Transcript Highlights:

• Our buildings on a military installation oftentimes are built for additional purposes.
• The OFM analysis here mentioned the larger contracts that we have, probably for building the building
• My name is Aaron Frazier, and I'm with the Washington State Building Construction Trades Council here
• We do not ask this of other workers in Washington, and construction workers who build the infrastructure
• However, today I am speaking for the building and construction trades.

Bills: HB2295

Keywords: Washington capital budget, supplemental capital budget, capital appropriations, state building construction account, taxable building construction account, climate commitment account, natural climate solutions, housing trust fund, affordable housing, supportive housing, homelessness, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, school construction, school modernization, school seismic safety, healthy schools, school electrification, SCAP, behavioral health facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• amount of revenue from higher education building accounts, which is then used to fund higher education
• Your inclusion of this funding does more than rebuild a building. It restores confidence.
• Now we need a modernized building to better serve this diverse community.
• So this is a great. allow for the future connection of 16 additional buildings.
• at the administrative services building.

Bills: HB2295

Keywords: Washington capital budget, supplemental capital budget, capital appropriations, state building construction account, taxable building construction account, climate commitment account, natural climate solutions, housing trust fund, affordable housing, supportive housing, homelessness, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, school construction, school modernization, school seismic safety, healthy schools, school electrification, SCAP, behavioral health facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to bonds, the supplemental includes $68 million from the Common School Construction Account
• This investment is a smart, cost-effective way to help working families build stability and build long-term
• Our 100 building, which houses our construction, auto, diesel, and criminal justice program, is over
• Skamania County is unique in that less than 1.9% of the property is taxable, so a construction bond is
• Our buildings are often very hot.

Bills: HB2295

Keywords: Washington capital budget, supplemental capital budget, capital appropriations, state building construction account, taxable building construction account, climate commitment account, natural climate solutions, housing trust fund, affordable housing, supportive housing, homelessness, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, school construction, school modernization, school seismic safety, healthy schools, school electrification, SCAP, behavioral health facilities

Summary: The House Capital Budget Committee opened its first hearing of the session, reviewed committee procedures and deadlines, and then heard a presentation from OFM Senior Budget Advisor Jen Masterson on Governor Ferguson’s proposed supplemental capital budget. Masterson said the proposal uses about $396 million in new appropriations, leaving $5.4 million in bond capacity, and emphasized housing, urgent state facility needs, targeted grant programs, climate-related investments, and K-12 and higher education projects. She highlighted $237 million for housing, including $225 million for the Housing Trust Fund, plus funding for state facilities, juvenile rehabilitation, clean energy, salmon recovery, parks, trust land transfer, school seismic safety, small district modernization, lead pipe remediation, and higher education minor works. Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s housing, education, climate, and community project investments, with many speakers asking for additional funding or preservation of specific items. Housing advocates backed the Housing Trust Fund, affordable homeownership, manufactured housing preservation, and transit-oriented developments; tribal, conservation, and climate speakers supported salmon recovery, community forests, the Green Bank, and natural resource projects; and education representatives supported school modernization, seismic safety, lead remediation, community college, and university capital projects. Several local governments and infrastructure groups urged the committee to reject the proposed $75 million sweep from the Public Works Assistance Account, warning it would jeopardize already-awarded loans and raise costs for sewer, flood control, and other local infrastructure projects. Committee members asked follow-up questions about Rainier School, juvenile rehabilitation funding, and the status of Public Works Assistance Account obligations. OFM said Rainier School was on the planning grant list and juvenile rehabilitation funding included flexible capacity funding and facility improvements. The hearing ended without any votes or formal action, after the chair thanked participants and closed the public hearing on HB 2295.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first alternative is what we call the no-build alternative.
• Phase three is where the heavy lifting happens: construction.
• I do believe that, given the location, this is going to be a challenging construction job.
• I spent years in construction. I've worked with Baudot. I worked with Pierce County.
• I spent years in construction. I've worked with Baudot. I worked with Pierce County.

Bills: SB5987, SB6170

Keywords: SB 5987, SB5987, Fairfax Bridge, State Route 165, SR 165, Carbon River, WSDOT, Washington State Department of Transportation, emergency bridge replacement, infrastructure failure, transportation emergency, climate commitment account, climate investment account, clean energy, climate funding, greenhouse gas reduction, environmental justice, renewable energy, building electrification, industrial decarbonization

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee began with a work session on the Fairfax Carbon River SR-165 Bridge closure and replacement. Wilkeson Mayor Jamie Pololi described the bridge as a long-standing state investment that was closed after years of documented deterioration, saying the closure severed access to Mount Rainier-area recreation, hurt local businesses and municipal revenue, and created emergency access problems for Fairfax and nearby communities. Pierce County’s Melissa Littleton and WSDOT’s Steve Rourke said the bridge is 105 years old, was weight-limited before closing, and is now being studied for replacement; WSDOT outlined seven alternatives, said greenfield options were ruled out, and explained that the project is in early geotechnical and pre-NEPA planning, with construction still estimated to take years. Senators asked about detour length, emergency response, historic-preservation issues, and whether the project could be accelerated; WSDOT said the bridge’s status and the need for a new alignment limit the usefulness of emergency authority, and that additional funding will be needed beyond the $7 million already spent from preservation funds. The committee then held a public hearing on SB 5987, which would declare the Fairfax Bridge closure an emergency, direct WSDOT to restore access across SR-165 as soon as possible, grant the transportation secretary limited emergency authorities, exempt the work from Executive Order 25-07 project labor agreement requirements, and make the act effective immediately. Supporters, including the mayor, local residents, recreation advocates, and trail groups, said the bill would recognize the closure as a public safety and access emergency and help restore access to public lands, businesses, and emergency routes. WSDOT testified in opposition to the bill’s practical effect, warning it could create false expectations because most delays are driven by federal NEPA and historic-preservation processes that the secretary cannot waive. The committee reported 606 people signed in support, one opposed, and two other. The committee also heard SB 6170, which would raise the dollar limits for work performed by state highway crews and for certain procurement thresholds that allow small, veteran-, minority-, and women-owned businesses to compete. The bill would increase the state-force limit from $60,000 to $100,000 in normal circumstances and from $100,000 to $160,000 in emergencies, with similar increases for related contracting thresholds; staff said the current limits have not been updated since 2005 and the bill has no fiscal impact. Senator King, the prime sponsor, said the change would better match inflation and help state workers do more routine and emergency work in-house. WFSE and WSDOT supported the bill, saying it would help maintenance crews keep up with rising costs while preserving opportunities for outside contractors; Senator Valdez asked whether it would affect minority- and women-owned contracting programs, and WSDOT said it did not expect an adverse impact but would monitor it. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 55 signed in favor and none opposed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is SB 1234 on building permits.
• Conducting building inspections after emergencies.
• We have some boutique buildings that are very small.
• It does not build new bureaucracy.
• It does not build new bureaucracy.

Bills: S0468, S0822, S1234, S1260, S1580, S1706

Keywords: animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. SB 468 would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of patient records in good faith; it was reported favorably with support from animal welfare groups. SB 1706 narrows eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, and it also passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was amended extensively to clarify permit exemptions, private-provider rules, and timelines, then reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1260, dealing with building inspections after emergencies, was amended to require state-term contracts for inspection vendors and then passed. SB 822 would require professionally managed community associations above a budget threshold; an amendment raised the threshold to $750,000, added a parcel-count trigger, and allowed direct-hire credentialed managers, after which the bill was reported favorably. SB 1580 would increase penalties for illegal gaming operations, add enforcement tools, and clarify procedures for veterans organizations; after removing a fantasy sports provision, it also passed favorably. The committee also heard from several appointees and reappointees to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission. Public Service Commission nominees Anna Ortega and Robert Payne were questioned closely about utility hardening projects, ratepayer costs, and the role of the Office of Public Counsel. Gaming Commission reappointee Julie Brown and appointees William Spacola, John DeQuilla, Peter Cutterman, and Tina Rep discussed illegal gaming enforcement, audits, agency operations, and their backgrounds in law, regulation, law enforcement, and public service. Several members raised concerns about contract timing and evidence handling at the Gaming Commission, while others praised the nominees’ experience and service. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 1 through 7. Members then requested favorable placement on the record for specific bills, including SB 468, SB 1234, SB 1260, SB 1580, and SB 1706, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the purposes of qualifying for the $7,500 or less exemption from a building permit.
• We have some boutique buildings that are very small.
• It does not build new bureaucracy.
• It does not build new bureaucracy.
• I don't do the nuts and bolts accounting on a daily basis. All right. Yeah.

Bills: S0468, S0822, S1234, S1260, S1580, S1706

Keywords: animal cruelty, reporting, veterinary, protection, liability, regulation, community association, management certification, Florida Statutes, certified manager, association governance, building permits, inspections, offsite construction, local government, housing, property regulation, construction standards, state of emergency, emergency response

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and approved several bills, beginning with SB 468 on animal cruelty, which would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected past or ongoing cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of relevant medical records in good faith; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony from animal welfare advocates. The committee also approved SB 1706, narrowing eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, with members noting the need to better target limited funding. Members then considered SB 1234 on building permits and inspections, which was amended to clarify permit extensions, narrow the hurricane/flood barrier exemption, preserve mechanical and gas permitting requirements, and refine private-provider and local-government procedures; the bill passed as amended. SB 1260 on building inspections during emergencies was also amended to require DMS state-term contracts for post-emergency inspection vendors and then reported favorably. SB 822 on community association management was amended to raise the threshold to associations with at least $750,000 in annual revenue and 100 or more parcels, while allowing direct-hire credentialed managers; supporters said it would improve professionalism and accountability, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee next approved SB 1580 on illegal gaming, after removing a fantasy sports provision by amendment. The bill increases penalties for illegal gambling houses and related offenses, adds enforcement tools, and drew support from law enforcement and gaming officials, while some witnesses urged clearer definitions and procedures for machine approvals and declaratory rulings. The committee also took up appointments to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission, hearing testimony from appointees and asking questions about utility hardening oversight, gaming enforcement, and a contract for compulsive gambling services; all appointees on the agenda were recommended favorably in one block. At the end of the meeting, members recorded individual votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• that have already taken place under the leadership of Governor DeSantis and steps already taken to build
• This bill balances efficiency with accountability by enabling experienced educators to re-enter classrooms
• Florida has been very clear that election administration should remain neutral, publicly accountable,
• Similarly, it also allows community spaces like schools, churches, and civic buildings to be used as

Bills: S0564, S1062, S1340, S1646, S1718

Keywords: student volunteers, polling locations, election administration, community service, Florida statutes, speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, dyslexia, dyscalculia, education, screening, intervention, student support, educational facilities

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 met with a quorum present and heard several education-related bills. The committee first considered CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would create a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, designate Speech and Debate Week, authorize a teacher endorsement, require FLVS to establish an institute for speech and debate, direct development of related coursework and credentials, and require annual district reporting. Supporters, including a parent and representatives of the Florida Debate Initiative and school groups, emphasized the academic and civic benefits of debate and the need for funding for travel and training. The committee adopted a delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and reported favorably SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, with testimony from an Orange County principal and others supporting a proposal to let educators bank professional learning hours, and SB 1646 on educational facilities, which revises how facility funding is calculated and prioritized, including safety and planning considerations. The committee then took up CS/SB 564 on student volunteers at polling locations. An amendment clarified that high school students who are registered or pre-registered to vote may volunteer at polling places and count the service toward graduation or postsecondary financial aid requirements. Testimony from a county supervisor of elections and civic groups supported the bill as a way to engage students in elections and expand volunteer opportunities, while clarifying it would not conflict with existing election funding rules. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1340 on coordinated screening and progress monitoring, which requires school districts to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia and dyscalculia, place identified students on support plans, and use evidence-based interventions, with State Board of Education rulemaking to implement the process. The sponsor and a supporting parent group stressed early identification and intervention. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Laila Collins to the State Board of Education, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:53.759><c> science</c> these concepts become building science these concepts become building
• ,</c> definition, increase construction costs, definition, increase construction costs, decrease<00:18
• </c> comments about, you know, only building comments about, you know, only building to<00:18:44.320>
• </c> construction codes advisory council construction codes advisory council actually<00:26:34.080><c
• </c> new home constructed in Minnesota today. new home constructed in Minnesota today.

Bills: HF3545, HF4004

Keywords: energy efficiency, construction standards, building codes, environment, sustainability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's how that accumulation can build, and then somebody just doesn't have it.
• It's taken out of your account already.
• of the original building permit.
• and the building officials.
• This does not affect building code in itself.

Bills: HB471, HB798, HB947, HB1140, HB1186, HB1195, HB1222

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, consumer protection, automated decision systems, data privacy, broadband, cable service, price increase, notification, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, telecommunications, spoofing, call authentication

Bills: HB241

Keywords: residential construction, architectural approval, engineering approval, home building, single family residences, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it's commonly known as the App Store Accountability Act.
• Um, but I think the parents have to take accountability if they're going to buy that phone.
• Um, but I think the parents have to take accountability if they're going to buy that phone.
• That’s why in 2024, we launched teen accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.
• account under me.

Bills: HB161

Keywords: building codes, standardization, commercial construction, architectural services, energy conservation, federal compliance, local governance, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does take into account...
• The building code, and I think Rep.
• You know, the building code, when it's developed, cost-effectiveness is taken into account.
• House Bill 977 mandates that every minor's account be tied to a parent account, but it never explains
• House Bill 977 mandates that every minor's account be tied to a parent account, but it never explains

Bills: HB461, HB467, HB522, HB565, HB673, HB799, HB917, HB937, HB956, HB977

Keywords: building codes, construction standards, state uniform construction code, local option, municipal ordinance, parish ordinance, resilient construction, FORTIFIED Home, IBHS, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, hurricane resistance, storm resilience, roof replacement, residential construction, certificate of occupancy, code enforcement, building resilience, home hardening, wind mitigation, residential roof

Transcript Highlights:

• Don't try to be the health department or the building department.
• Don't try to be the building official unless you are—and then good...
• I got a lot of comments from some very constructive people; thank you—you know who you are.
• Of those things into account, and so with that, I would like to start the public hearing.
• Once it's approved, that building goes down in a historic district; a glass building goes up completely

Bills: SB36, SB39, SB40, SB12, SB29, SB121, SB131, SB12

Keywords: competitive bidding, procurement, disclosure statements, state contracts, contract protest, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner

Bills: HB0002, HB0022

Keywords: building permits, local government, residential construction, permit timelines, code compliance, municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, a lot of the accountability falls on the applicant when you're pulling a building permit,
• but there is no real accountability when it comes to the building departments.
• But we also want to hold the municipalities accountable too, and they're okay with the accountability
• Um, you build, say as the builder.
• </c> building permits within those 30 days. building permits within those 30 days.

Bills: HB0002, HB0022

Keywords: building permits, local government, residential construction, permit timelines, code compliance, municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The builder has to pass the building code test to build houses.
• Building south of I-10, when it comes to fortified construction, the insurance savings are significant
• We've allowed owners and builders to try to build to the wood frame construction... ...to build to the
• wood frame construction manual.
• As a building official, I did not see... a building official, I did not see that.

Bills: HB324, HB252, SB80, HB241

Keywords: sheriffs, term of office, Alabama law, local government, election, residential construction, architectural approval, engineering approval, home building, single family residences, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't actually own the building, and EPA owns the building.
• building code.
• Just, Nancy, could you quickly tell us how old your school buildings are? Sure.
• We have a 1963 and a 1956 building.
• We have a 1963 and a 1956 building. We haven't had the ability to pass a bond.

Bills: SB5965, SB6030, SB5975, SB5941

Keywords: environment, retail bags, sustainability, pollution, customer impact, plastic bags, retail, waste reduction, cookware safety, lead regulation, consumer protection, interstate trade, health standards, SB 5941, Washington State Energy Code, State Building Code Council, renewable energy, solar panels, school district exemption, public school construction

Summary: The committee first heard SB 5965 on retail bags, which would prohibit single-use plastic and reusable film plastic carryout bags, raise the paper bag pass-through charge from 8 cents to 20 cents, preserve exemptions for SNAP/WIC-related transactions, and add penalties for manufacturers and distributors. The sponsor and supporters argued the current law has led to thicker plastic bags that are not being reused as intended and are contributing to litter, microplastics, and ocean pollution. Environmental groups, local governments, health advocates, and some retailers supported the bill, while grocery, hospitality, retail, packaging, and manufacturing groups opposed it, saying the 20-cent paper fee is regressive, the plastic ban could create food-safety and delivery problems, and the state should wait for more data on the current 12-cent fee. The hearing ended with the chair noting 1,240 people chose not to testify, with 541 pro, 695 con, and 4 other sign-ins. The committee then heard SB 6030, a competing bag bill that would allow film plastic and paper carryout bags if they meet recycled-content standards, keep paper bags at 8 cents, and reduce the plastic bag fee from 12 cents to 8 cents while eliminating the reusable-bag thickness requirements. Staff explained that most of the prior carryout bag restrictions would be repealed, though recycled-content standards and the SNAP exemption would remain. There was no public testimony on the bill, and the chair noted 208 non-testifiers, with 192 pro, 11 con, and 5 other. Next, the committee took up SB 5975 on lead in cookware, which would narrow the covered cookware definition, delay the drop to a 10 ppm lead standard until 2030, and allow compliance through FDA or European testing methods. Supporters said the current law is hard to implement, lacks a clear test method, and should be aligned with practical enforcement standards; opponents from Ecology, Health, environmental groups, and consumer advocates said the bill would weaken Washington’s current protections, create broad exemptions, and allow high-lead cookware to remain on the market. The hearing ended with 609 non-testifiers, including 54 pro, 552 con, and 3 other. Finally, staff briefly introduced SB 5941, which would direct the Building Code Council to exempt certain small school districts in central and eastern climate zones from on-site renewable energy system requirements, and the sponsor said the bill is intended to provide flexibility rather than eliminate the code.

Transcript Highlights:

• This code establishes minimum requirements and standards for buildings and facilities constructed in
• development costs on the amount of land needed to be purchased, and overall constructing a smaller building
• But as part of a larger movement to make our building codes more efficient and have them support construction
• Alternatively, the State Building Code Council is permitted to require that construction permitted under
• The emissions tied to building materials, from extraction to manufacturing to construction, contribute

Bills: HB2228, HB2273, HB2418, HB2381

Keywords: building code, safety regulations, construction, scissor stairs, state standards, embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, environment, permit review, project permits, land use, zoning, development regulations, residential development, housing permits, affordable housing, local government, county planning, city planning

Summary: The committee heard three housing- and building-code bills. HB 2228 would direct the State Building Code Council to convene a technical advisory group to recommend code amendments allowing scissor stairs in buildings with more than two dwelling units. The sponsor and several architects, developers, and housing advocates said scissor stairs can improve safety-compliant design efficiency, reduce corridor and stair footprint, and support more housing units on smaller sites. No opposition testimony was heard before the public hearing closed. HB 2381 would create a performance-based code pathway for low-rise residential buildings and allow recognition of third-party certifications. The sponsor described it as a shift from prescriptive rules to performance outcomes, with potential benefits for innovation and affordability. The Building Industry Association of Washington opposed the bill as written, saying the real need is a usable performance pathway in the energy code and suggesting an energy rating index instead. FutureWise supported the concept but urged caution about the complexity and timeline of converting code to a performance-based system. HB 2418 would change permit review processes for housing projects in urban growth areas, including vesting rules, review timelines for local governments and other fee-charging entities, and a requirement for a single permit responsible official and point of contact by 2027. Housing and development groups largely supported the bill’s coordination and timeline provisions, though some asked for clearer definitions of completeness and procedural details. FutureWise and county representatives raised concerns about the vesting changes and possible litigation, while the sponsor said the bill was intended to improve certainty and reduce permitting delays. The committee also heard HB 2273, which would require embodied-carbon reduction standards for large building projects through reuse, product-based reductions, or whole-building life-cycle assessment. Supporters from architects, Commerce, and environmental justice advocates said it would help meet climate goals and could be implemented with limited cost impacts, while concrete and aggregate industry representatives and a taxpayer group opposed it, citing supply-chain concerns, conflicts with other legislation, and affordability impacts. No votes or final actions were taken; the public hearings were closed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So how do you account for that? Yeah. How do you account for that?
• And building new housing.
• HB 1186 brings consistency, accountability, and efficiency to Louisiana's building code system while
• official or building inspector.
• disciplines of construction, plus previous years.

Bills: HCR66, HB387, HB617, HB797, HB950, HB975, HB1186, HB1222, HB1223, HB1228, HB1256

Keywords: economic development, rural communities, infrastructure, workforce training, Louisiana Economic Development, engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on April 20, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a series of bills and resolutions. It first advanced H. CR 66, which directs Louisiana Economic Development, working with the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, to study rural parish economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. The committee also moved HB 387, a clarification allowing the fire marshal to review architectural and engineering plans equally, and HB 1223, which seeks to promote clinical trials in Louisiana by having LED market the state’s research capacity and by adjusting internal review board procedures. HB 1228, a cleanup bill for hearing aid dealers that updates definitions, contracts, testing periods, licensing, and related requirements, was also reported favorably, as was HB 950, which would create an elderly consumer perception program through the Office of Elderly Affairs to help seniors recognize scams and fraud. The committee spent the most time on HB 617, a broad “hidden fees” consumer transparency bill. The author and supporters said it would require mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing so consumers can make informed choices, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups argued the bill was vague, overly broad, and likely to create compliance burdens and litigation risk. Housing advocates objected to the bill’s housing exemption, warning it could weaken renters’ ability to bring claims over undisclosed fees. After extensive debate over variable pricing, sales taxes, enforcement, and the scope of the bill, Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard HB 797, which would create a “Bayou Gold” certification program for certain gold vendors and transactional gold products. The sponsor said the program would encourage vendors to keep gold insured, segregated, and closer to Louisiana consumers, with the Treasury administering the certification through participant fees. Several senators and an outside witness raised concerns that the state seal could be mistaken for an endorsement, could create liability or consumer confusion, and would favor a narrow set of vendors. Despite opposition, the committee reported HB 797 favorably, with members noting it still had to go to Finance. Later, the committee advanced HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, add disciplinary authority, and impose a small permit fee to support the program, and HB 1222, which would let LED develop a grocery initiative to address food deserts and food insecurity. The meeting concluded with the committee hearing HB 1256 on abandoned digital assets, which would require dormant digital assets to be held in original form for three years so owners can reclaim them.

Bills: SCR74, SR68, SCR108, SCR76, SCR150, SR141, SCR69, SR64, SCR25, SR22

Keywords: no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, auditor, state and county agencies, government accountability, emergency declarations, easement, submerged lands, drainage, Kahala Hotel, Oahu, state land regulations, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, H.B. No. 1971