony from labor leaders, including AFSCME, SEIU Local 509, and the Massachusetts Nurses Association, described a “silent closure” in practice, with staff reporting confusion about the hospital’s status, declining census numbers, blocked admissions, and uncertainty about the workforce’s future. They called for immediate action to stop admission denials and unnecessary discharges, and some proposed short-term solutions such as temporary modular structures to address infrastructure barriers and allow admissions to resume. Parents and former patients testified that Pappas provided life-changing independence, specialized therapy, and campus-based supports that they said could not be replicated elsewhere, and they criticized alternative placements as inadequate. Commissioner Robert Goldstein of the Department of Public Health said the administration supports keeping Pappas open and funded while the commission works, but he argued that admissions must comply with hospital-level-of-care rules and that the campus’s deteriorating infrastructure limits the kinds of children who can safely be served there. He said the department is continuing admissions for appropriate patients, working to expand outreach and services, and exploring long-term options, including broader statewide models of care. Commissioners pressed him on whether discharge status or lack of a clear discharge plan had been used as a barrier to admission, and requested de-identified data on patients recommended for admission but denied. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• some may recall that we discussed this subject at interim committee meeting back in 2024, and Mayor Billy
• /c> committee meeting back in 2024, and committee meeting back in 2024, and Mayor<00:04:44.720><c> Billy
• 45.480><c> here</c><00:04:45.640><c> to</c><00:04:45.760><c> to</c><00:04:45.919><c> talk</c> Mayor Billy
• Phelps was here to to talk Mayor Billy Phelps was here to to talk about<00:04:46.360><c> this</c><00
• </c> Morgantown, Mayor Billy Phelps. Morgantown, Mayor Billy Phelps.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Billy Joe Harrington, District Attorney with the 10th JDC, present in support, not wishing to speak.
• Billy Joe Harrington, District Attorney, 10th JDC, present in support, not wishing to speak.
• Billy Joe Harrington from the District Attorney's Office.
• D.A., 34th; Billy Joe Harrington, DA, 10th; Zachary T.
• Billy Joe Harrington, District Attorney, 10th JDC. Perry Nicosia, District Attorney, 34th JDC.

Bills: HB36, HB52, HB56, HB68, HB92, HB119, HB140, HB147, HB160, HB171, HB289, HB351, HB552, HB784

Keywords: HB 36, Act 780, Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District, juvenile justice, juveniles, Evangeline Parish, regional district, board of commissioners, commission membership, Louisiana juvenile law, R.S. 15:1109, R.S. 15:1109.1, parish governance, district boundaries, local government, HB 52, Act 192, Louisiana criminal procedure, misdemeanor jury trial, six-person jury

Transcript Highlights:

• Billy Joe Harrington, 10th JDC district attorney, in support.
• And they are Andy Shealy, 16th, J.D. and they are Andy Shealy, 16th JDC, ADA, Billy Joe Harrington, 10th
• with the 16th Judicial District Court; Jeff Drozdo with the Louisiana Association of Health Plans; Billy
• with the 16th Judicial District Court; Jeff Drozdo with the Louisiana Association of Health Plans; Billy
• speak: Brad Burgett, 7th Judicial District Attorney; Zach Daniels, District Attorney Association; Billy

Keywords: 974, senate, all