Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill does, it just extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances.
• So this just makes sure that our municipalities follow the law, and it is supported, of course, by Oklahoma
• It says the municipality and the next one section is the county. Correct. Okay. Thank you.

Bills: SB1265, SB1198, SB2046

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, healthcare authority, property lien, county treasury, Oklahoma, municipalities

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee met and first announced that Senate Bill 1619 would be laid over to a later date. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1265, which would extend the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 days to 30 days, with supporters citing the decline of daily newspapers and the need to help cities meet publication requirements. The bill received a due pass recommendation and advanced on an 8-0 vote. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1198, which would require the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to release liens on property owned by a city or county when requested by the local treasurer. Senator Mann explained that the measure is intended to help local governments reuse tax-delinquent or code-violation properties for affordable housing, since liens can exceed the value of the property. The bill advanced on a 7-1 vote. After a brief recess, the committee took up Senate Bill 2046, as amended by committee substitute, which would allow the Department of Environmental Quality to determine the legality of campsites and evaluate whether sanitary and environmental standards are met. Members questioned the bill’s definitions, reporting thresholds, timelines, fiscal impact, and the role of DEQ and the Department of Public Safety in notifying counties and ordering removal of camps. Following debate, the bill advanced on a 6-2 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill does is it just extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances.
• So this just makes sure that our municipalities follow the law and it is supported, of course, by Oklahoma
• It says the municipality, and the next One section is the county. OK, thank you, senator.

Bills: SB1265, SB1198, SB2046

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, healthcare authority, property lien, county treasury, Oklahoma, municipalities

Transcript Highlights:

• That term will also include building codes, zoning, vegetation, nuisance ordinances, and ordinances that
• That term will also include building codes, zoning, vegetation, nuisance ordinances, and ordinances that
• Present law already allows municipalities and parishes to impose civil fines for certain ordinance violations
• Senate Bill 148 allows municipalities, by local ordinance, to provide a modest per diem to members of
• Any per diem would be established locally by ordinance, meaning municipalities control whether to offer

Bills: HR217, HB66, HB204, HB208, HB326, HB472, HB483, HB484, HB793, HB1051, HB1080, HB1087, HB1111, HB1215, SB78, SB148

Keywords: rent stabilization, affordable housing, cost burdened, Louisiana housing, housing policy, emergency rental protections, Alexandria, municipal ordinances, administrative adjudication, code enforcement, housing violations, building codes, zoning, nuisance ordinances, vegetation ordinances, sewerage, drainage, licensing, permits, local government

Summary: The committee met on April 29 and considered a series of local and special bills affecting municipal and parish governance, blight enforcement, development districts, and term limits. Early action included a motion to apply a three-minute rule. House Bill 483, concerning the Fulberg/Marini Security and Improvement District in Orleans Parish, was voluntarily deferred after discussion and no support cards. House Bill 484, which revised the New Orleans Regional Business Park board by reducing membership from 12 to 11 and giving the mayor four direct appointments with removal authority, was adopted as a substitute and reported favorably. Senate Bill 78, dealing with the Shreveport Downtown Development District, was amended to correct a legislative district reference and then reported favorably. The committee also heard announcements that several previously deferred bills would not be heard that day. Several Shreveport-related blight bills were advanced. House Bill 1051, authorizing demolition of certain dilapidated properties in Shreveport, was amended to allow the city to rely on findings from code enforcement, fire, police, or other public safety officials, and then reported favorably. House Bill 1080, addressing condemned commercial property in Shreveport, was also reported favorably, though the author said he would continue consulting with the city attorney before floor consideration. House Bill 66 for Alexandria expanded the city’s administrative adjudication authority to cover a broader range of ordinance violations, including building, zoning, vegetation, nuisance, sewer, drainage, licensing, and permit matters; it was supported by the city and reported favorably. House Bill 326, requiring the Tickfaw police chief candidate to reside within the village, also passed favorably. House Bill 793, a contentious bill concerning recorded subdivision plats and prescription, drew extensive testimony from the author, parish officials, a former appellate judge, and the McCormick family. Supporters said the bill closes a loophole exposed by recent court rulings that could let noncompliant plats become enforceable after five years without actual notice to local governments, while opponents argued the current substitute still creates uncertainty and could burden property owners; the author said the bill was prospective only and would also go to the Law Institute. Despite the debate, the committee moved the substitute favorably. Senate Bill 148, allowing municipalities to pay a modest per diem to planning and zoning commission members by local ordinance, was reported favorably with support from Lake Charles. The committee rejected House Bill 208, which would have let St. Helena Parish voters decide whether to impose term limits on parish governing authority members. The bill’s author argued the people should decide, but the St. Helena Police Jury opposed it and committee members emphasized local control; the final vote was 3 yeas to 10 nays. House Bill 1215, concerning the disposition of historical statues and monuments, was amended to bar the Office of State Parks from placing transferred monuments back in the parish from which they were removed, and then was reported favorably. House Bill 472, authorizing local rent stabilization ordinances during a governor-declared emergency, was amended to limit such ordinances to the emergency period, tie increases to the consumer price index, and cap them at 365 days; discussion continued on whether the measure duplicated existing price-gouging laws and whether a broader study would be preferable.

Transcript Highlights:

• That term will also include building codes, zoning, vegetation, nuisance ordinances, and ordinances that
• Present law already allows municipalities and parishes to impose civil fines for certain ordinance violations
• Senate Bill 148 allows municipalities by local ordinance to provide a modest per diem to members of their
• Any per diem would be established locally by ordinance, meaning municipalities control whether to offer
• Just like municipalities, the ones under the Lawrason Act, there's certain municipalities that are term-limited

Bills: HR217, HB66, HB204, HB208, HB326, HB472, HB483, HB484, HB793, HB1051, HB1080, HB1087, HB1111, HB1215, SB78, SB148

Keywords: rent stabilization, affordable housing, cost burdened, Louisiana housing, housing policy, emergency rental protections, Alexandria, municipal ordinances, administrative adjudication, code enforcement, housing violations, building codes, zoning, nuisance ordinances, vegetation ordinances, sewerage, drainage, licensing, permits, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to call our County and Municipal Government Committee meeting to order.
• SB 1265 is a collaborative effort between Oklahoma Municipal League and the Press Association to extend
• the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 days to 30 days.

Bills: SB1265, SB2154, SB1775, SB2139, SB1552, SB483, SB1198, SB2135, SB2118

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, municipalities, city government, town government, property maintenance, nuisance abatement

Summary: The County and Municipal Government Committee considered and advanced several bills related to county purchasing, municipal notice requirements, property liens, county home rule, jail funding, and local fines. Senate Bill 2135 would let county purchasing agents obtain and administer county purchase cards through county depositories, with transaction rules modeled on the state P-card program and still subject to existing purchasing procedures. Senate Bill 483 would authorize county commissioners to create a relocation assistance program. Senate Bill 1198 would require OHCA to release liens on property at the request of a county treasurer. Senate Bill 1265 would extend the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days, and Senate Bill 2154 would require cities to notify lienholders as well as property owners about outstanding property maintenance balances. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2139, described as clarifying language to a 2024 law after stakeholder discussion, and Senate Bill 1552, which changes population requirements in a 1992 county home rule statute. SB 1552 drew the most discussion, with members asking about its effect on rural counties, the Kenny v. Tulsa County case, and whether any county is currently affected; the sponsor said the bill raises the threshold, affects no counties now, and would still require voter approval and additional charter approval if a county later qualified. The bill passed on a 3-2 vote. Two additional bills were approved with little or no debate: Senate Bill 2118 would allow surplus funds from a county sheriff’s commissary fund to be used for jail operations, inmate care, and related expenses, and Senate Bill 1775 would cap fines in small towns. All other measures mentioned passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the committee adjourned after completing the posted agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ordinances passed by cities will be compliant with state law.
• A municipality or county is entitled to receive notice of a...
• So, if there is an ordinance that might be questionable, I would highly recommend that these municipalities
• What could that mean for our cities and municipalities?
• I am general counsel with the Texas Municipal League.

Bills: HB5691, SB427, SB2623, SB2858

Keywords: municipal management district, bonds, assessments, property taxes, economic development, eminent domain, special district, SB 427, local government, political subdivision, state loan, state grant, financial reporting, annual financial statement, annual report, county report, municipal finance, water district, municipality, county auditor

Transcript Highlights:

• Effort between the Oklahoma Municipal League and the Association to extend the deadline for municipalities
• to publish ordinances from 15 days to 30 days.

Bills: SB1265, SB2154, SB1775, SB2139, SB1552, SB483, SB1198, SB2135, SB2118

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, municipalities, city government, town government, property maintenance, nuisance abatement

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:04.559><c> that</c> complex mosaic of local ordinances that complex mosaic of local ordinances
• </c><00:26:11.200><c> Such</c> from one municipality to another.
• Such from one municipality to another.
• They're not going to adhere to it no matter what law is passed by a local municipality.
• . municipality. municipality.

Bills: HF3351

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun control, gun safety, local control, home rule, preemption, municipal regulation, county regulation, city ordinances, zoning, firearm dealers, gun dealers, ammunition, carry permits, permit to carry, pistols, Saturday night special, metal-penetrating bullets, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill seeks to facilitate greater and more efficient enforcement of municipal ordinances by allowing
• The HPD is the one that enforces that ordinance.
• And that was a local ordinance? Well.
• This is just a local ordinance, yeah, and a municipal ordinance, yes.
• So this gives the government or the local municipality... ...municipalities the option to create this

Bills: HB303, HB 1107, HB 1063, HB1517, HB1991, HB2464, HB3509, HB3527, HB303

Keywords: municipality, local government, Type A, Type B, Type C, change authority, emergency medical services, civil service status, municipal government, public safety, local government code, school funding, education, state budget, local control, equity, tenant legal services, eviction, low-income tenants, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't give you details about any particular municipality or county or school district.
• We're just going to tell municipalities, 'Hey, it's your fault, you need to fix it.
• these ordinances.
• have weekly newspapers to publish ordinances.
• So this bill just extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days.

Bills: HB3002, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3419, HB3463, HB3919, HB3985, HB4303

Keywords: counties, county officers, education, training, sunset law, county purchasing, procurement practices, budget management, public accountability, emergency procurement, reverse auction, bidding process, competitive bidding, public procurement, city council regulations, public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust

Transcript Highlights:

• ordinances.
• Business owners really do need you to enforce these ordinances.
• ordinances.
• So this bill just extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days.
• It extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days, and it's had zero

Bills: HB3002, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3419, HB3463, HB3919, HB3985, HB4303

Keywords: counties, county officers, education, training, sunset law, county purchasing, procurement practices, budget management, public accountability, emergency procurement, reverse auction, bidding process, competitive bidding, public procurement, city council regulations, public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee heard and advanced several House bills focused on local government bidding, audits, ordinance publication, and county fair boards. House Bill 3418, which updates the Public Competitive Bidding Act for public construction projects and school district contracts, was amended to clarify that public agencies may still conduct preliminary procurement activities such as market research and vendor outreach; it then passed 9-0. House Bill 3463, requested by the state auditor, changes audit requirements for small municipalities under 2,500 people by moving from a biannual to an annual financial statement audit or agreed-upon procedures engagement and shortening the filing deadline; it passed 9-0. House Bill 3002 extends the sunset on the Commission on County Government, Personnel, Education, and Training to 2031 and passed 8-0. House Bill 4303 extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days and passed 8-0. House Bill 3919 would allow counties to replace the current nine-member Free Fair Association board with a five-member board elected from commissioner districts and at-large seats; it passed 8-0. House Bill 3416, also developed with the state auditor and other stakeholders, would let counties use quotes for certain smaller purchases instead of a full bidding process while keeping documentation and safeguards; it passed 7-1. House Bill 3417 would require cities and towns to follow the state competitive bidding laws and not bypass those standards through local rules; it passed 7-1. House Bill 3985, the Safe Neighborhoods Act, drew the most debate. The bill would give property owners in municipalities over 130,000 population a narrow path to seek compensation if a city adopts a policy or practice of not enforcing certain public safety laws, including laws against illegal camping, loitering, panhandling, public intoxication, drug use, and shoplifting, and that inaction reduces property values or forces mitigation costs. Supporters said it is meant to encourage enforcement of existing laws and protect business and property owners, while opponents argued it could burden under-resourced cities, criminalize vulnerable people, and rely on a questionable population threshold. The bill passed 7-2 after debate. Throughout the meeting, members also raised questions about felony and misdemeanor provisions in HB 3418, the cost and practicality of live video bid openings, and the use of a repealed statute reference in HB 3417, with the author saying he would provide follow-up clarification before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1265 extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 days to 30 days

Bills: SB1265, SB2154, SB1286, SB1365, SB1491, SB1525, SB1581, SB1775, SB1810, SB1884, SB2118, SB2174, SB1771, SB1805, SB1916

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, municipalities, city government, town government, property maintenance, nuisance abatement

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1265 extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 days to 30 days

Bills: SB1265, SB2154, SB1286, SB1365, SB1491, SB1525, SB1581, SB1775, SB1810, SB1884, SB2118, SB2174, SB1771, SB1805, SB1916

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, municipalities, city government, town government, property maintenance, nuisance abatement

Summary: The committee first laid over Senate Bill 1268, then heard a series of bills, many of them request bills from state agencies. Senate Bill 1771, from the Workforce Commission, would expand the agency’s authority to collect data on workforce development funds, expenditures, and performance data; an amendment removed language allowing contract attorneys, and the bill passed 8-6. Senate Bill 1805, from the Office of Juvenile Affairs, would prohibit juvenile detention facilities, group homes, and post-adjudication treatment facilities from using temporary staffing services; members discussed open records concerns, and it passed 13-1. Senate Bill 1916 would move the Office of Receivership under the Oklahoma Insurance Department, and it passed 9-5. Senate Bill 1525, a Tourism and Recreation Department request bill, would allow contracts up to $75,000 for the statewide tourism conference and permit fees to help cover costs; it passed 9-5. Senate Bill 1491 would require a replacement presidential elector to take the same oath as other electors, and it passed 10-4. Senate Bill 1810 would allow expert testimony to help juries understand human trafficking and update victim-service statutes, passing 13-0. Senate Bill 2118 would let sheriffs use abandoned surplus funds from commissary accounts for sheriff expenses, and it passed 13-0. Senate Bill 1884 would give statewide teacher associations equal access to teachers and clarify opt-out language for payroll deductions or bank drafts; members debated whether it limited local control and vendor access, and it passed narrowly 8-7. Later, Senate Bill 1265, extending the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days, passed 8-0, and Senate Bill 2154, requiring cities to notify lienholders as well as property owners about outstanding maintenance balances, passed 13-0. Senate Bill 2174, as amended, recreated the Fire Marshal Commission and changed some membership slots to include representatives of firefighters, the restaurant industry, and business owners; it passed 15-0. Finally, Senate Bill 1775, described as a local-control measure related to speed traps and costs in rural areas, passed 16-0. The chair announced more bills remained and that the committee expected to meet again the next day, with the possibility of continuing into Thursday if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the joint public hearing, or the public hearing, of the Joint Committee on Municipalities
• I'm Jack Patrick Lewis, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
• This was filed at the suggestion of changes from shelters across the state, municipalities across the
• they looked at the cost of animals being held in municipal animal facilities, damage, and... ...being
• So basically, right, the expense to municipalities when the animals are not spayed or neutered and the

Bills: H4738, H4843, H4844, H4845, H4849, H4878, H4887, H4924, H5052, H5053, S2878, S2894, S2897, H5102, H5107, H5108, H5109, H5128, H5136, S2963, S2956

Keywords: Holyoke, City Council, municipal governance, special meetings, local government transparency, park land exchange, Lexington, public use, school committee, athletic fields, town administrator, employment authority, Wilbraham, local law, Uxbridge, public meeting notices, legal notices, municipal transparency, local government, digital publication

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3435 is just instilling a single-subject rule on municipal bonds.
• What House Bill 3913 does is it allows municipalities to authorize single-stair apartment buildings up
• It simply gives cities and municipalities the option to do so.
• House Bill 4303 represents a collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Municipal League and the Press
• Association to extend the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 days to 30 days.

Bills: HB3091, HB3314, HB3435, HB3748, HB3913, HB3919, HB4132, HB4203, HB4303

Keywords: county officials, residency requirement, dereliction of duty, removal process, government accountability, marijuana tax, public service impact tax, county funding, voter approval, local government, municipal bonds, ballot proposals, voting process, fund allocation, county government, administration, local resources, public institutions, construction, maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 3435 is just instilling a single-subject rule on municipal bonds.
• Members 3435 is just instilling a single-subject rule on municipal bonds.
• It simply gives cities and municipalities the option to do so.
• It simply gives cities and municipalities the option to do so.
• Association to extend the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 days to 30 days.

Bills: HB3091, HB3314, HB3435, HB3748, HB3913, HB3919, HB4132, HB4203, HB4303

Keywords: county officials, residency requirement, dereliction of duty, removal process, government accountability, marijuana tax, public service impact tax, county funding, voter approval, local government, municipal bonds, ballot proposals, voting process, fund allocation, county government, administration, local resources, public institutions, construction, maintenance

Summary: The committee considered a series of county, municipal, housing, and public-safety bills. House Bill 3748 would allow county governments to partner with four-year institutions and was reported out after a brief explanation and no questions. House Bill 4203, with a PCS adopted, would let the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission explore guidelines for small-unit multifamily housing of eight units or fewer and four stories or fewer; it passed 5-1. House Bill 3919, also with a PCS, would let county commissioners reduce county fair boards from nine members to five to help achieve quorum; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3091, with a PCS changing the residency requirement from 80% to 70%, would require county elected officials to maintain a principal residence in the county and occupy it at least 70% of the time. Members discussed whether the bill should use “may” or “shall” and how it would apply in hardship or medical situations; the author said he was open to further language changes. The bill passed 6-0. House Bill 3314, creating a county-option retail sale public safety impact fee on marijuana, also passed 6-0. House Bill 3435, requiring a single-subject rule for municipal bonds so voters can consider bond issues separately, passed 6-0. House Bill 3913, which would allow municipalities to authorize single-stair apartment buildings up to six stories if they meet modern fire-safety standards, failed on a 2-4 vote after no questions or debate. House Bill 4132 would provide liability protection for local governments that follow recognized cybersecurity frameworks and passed 6-0. House Bill 4303, a collaborative measure extending the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 days to 30 days, also passed 6-0. The committee adjourned after completing the posted agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the third thing that we agreed on is that municipalities cost a lot of money to... ...municipalities
• It says that it would allow municipalities or counties to also adopt ordinances and resolutions to regulate
• by ordinance or resolution to limit the time frame and noise.
• It says municipalities can adopt more stringent regulations.
• This concludes our County Municipal Government committee meeting with 3 minutes...

Bills: SB270, SB275, HB264, HB281, SB236, SB247, SB249, SB253, SB259

Keywords: county tax, education funding, capital projects, local government, sales tax, food trucks, mobile vendors, business license, health inspection, statewide regulation, zoning ordinances, vessel registration, boating fees, state funds, regulatory changes, water safety, municipal zoning, zoning board, appeals process, circuit court

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a committee on local and municipal affairs. Madam Secretary, we call the roll.
• This item got out of House Local and Municipal.
• And as the law stands, the municipalities have that particular privilege.
• Nearly 80% of municipalities have populations under 5,000.
• Your municipality did or you did? My municipality did. Right, right.

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485, SB517, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB362, HB368, HB377, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB664, HB741, HB822, HB990, HB1243

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, economic development, Baton Rouge North, commissioners

Summary: The committee on local and municipal affairs met on May 7, 2026, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then took up a series of local bills. HB 362 creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish was reported favorably without objection. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew questions about whether it targeted a specific entity and about how long an entity should be out of good standing; the committee adopted an amendment changing the trigger to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would give the Orleans Parish City Council more authority over the Sewer and Water Board. The sponsor, Council President J.P. Morrell, and Representative Hilfordy argued the bill would move New Orleans toward a more local, responsive public-works model and help address long-standing dysfunction. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified that it supported increased local control but urged a formal study or transition plan so the city would document the future governance structure. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying ownership of assets and then reported HB 1243 as amended. The committee also handled several St. George bills and other local measures. SB 348, allowing third-party administrative support for motor vehicle enforcement, and SB 444, granting expropriation authority for certain public projects, were reported favorably. SB 485, transferring insurance premium tax authority to the City of St. George, was initially amended but then reconsidered; the amendment was stripped and the bill was reported favorably. HB 990, concerning Jefferson Parish and unpaid water/sewer bills on multifamily properties, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish property-tax rebates, HB 664 raising parish ordinance fines, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief for the Village of Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil-service pay restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 updating a crime prevention district fee, HB 368 raising fines for improper demolition of historic properties, and HB 441 returning Sewer and Water Board employees to city civil service were all reported favorably, most without objection. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete 16 hours of annual training, was amended to add continuing legal education and national conferences and then reported as amended. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a committee on local and municipal affairs. Madam Secretary, we call the roll.
• This item got out of House Local and Municipal.
• Nearly 80% of municipalities have population under 5,000.
• , and two municipalities are currently under fiscal are currently fiscally distressed and two municipalities
• Your municipality did or you did? My municipality did. Right, right.

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485, SB517, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB362, HB368, HB377, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB664, HB741, HB822, HB990, HB1243

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, economic development, Baton Rouge North, commissioners

Summary: The committee on Local and Municipal Affairs met on May 7, 2026 and approved the prior meeting minutes before taking up a series of local bills. Early action included HB 362, creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish, which was reported favorably. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew discussion about how long an entity must be out of compliance and whether notice should be required; the committee adopted an amendment changing the threshold to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would shift more authority over the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to the Orleans Parish City Council. Supporters, including Representative Hilfriddy and Council President J.P. Morrell, argued the current structure is dysfunctional and unresponsive, and that local elected officials need authority to act more quickly. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified without taking a position on the bill itself but urged a formal transition plan or study committee so the city would have a clear governance path. Despite that concern, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying asset ownership and then reported HB 1243 as amended. The committee also handled several St. George bills. SB 348, allowing local law enforcement to contract for administrative support related to motor vehicle enforcement, was reported favorably. SB 444, granting St. George expropriation authority for certain public infrastructure projects, was also reported favorably. SB 485, concerning the city’s authority over insurance premium taxes, initially had amendments adopted but was then reconsidered; the amendments were stripped and the bill was reported favorably in its original form. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete annual continuing education, was amended to clarify approved training and then reported favorably. Other measures reported favorably included HB 990 on Jefferson Parish master water meters, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish tax rebates tied to a data center project, HB 664 raising the maximum fine for parish ordinance violations, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief position in Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil service pay-plan restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 allowing a fee increase for the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention District, HB 368 increasing fines for improper demolition of historic properties in New Orleans, and HB 441 returning New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employees to city civil service. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• long, many local governments had stifled small... businesses and innovation with regulations and ordinances
• If you think there's a meaningful appeal for a municipality when they're deprived of... ...of revenue
• are expecting that individual to risk their time, money, and reputation to make sure that the municipality
• The Texas Municipal League and the Texas Association of Counties teach them about how to navigate these
• Those areas include our annexation law, municipal boundary setting, ETJ regulation, and all sorts of

Bills: SB324, SB1978, SB2139, SB2401, SB2587, SB2610, SB2858, SB3016

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, state contracts, immigration, labor compliance, ERCOT, Texas electric grid, interconnection, Public Utility Commission, PUC, Public convenience and necessity, electric cooperative, municipally owned utility, electric utility, transmission, generation facilities, grid reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, SERC