Transcript Highlights:

• Yes. 11 members answering yay. Four members 11 members answering yay.
• Uh so that accordance with this chapter. Uh so that accordance with this chapter.
• This chapter shall with the following. This chapter shall with the following.
• Replace line 293 on page 11 with the Replace line 293 on page 11 with the Replace line 293 on page 11
• An accordance with this chapter. An accordance with this chapter.

Bills: SB199, HB142, SB86, HB152, HB297, SB1, SB1

Keywords: parental leave, state employees, local education agencies, adoption, work-life balance, family support, portable benefits, portable benefit account, independent contractor, gig worker, 1099 worker, freelancer, app-based worker, rideshare, delivery driver, worker benefits, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, income replacement insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 71 as written in stone.
• and Chapter 70 as a percent of actual net school spending was 44 percent.
• The difference in Chapter 70 aid in the 17 years between 2008 and 2025 is $55,401.
• , shall we say, a Chapter 70 formula that just doesn't work.
• We know Chapter 70 is going to be a heavy lift to change it.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on H. 517/S. 314, a bill to provide a sustainable future for rural schools, and H. 697, a bill to require full funding of regional school transportation. Witnesses from rural districts, school committees, superintendents, students, and local officials described chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, high fixed costs, special education and transportation burdens, and the loss of programs, staff, and extracurriculars. Several speakers argued that rural aid should be funded at $60 million annually and made non-discretionary, while others emphasized that transportation reimbursement for regional districts has repeatedly fallen short of the state’s promise and is driving budget crises and overrides. A number of students testified in support of rural aid, describing cuts to classes, counselors, and activities, and the impact on their schools and communities. Committee members also discussed whether transportation policy should be revisited to address underlying cost drivers, including bus bidding practices and whether regional districts should have more flexibility in transportation requirements. The committee also heard H. 515, concerning Hancock Elementary School and a school choice-related exemption from a state requirement that has created a large financial burden for the district. Hancock’s superintendent and Rep. John Barrett explained that a decades-old regulation, recently enforced by DESE, would require Hancock to pay tuition for choice-in students through high school graduation even though the district only serves pre-K through grade 6 and sends its own students elsewhere for middle and high school. They said the rule creates a significant per-student shortfall and has forced Hancock to opt out of school choice. Committee members asked for clarification about how the arrangement works and how the costs fall on Hancock. Additional testimony supported related transportation bills for non-regional districts, especially Plymouth/Carver and North Middlesex, describing high and rising bus costs, special education and McKinney-Vento transportation expenses, and the strain on local budgets. Speakers repeatedly said that state reimbursement has not matched actual costs and that communities are being forced to choose between transportation and classroom services. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed the hearing on the bills discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh can you just<01:11:01.600> help<01:11:01.840> me<01:11:02.080> so<01:11:02.320
• <01:11:06.159> I<01:11:06.320> have<01:11:06.480> in<01:11:06.640> my kind
• <01:11:07.040> this<01:11:07.199> very<01:11:07.440> sensitive<01:11:07.920>
• <01:11:13.120> I'm<01:11:13.360> just<01:11:13.520> going<01:11:13.600> to
• ><02:11:02.159> out<02:11:02.400> for<02:11:03.360> one<02:11:03.599> more.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:25.760> Um,<01:11:26.000> it<01:11:26.159> was<01:11:26.239> a
• <01:11:26.400> large<01:11:26.719> reason<01:11:26.880> why<01:11:27.120> we<
• <01:11:34.000> and<01:11:34.239> so<01:11:34.480> we<01:11:34.800> really
• > other<01:11:54.719> testifiers<01:11:55.280> in<01:11:55.440> the<01:11
• Any<01:11:56.719> other<01:11:56.960> testifiers<01:11:57.440> via<01:11:57.760>

Bills: HB1769

Keywords: criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, private prisons, racial equity, Native Hawaiians, community well-being, mass incarceration, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1769, which would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally reduce the number of people incarcerated in private out-of-state correctional institutions. The DCR director opposed the bill, saying the department does not control overall prison population levels because courts determine admissions, and arguing that Hawaiʻi’s in-state facilities are already over capacity, especially Halawa, which he said is 165% over design capacity. He said only a small portion of the population is under departmental control through furlough programs and argued that bringing people home would require building a new medium-security prison. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Public Defender’s office, and several individuals, argued the bill creates a phased, accountable path to reduce reliance on mainland prisons and bring people home. Supporters emphasized the harms of separating incarcerated people from ʻohana and culture, the disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, and the need for diversion, treatment, re-entry support, and fair sentencing. Several testifiers also said the department has more control than it claimed, pointing to underused furlough options, reclassification, and empty beds at some in-state facilities, while others urged clearer statutory language and guardrails. Members questioned the director about whether people could be reclassified or moved to available beds at facilities such as Kulani and Waiawa, and about whether the department could do more through staffing and contract changes. The director said some proposals had been sent to the Department of Human Resource Development, but that major facility changes would be costly and that minimum-security facilities would need substantial upgrades to house medium-security inmates. After discussion, the chair said the committee would defer HB 1769 to Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. for decision-making and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, this is a chapter amendment on a bill that was passed last year, Senate 1069. 1069 did not
• It is a chapter amendment.
• This bill establishes, even before the chapter amendments that we’re discussing, a very clear set of
• >> MOVE TO ADJOURN UNTIL TOMORROW, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 AT 11:00 A.M.
• >> ON MOTIONNATE STANDS ADJOURNED UNTIL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, AT 11:00 A.M.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> advise<00:11:06.320> me<00:11:06.560> of<00:11:07.040> what<00:11:07.360>
• /c><00:11:13.440> mailing<00:11:13.760> that<00:11:13.920> was<00:11:14.000>
• was supposed to go<00:11:14.399> out<00:11:14.480> ahead<00:11:14.800> of<00:11
• In fact,<00:11:21.360> you<00:11:21.519> know,<00:11:21.680> posting<00:11:22.160
• <00:11:24.000> know,<00:11:24.079> if<00:11:24.240> you<00:11:24.399> had

Keywords: 12:30pm HB 421 2:00pm HB 701 3:00pm HB 377 4:00pm HB 712, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference first took up House Bill 421FN, concerning notice of tax-exempt status filing procedures by town officials. Members reviewed the Senate changes and focused on whether the amended language would require multiple mailings to charitable organizations. House conferees said the Senate wording appeared to create more than one mailing and asked for clarification; Senate members explained the intent was to reduce clerk workload by posting forms and sending a follow-up notice only to organizations that failed to file after the deadline. After a brief caucus, the House concluded there were too many unresolved changes to work out in conference and moved to non-concur with the Senate amendment. The House motion to non-concur passed unanimously, 4-0, and the committee agreed to place the conference report on the House consent calendar. The chair then closed the committee of conference on House Bill 421FN. The transcript then shifted to a separate committee of conference on another bill, where members discussed revisions involving direct supervision at an eligible facility, federalwide assurance requirements, and immunity language. Testimony focused on whether the bill should require supervision at a specific facility or allow broader supervision arrangements, whether rulemaking should define direct supervision, and whether the immunity provision should cover reckless as well as willful misconduct. No final vote or action on that second bill was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.200> research<00:11:01.080> or<00:11:01.240> technological impactable research
• , especially science bridging disciplines, especially science with<00:11:07.480> broader<00:11
• , or cultural, service and philanthropy,<00:11:14.160> contributions<00:11:15.040> that
• benefit society,<00:11:16.920> not<00:11:17.200> just<00:11:17.480> academics,
• society, not just academics, society, not just academics, and<00:11:19.960> global<00:11:20.400

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tom Stevens of Waterbury, who reflected on the Sermon on the Mount as a call to resist exclusion, greed, and coercion and to focus on blessing and care for those in need. After the devotional, the chamber suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 313, relating to transforming Vermont’s career and technical education system, and committed it to the Committee on Education. The House also adopted HCR 241, a concurrent resolution congratulating University of Vermont Distinguished Professor and Vermont State Climatologist Dr. Leslie Ann Dupigny-Giroux on receiving the Manny L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science, with members offering remarks about her climate work and public service. On the action calendar, the House passed Senate Bill 157 on recovery residence certification in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and Senate Bill 239 on the child abuse and neglect reporting working group in concurrence with proposal of amendment. During discussion of S. 239, a member explained that the House amendment was a technical correction adding the Vermont School Counselor Association and the Agency of Education as stakeholders for the working group to consult. The House also concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 410, which concerns the calculation of recidivism and other criminology measures; the Judiciary Committee said the Senate change was a clarifying wording revision and supported it. The chamber then moved through announcements, including recognition of visiting family members, a UVM intern, and notice of a caucus discussion on permitting modernization. A member also invited colleagues to view Vermont Railways’ train in Montpelier. The House completed its orders of the day and adjourned until the next morning at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections 10 and 11 are from House File 2331.
• Sections 2-8, 9-10, 11-11, 12-11, 13-11, and 12-12.
• Sections in Chapter 245I. Section 25 is from House File 98.
• Section 27, also from House File 98, adds client grievance rights in Chapter 245I.
• The Mental Health Uniform Service Standards Chapter.

Bills: HF2115, HF2276, HF1644, HF99, HF2068, HF2707, HF2704, HF2406, HF1674, HF1579

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

Transcript Highlights:

• > one<00:11:07.519> thing<00:11:07.760> that<00:11:08.000> I'd<00:11:08.240>
• <00:11:12.079> tricky<00:11:12.399> area<00:11:12.640> of<00:11:12.800> the
• <00:11:21.839> So<00:11:22.079> you<00:11:22.320> could<00:11:22.480> end
• away<00:11:32.560> from<00:11:32.800> you,<00:11:33.200> your<00:11:33.360>
• ><00:11:38.560> case<00:11:38.800> to<00:11:39.360> try<00:11:39.600> to

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We provided Senator Collins this morning with about 11 pages of concerns. I will not go through...
• Senator Collins this morning with about 11 pages of concerns. I will not go through them here.
• 627 to Chapter 626.
• 627 to Chapter 626.
• And, fun. and S insurers from Chapter 627 to Chapter 626.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. SB 1656, a large Office of Insurance Regulation bill, was taken up with a delete-all amendment and extensive discussion. The bill would increase transparency in insurance rates and mitigation data, update reciprocal insurer rules, limit use-and-file rate filings, expand cybersecurity breach notification, and strengthen oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Residents and senior advocates generally supported stronger oversight to prevent bankruptcies like the Unison case, while CCRC operators and industry groups warned that lien authority, reserve requirements, and other provisions could raise borrowing costs and burden well-run communities. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate and public testimony. The committee also passed SB 1658 on the public records database for uniform mitigation verification forms, with a clarifying amendment protecting policyholders’ personal information. SB 1612 on financial institutions was reported favorably after an amendment and substitute amendment dealing with credit union investment limits and reimbursement rules for board members. SB 1740, an insurance bill aimed at reducing premiums and insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit AI as the sole basis for claim denials; it was then reported favorably. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety was amended to add occupational disease language and other firefighter protections, including safer gear, cancer prevention, and possible telehealth mental health services, and was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing excess-and-surplus line standards, strengthen consumer disclosures, and clarify Citizens-related appointment rules before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, committee members repeatedly noted that several bills were still being refined with stakeholders, and multiple public witnesses testified in support of or opposition to the CCRC and insurance provisions, focusing on resident protection, financial stability, and unintended cost impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.440> am<01:11:00.600> so<01:11:00.920> proud<01:11:01.679> to<01:11:02.000
• > work<01:11:02.360> with<01:11:02.560> Senator<01:11:03.040> PA I am so
• :11:04.440> on<01:11:04.679> this<01:11:04.920> to<01:11:05.040> bring<01
• <01:11:05.920> file Senate file Senate file 1750<01:11:08.560> HOA<01:11:09.040> and
• <01:11:09.159> cic<01:11:09.719> reform<01:11:10.360> will<01:11:10.679>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This section creates a new chapter This section creates a new chapter within<00:10:26.200> the
• I move that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 17th, 2026.
• <00:19:20.600> Friday, in adjournment until 11:30 a.m.
• Friday, in adjournment until 11:30 a.m.
• <00:19:33.200> Friday, adjournment until 11:30 a.m. Friday, adjournment until 11:30 a.m.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:00.160> And<00:11:00.640> uh<00:11:00.800> at<00:11:00.959> this
• King,<00:11:03.040> will<00:11:03.279> you<00:11:03.440> stand<00:11:03.680>
• <00:11:27.360> Would<00:11:27.519> you<00:11:27.680> stand<00:11:27.839>
• <00:11:38.560> in<00:11:38.800> Baltimore<00:11:39.200> County<00:11:39.519>
• <00:11:58.000> there<00:11:58.160> at<00:11:58.320> West<00:11:58.560> Baliva

Keywords: MS House Floor - 3 March, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then dispensed with the reading of the journal and introductions. The session included many gallery introductions recognizing Jackson State University Day and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Day, along with visiting university officials, alumni, students, community leaders, and other guests. Members also offered remarks honoring JSU achievements and several individuals, including a doctor of the day, a mayor, military personnel, and a legislative intern. One member asked for adjournment in memory of two West Bolivar students who died in a house fire, and the chamber observed that request. On the calendar, the House took up several House resolutions in blocks. Items 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were adopted without objection, and House Resolution 72 and House Resolution 75 were each adopted by voice vote. The chamber then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 526, described as congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels; it was adopted by a recorded vote of 121 yeas and 0 nays. A request was made for immediate release on that resolution, and there was no objection. Members also discussed adding the full House membership as co-authors on House Resolution 78, which was noted as honoring an outstanding Jackson State baseball player. Several announcements were made about committee meetings and events, including Medicaid, Judiciary, State Affairs, and Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency meetings, though State Affairs was later announced not to meet that afternoon. Members also announced a legislative reception hosted by the Mississippi Tourism Association and Game and Hospitality Association, and a 100-year anniversary event for the Mississippi Forester Commission. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:11:43.120> Hassel,<00:11:43.760> Hrix,<00:11:44.320> Hill,<00:11:45.040>
• Amendment<01:11:01.760> two,<01:11:02.159> Senate<01:11:02.480> Bill<01:11:02.719
• >> How<01:11:05.920> the<01:11:06.159> sponsor<01:11:06.480> receive<01:11
• >> Okay,<01:11:11.760> you've<01:11:12.000> heard<01:11:12.159> the<01:11:
• <01:11:13.840> I've<01:11:14.159> got<01:11:14.880> speak<01:11:15.120> on

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:12.720> on<00:11:12.880> Zoom,<00:11:13.200> chair.
• > an<01:11:26.480> SD1<01:11:27.040> that<01:11:27.199> would<01:11:27.360><
• a study<01:11:28.080> to<01:11:28.320> be<01:11:28.480> done<01:11:28.640> by
• Seeing<01:11:44.159> none,<01:11:44.719> uh,<01:11:45.040> vice<01:11:45.280>
• <01:11:57.199> Of<01:11:57.360> the<01:11:57.520> CPN<01:11:58.464> [clears

Bills: SB3275, SB3105

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, physician assistant, licensure compact, medical services, interstate practice, healthcare portability, military families, licensing authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection reconsidered two condominium bills and adopted recommendations to pass both with amendments. For SB 2433, members approved amendments clarifying that condominium unit owners’ interests are to be recognized and protected in educational and related programs by the Real Estate Commission and DCCA, while making technical changes and changing the effective date. For SB 2838, the committee replaced the bill’s broader substantive language with a narrower requirement that associations provide electronic copies of specified documents, including master leases, reserve studies, audited financial statements, contracts, leases, and other agreements, along with technical changes and an amended effective date. Both measures were adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator McKelvey excused. The committee then heard SB 2710 on animal issues, which would define and regulate dog breeders, set care standards, create county licensing authority, require records, and establish an animal abuser registry and related penalties. Testimony was mixed: the Public Defender and the American Kennel Club opposed the bill, arguing for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than harsher penalties and warning that the bill would burden responsible breeders; the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill’s breeder regulation and registry provisions but urged removal of the hoarding section; and the committee noted 26 written testimonies in support, 14 in opposition, and four comments. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 2710 with amendments that blanked the license fee, deleted the animal abuser registry and shelter/pet store/breeder compliance checks, struck the hoarding provisions and proposed criminal penalty changes, and made technical changes with a deferred effective date. The committee also heard SB 2209 on rental discrimination, which would allow attorney’s fees to a prevailing party in source-of-income discrimination cases, and SB 2884, which would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for wind-resistant retrofits or hurricane shelters. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported SB 2209, and the committee later passed it with a deferred effective date. SB 2884 drew support from DCCA’s Insurance Division, the Department of Taxation, HEMA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and a public witness who urged hurricane preparedness; it was passed with the Department of Taxation’s proposed amendments and a deferred effective date. Finally, the committee heard SB 2922 on cooperative associations, which would create a general cooperative associations framework. DCCA offered comments, while the Hawaii Co-op Hui, Purple Maya Foundation, Enliven Cooperative, and Hawaii Farmers Union supported the measure and argued that current law is too limited for worker, producer, and multi-stakeholder co-ops. After discussion about using the existing chapter 421C structure rather than creating a new regulatory scheme, the committee passed SB 2922 with amendments adopting changes proposed in testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and deferred the effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:43.040> And<00:11:43.680> um<00:11:43.839> you<00:11:44.000> know,
• <00:11:45.440> move<00:11:45.680> this<00:11:45.920> forward.
• <00:11:49.519> And<00:11:49.680> if<00:11:49.920> you<00:11:50.000> have<
• /c><00:11:54.320> uh<00:11:54.480> we'll<00:11:54.720> be<00:11:54.880> here<
• <00:11:56.560> Thank<00:11:56.640> you<00:11:56.720> very<00:11:56.880> much

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Economic Development Technology Committee met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR 121, a resolution to form a working group to explore legalized gaming in Hawaii. Supporters, including DBED, labor representatives, and some industry interests, argued the measure would allow the state to gather more information, consider economic growth, job creation, investment, and tax revenue, and include a range of viewpoints before any final policy decision. Several supporters emphasized that a working group would help ensure informed decision-making and community input. Opponents argued that legalized gambling would disproportionately harm low-income residents and Native Hawaiians, increase addiction and related social harms, and bring crime, corruption, and human trafficking. Some cited examples from other states, illegal game rooms in Hawaii, and concerns that gambling revenue would be limited while social costs would be high. Others said the conversation should be led by local communities rather than industry stakeholders, and one testifier requested community representation on any working group for a potential stadium-area project. The committee also heard from witnesses who framed the measure as a way to address money leaving the state and to create a regulated alternative to illegal gambling. No vote or final action on STR 121 was taken during the hearing, and the chair noted the committee would need to adjourn in time for floor session if the hearing ran long.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker Pro Tem, recommends that SB 11 be given a due pass as amended consideration.
• Rule 11? Final reading of bills. Members, we have... Rule 11? Final reading of bills.
• Yeah, so, you know, this bill that we're voting on is being voted on at 11:27 p.m.
• House Bill 2406, amending sections 11-597.02, amending Title 39, Chapter 1, A.R.S., by adding Article
• Members, by votes of 42 ayes, 11 nays, 7 not voting, you have passed House Bill 2408.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1973, when the legislature enacted Chapter 150, which is the public sector collective bargaining law
• 149 and Chapter 151A.
• It took six years and 11 months to go away.
• There was Six years and 11 months to go away.
• You've been testifying for 11 years on this bill, close to this has been an 11-year... I did.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid hearing on a large group of bills carried over from the previous session, with Chair Jake Oliveira and House Co-Chair Paul McMurtry outlining the process and limiting testimony to three minutes. The committee heard testimony on several labor and workplace proposals, including bills to harmonize employee definitions to address misclassification (SB 1338/HB 2141), expand bereavement leave (including H. 2189/S. 1354 and related bills), protect collective bargaining rights for certain administrative employees (HB 268/SB 1306), expand commuter transit benefits (HB 2153/SB 1345), regulate employer use of credit reports (S. 1286), and require apprenticeship participation or OSHA-related workplace safety measures on public projects. At the end of the hearing, the chairs read into the record additional bills that did not receive testimony that day. Supporters of the misclassification bill, including Greater Boston Legal Services and the AFL-CIO, said aligning the employee-status tests across wage, unemployment, and PFML laws would reduce confusion, improve enforcement, and help workers wrongly treated as independent contractors or managers recover benefits and bargaining rights. NAGE and its representative argued that public-sector employees have been improperly reclassified into management titles to weaken unions, and that the bill would force the Division of Labor Relations to review those titles. On bereavement leave, advocates including the Louis E. Brown Peace Institute, a state representative, the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, and individual survivors described the impact of sudden loss and homicide on families, saying guaranteed leave would help workers grieve, make arrangements, and avoid losing jobs or custody-related stability. The committee also heard support for commuter benefits as a low-cost way to reduce emissions and increase transit use, and for restricting employer credit checks because of inaccuracies and discriminatory effects. There was opposition to some construction-related bills. The Associated Builders and Contractors and the Building Trades Employers Association supported apprenticeship training in principle but said current apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios are outdated or misunderstood, and that the bills should be amended or clarified before advancing. The Massachusetts landscape and snow-removal industry strongly supported a snow-liability limitation bill, arguing that hold-harmless clauses and broad indemnification requirements force contractors to assume liability for conditions they cannot control, drive up insurance costs, and threaten business viability. The committee did not take any votes during the hearing, and the session ended with the chairs thanking members, staff, and the public before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 2024-25 General Appropriations Act in Chapter 2024-28, Laws of Florida, authorized the Agency to
• The 2024-25 General Appropriations Act in Chapter 2024...
• The 2024-25 General Appropriations Act in Chapter 2024-228, Laws of Florida, authorized the agency to
• SMNC 3.0, there was some changes and we made some adjustments to the regions as well, went from what 11
• regions to 9 now. we made some adjustments to the regions as well went from what 11 regions to 9 now

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present and considered 12 budget amendments, most of which were adopted without opposition. The first amendment transferred $8.2 million in Department of Corrections general revenue authority from salary incentives to contracted services to support the phased demobilization of Florida National Guard troops assisting with correctional staffing. Senator Pizzo questioned the length of the Guard’s deployment and urged a long-term staffing solution, while the department said the Guard presence was being reduced and that about 2,200 employees were in training. The Department of State received an additional $618,391 in federal grant authority for library grants and private cloud costs, and the Department of Transportation’s two amendments were zero-sum work program changes: one realigned funds to production-ready projects and another added three projects over $3 million each to the current-year work program. The commission then approved several Agency for Health Care Administration amendments tied to Medicaid supplemental payment programs. These included funding for the Florida Cancer Hospital Program, indirect medical education payments, disproportionate share hospital payments for the state mental hospitals, the Low-Income Pool program, physician supplemental and public hospital payments, Florida KidCare, and Medicaid services realignment. Members asked about possible federal disallowances in the LIP and physician/public hospital programs, and agency staff said some disallowances were likely but the amount was not yet known. For KidCare and Medicaid, staff explained the changes were based on the December estimating conference, enrollment shifts, and updated actuarial assumptions, including changes to managed care regions and program design. The final amendment restored budget authority for a hospital direct payment program after a prior payment, including a $24.3 million CMS-related amount and $3.2 million in administrative fees, was not processed before fiscal year-end and reverted. Senator Pizzo pressed the agency on how the payment was missed and whether any penalty applied; staff said the invoice was not received and processed in time and that communication issues contributed. After brief debate on each item, the commission adopted all amendments, with one recorded nay on the final item, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.519> um<00:11:13.680> debris<00:11:14.200> and<00:11:14.920> non<00:11
• 00:11:21.320> me<00:11:21.480> so<00:11:21.680> this<00:11:21.839> bill<00
• 11:27.720> the<00:11:27.800> perpetrators<00:11:28.680> I<00:11:28.800> believe
• so Brandon<00:11:29.959> Brandon<00:11:30.320> can<00:11:30.920> go<00:11:31.120
• /c><00:11:49.560> for<00:11:49.959> more<00:11:50.160> of<00:11:50.279> the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard five bills and later took up one joint Housing/Higher Education measure. On SB 1146 SD1, relating to the Alaw Canal, testimony from DLNR and UH was in support of funding an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan to address debris management and water quality in the watershed; members discussed the cost burden on DLNR and the possibility of identifying upstream sources of debris. On SB 1232 SD2, relating to wastewater systems, the Department of Health, DHHL, and several advocacy groups supported a three-year pilot program at UH’s Water Resources Research Center to test new wastewater technologies, with witnesses saying it could help certify cheaper alternatives and reduce cesspool upgrade costs. On SB 119 SD1, relating to nursing, witnesses supported funding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Maui College. On SB 865 SD1, relating to agriculture, UH CTAHR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many island agricultural groups supported funding for a Kona Cooperative Extension position, with testimony and committee discussion favoring an extension agent over an administrative support role. On SB 1487 SD1, relating to UH revenue bonds, UH supported authorizing revenue bonds for priority capital projects, and members asked for clarification that the measure was a preliminary authorization rather than a specific spending plan. In decision-making, the committee recommended passing SB 1146 SD1, SB 1232 SD2, SB 119 SD1, SB 865 SD1, and SB 1487 SD1 with House Draft 1 amendments, mainly to change defective dates to 7/1/3000 and, for SB 865, to upgrade the position to an extension agent. Votes were unanimous in favor on the measures, with one recusal noted on SB 865 and some members excused on other votes. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for a joint House Housing/Higher Education hearing on SB 1553 SD2, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL asked that the bill be deferred because due diligence was incomplete and more discussion was needed with UH and other stakeholders; UH said it was coordinating access to the property and described its current and future use. Both committees agreed to defer the bill.