Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is a pilot study, not a full-scale audit.
• Can you explain how this would work, this pilot study?
• This is why I'm pitching it as a pilot study. We need to look...
• This is why I'm pitching it as a pilot study. We need to look.
• And how long would the study take? Sure.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that boosted pension and then go back to work for the same agency for basically probably the same salary
• so it's not I don't in two salaries so it's not I don't material<00:53:47.440> to<00:53:47.599
• That was the concern that I had: collecting a pension and getting a salary. So let's just do this.
• so let's just do collecting a salary so let's just do this<01:10:47.199> it's<01:10:47.360>
• This would be through UNH's College of Professional Studies, or CPS, while they also are meeting their

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 2 Finance Committee work session focused primarily on House Bill 115 and a proposed amendment, 114H, which would carry over language from HB 2 into HB 115 and place limits on Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). Representative Murray described the amendment as a way to keep the 350% federal poverty eligibility cap, require students to have attended a charter public school in grades K-12 for the preceding year before entering the voucher system, and add guardrails against universal eligibility. She argued the state was facing a severe budget crisis, that expanding EFAs would divert money from other programs, and that public testimony and local votes showed widespread opposition to expansion. She also cited a letter from former Finance chair Neil Kirk opposing expansion. Other members responded that the committee should not revisit policy already decided by the House, though some said the amendment was fair to discuss because of its fiscal implications and supported it on that basis. The discussion then broadened into a debate over the fiscal impact of universal vouchers and the reliability of enrollment and cost estimates. Representative Luno argued that prior EFA projections had relied on assumptions that could badly underestimate state exposure, pointing to Arizona as a cautionary example and saying New Hampshire should not expand the program without better analysis. Representative Papovich similarly warned that universal eligibility could create a large, unexpected cost, estimating a potential exposure of about $285 million based on school-age children not currently in public, charter, or EFA programs. In contrast, Representative Weyler said EFAs can save money because public school spending is already high and parents using EFAs still pay taxes and take on more responsibility for their children’s education. After discussion, Representative Murray moved to accept the amendment, and Representative Bean seconded it. There was some procedural clarification about voting on the original bill and the amendment. The transcript ends before a final recorded vote on the amendment or on HB 115 itself, though the committee had also been told it would likely reconsider several retained bills later in the week, including HB 129, HB 133, HB 671, and HB 781.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're the ones doing the studying right now.
• Or studying a potential project, is that something a project being imminent.
• or studying a potential project.
• And with regard to, they are not aware. or studying a potential project, is that something that project
• And we need more time, we need more engagement, we need more careful study.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Costs, salary increases, postage costs, salary increases, postage increases that are sky-high are why
• We cannot compete with private industry for IT folks on salary. We just can't do it.
• We cannot compete with private industry for IT folks on salary. We just can't do it.
• We cannot compete with private industry for IT folks on salary. We just can't do it.
• <01:52:21.199> rate that allow MMB to approve a salary rate that allow MMB to approve a salary

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what the, this is a pilot study, not a full-scale audit.
• This is why I'm pitching it as a pilot study. We need to look.
• This is why I'm pitching it as a pilot study. We need to look.
• And how long would the study take? Sure.
• How long would the study take? Sure.

Summary: The committee convened, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a memo summarizing major audit items. The State Auditor’s office and outside auditors then presented a series of audits, many of which were clean with unmodified opinions and no findings, including the Bank of North Dakota, the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, Lake Region State College, and the Office of the Governor. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association audit was also clean overall, but it repeated findings about limited segregation of duties and auditor assistance in preparing financial statements, which the auditor said were expected to continue because of the organization’s small size. Committee members asked about out-of-state board addresses, and the association explained those members were North Dakota residents using South Dakota mailing addresses. Several audits did include findings. The Council on the Arts audit identified two issues: payroll charged to federal awards without supporting time records, and $12,825 in Cultural Endowment Fund spending that was not allowable under state law, including staff training, retreats, and executive director candidate travel. The Department of Public Instruction audit found unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, but additional testing confirmed the funds were credited properly and students completed required school district work, so no improper payments were identified. The University of North Dakota audit found a lack of documentation and transparency in School of Law admissions decisions; the auditor said the law school used a holistic process but did not keep notes or evaluation tools to show why applicants were admitted, waitlisted, or denied. UND leadership said the school is in good standing with the American Bar Association and agreed better documentation is needed, and the auditor said the issue was the missing documentation, not ABA accreditation itself. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which found four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating cap, grant conditions not being met, improper breeder fund awards, and improper procurement. The auditor said promotion fund spending exceeded the cap by $327,447 and the fund balance dropped sharply over the audit period. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson said the agency had become complacent, that grant requests were treated as routine, and that controls and documentation need to be tightened. He also explained that the breeder fund overpayments involved two horses whose ownership transfers were not properly documented before racing, and that the procurement issue stemmed from an advertising contract that proceeded without proper written procurement procedures after a misunderstanding with the State Procurement Office. The auditor said the Racing Commission will now be audited every two years because of the findings. The committee also received updates on Dakota College at Bottineau’s bank reconciliations, which Minot State University said had been brought current after an 18-month backlog, with only one account still needing cleanup; members asked for a written report on the corrective actions. The North Dakota Fair Foundation was reported to have dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to another nonprofit account for continued support of the state fair. Finally, the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, revising the earlier estimate to about $1.1 million based on incomplete district survey responses, and said the Anti-Lunch Shaming law likely increased meal debt because schools must feed students regardless of account balance. Members discussed the need for a more accurate year-end debt figure and possible future reporting at a later committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they studied the longest running and most rigorous study of competitive effects in the school choice
• and And they studied the longest running and most<01:33:56.720> rigorous<01:33:57.160> study
• :58.680> study<01:33:58.920> of<01:33:59.000> competitive most rigorous study of
• > published<01:38:32.960> in another study just recently published in another study just
• <01:39:37.560> I in contrast, that same study I in contrast, that same study I referenced<

Bills: HF3493, HF4114

Keywords: safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, special education, funding, education finance, appropriations, budget, cross subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation was recommended by the New Mexico Health Policy Commission as a result of a study which
• what I do know to be true is that the hygienist pay structures are typically either commission or salaried
• my question in all that is, with the lowered Medicaid reimbursement, you're talking about higher salaries
• Are you looking at whether dental hygienist salaries would stay comparable and competitive with the reimbursement
• Children who witness or experience animal cruelty and neglect, studies have shown that they are.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Delaware Diabetes Wellness Pilot Program within the Department of Health and Social Services to study
• the Delaware Diabetes Wellness Pilot Program within the Department of Health and Social Services to study
• Substitute 1 for House Bill 425, an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to employees and salary
• Senate Resolution 21 requests the SEU to engage in a study with Delmarva and our state utilities on the
• The study will include an evaluation of the impact of portable solar generation... ...amount of energy

Summary: The Senate received a large number of House communications and committee reports, including several nominations and many bills and resolutions returned from House committees or passed by the House. Committee reports covered a wide range of topics, including education, health, judiciary, finance, housing, transportation, emergency management, and business/technology. The Senate also assigned several measures to committees for further consideration and noted upcoming committee meetings. The chamber confirmed three nominations by roll call: Michael T. Scuse to the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, J. Eric Firewold to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees, and Joan F. Coker to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees. The Senate also passed Consent Calendar 66, which included Senate Concurrent Resolution 223 on DIA broadcast access for playoff and championship games and House Concurrent Resolution 149 designating June 12, 2026, as Loving Day in Delaware. Members discussed Loving Day and the importance of recognizing interracial marriage rights, with Senator Huxstable, Senator Buckson, and Senator Townsend offering remarks. On the floor, the Senate passed House Bill 141, requiring a firearm responsibilities notice for gun purchasers, after debate over gun safety and industry burden; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 200, as amended, expanding insurance coverage for HIV prevention medications PrEP and PEP; House Bill 426, modernizing municipal street-aid reporting; and Senate Resolution 21, directing a study of portable solar generation devices and related safety and utility issues. The Senate also passed Consent Agenda O, a large package of bills covering topics such as money transmission and stablecoins, nursing advancement, pilot licenses, commerce and trade, subaqueous lands, driver’s license loss due to medical issues, residential speed limits, electronic bidding, family court jurisdiction, agency regulations, technical corrections to multiple local charters, and other measures. The Senate then recessed until June 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section six, the Legislative Education Study Committee.
• Madam Chair, Representative Brown, yes, and the salaries of the DOAs plus the potential increases are

Bills: HB1

Transcript Highlights:

• THE SENATE BILL DOES NOT INCLUDE REQUIRED INSTRUCTION ON SIXTH GRADE TO 12TH GRADE OF EMBRYOLOGICAL STUDIES
• I THINK YOUR DEBATE TALKING ABOUT THE DISCREPANCIES OF THE EXISTING SALARIES IS COMPLETELY A FAIR POINT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Studies have shown that spending an extensive amount of time on social media pulls our students away
• <00:13:47.160> Studies<00:13:47.520> have<00:13:47.640> shown time on social
• Studies have shown time on social media.
• Education Minnesota's studies, uh, recruitment and retention on an ongoing basis.
• <01:17:14.680> are the barriers cited in that study are the barriers cited in that study are

Bills: HF4213, HF4198, HF3930, HF3585, HF3451

Keywords: education finance, school funding, K-12, prekindergarten, pre-K, early childhood education, general education aid, special education, literacy aid, school meals, free school meals, school breakfast, school lunch, charter school lease aid, charter schools, nonpublic pupil aid, private school aid, transportation aid, desegregation aid, integration aid

Transcript Highlights:

• ago, I worked with Senator Barrett, and we passed a piece of legislation to set up a commission to study
• ago, I worked with Senator Barrett and we passed a piece of legislation to set up a commission to study
• A recent study by Northeastern law students and the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute found...
• A recent study by Northeastern law students and the Louis D.
• Brown Peace Institute to study how unsolved homicides are handled by police departments and how families

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue. Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• We contracted with a vendor to conduct a process improvement study of three major components.
• In the grants component, the study resulted in a number of recommendations regarding grant processes
• As an example, we have an NIH study that's looking at individuals 60 and above.
• In this study, they're all going through the same 12-week intervention, but some people are going to
• The prophylactic that we used in this study is something that you can now get commercially.

Transcript Highlights:

• So he's studied the history of the Family Division from the 1990s to the present because I know that
• So he's studied the history of the Family Division from the 1990s to the present because I know that
• So you'll—that we've gone statewide since its inception, tracked it very carefully with study.
• So you'll—that we've gone statewide since its inception, tracked it very carefully with study.
• So you'll—that we've gone statewide since its inception, tracked it very carefully with study.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee on the Children and Family Law Committee met organizationally to continue work on family court issues, building on a prior special committee’s report and taking a collaborative approach with the Judiciary. The chair said the group would focus on solutions rather than rehashing public complaints, and identified three main topics for early study: specialization and training of family court judges, the extent to which judges should be bound by the rules of evidence, and whether mediation in family cases should be mandatory or voluntary and what qualifications mediators should have. A fourth concern was also raised about overlap between superior court domestic violence cases and family court custody/support matters, and whether one judge should hear both. Members discussed whether to divide into smaller subcommittees, but the prevailing view was to work as a committee of the whole at first. Most members agreed that additional public testimony was unlikely to add much, though recent concerns could still be emailed to the committee. The committee then heard from Attorney Erin Krian, general counsel for the judicial branch, and Judge Michael Mace. Krian said the judicial branch could provide additional witnesses on mediation and judicial training, including Judge Kissinger, and noted the branch was preparing materials on how other states handle the issues. Mace described the history of the Family Division and said he had reviewed older reports going back to the 1990s. He also outlined current judicial branch efforts, including expanded shadowing for new judges, monthly family-law trainings, and a year-long focus on family law topics. He reported that court rules had been updated to clarify notice requirements for minor guardianship changes, and that the branch had received positive feedback on the family access motion, which provides a statutory timeline and listed remedies for parenting-time disputes. Members also discussed prior committee work on rules of evidence and family court procedures. One member recalled recommending quiet review of any judges who appeared to apply evidence rules inconsistently, and Krian said the administrative judge can review complaints even if they come from a single person. The committee also received a status update on prior initiatives, including a federal grant for guardian ad litem services for indigent litigants in four locations, testing of redesigned court forms, and continued training improvements. The chair scheduled the next subcommittee meeting for April 1 and the full Children and Family Law Committee for April 8, with further documents from committee research and NCSL to be circulated.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Senate that would do a study the Senate that would do a study committee<01:39:28.639> on<
• So, this does need interim study. So, this does need interim study.
• study this bill. study this bill.
• <04:37:52.240> after<04:37:52.639> study we know there's been study after study we
• know there's been study after study the<04:37:54.480> business<04:37:54.799> profits<04

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We talk about whether you are above or below the governor's salary because, you know, as you were here
• <00:13:10.480> is executive director so and your salary is executive director so and your
• salary is is<00:13:11.120> completely<00:13:11.519> reasonable<00:13:12.079> I<00
• because you you the governor's salary because you you know<00:13:17.800> why<00:13:18.079>
• <00:13:30.760> is<00:13:31.000> well governor but uh your salary is well governor but

Bills: HF2090, HF982, HF2229

Keywords: higher education, scholarship, financial aid, state grant, tuition assistance, Pell grants, student retention, education equity, disabled veterans, veterans' dependents, dependent children, college affordability, books and fees, University of Minnesota, public colleges, Office of Higher Education, veterans benefits, military families, permanent disability, 100 percent disability

Transcript Highlights:

• a Nobel laurate Economist who studies a Nobel laurate Economist who studies human<00:09:29.120><
• <01:13:55.480> have<01:13:55.600> shown<01:13:55.840> the counties um Studies
• have shown the counties um Studies have shown the benefits<01:13:56.440> that<01:13:56.600>
• The average salary for a childcare worker in my community of Minneapolis is 35,000, so, you know, no
• He thanked the testifier for highlighting disparities in salaries for some workers, especially child

Bills: HF2582, HF2266, HF2518, HF2039, HF1941

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 1336, requiring the satisfactory completion of a course that includes Holocaust and genocide studies
• includes Holocaust and genocide studies includes Holocaust and genocide studies as<00:30:32.559>
• The working group will study key issues like the appropriate amount of time for voir dire, the use of
• like working group will study key issues like the<00:53:07.200> appropriate<00:53:07.760>
• can um, accommodate those salary can um, accommodate those salary increases<02:26:04.720> out

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't believe that we've done like a full study or anything like that.
• <00:25:43.000> into department done any further study into department done any further study
• or anything like that the full study or anything like that the other<00:26:49.039> executive<
• At the commission, you know, at what, $167,000 a year salary plus fringe, so offhand, you would have
• <00:46:17.079> plus $167,000 a year right salary plus $167,000 a year right salary plus Fringe

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation. The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have there been any studies on the long-term impact on our economy and on our student development in
• Have there been any studies on the long-term impact on our economy, on our student development in the
• Through you, Chair, I'm not sure about longitudinal studies, but in terms of, for example, our great
• They are aware of a lot of resources and studies that show the importance of having school librarians
• history. ...and study history and literature and philosophy.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of recent federal policy and budget actions on Massachusetts libraries, humanities organizations, arts institutions, and tourism. Testimony from library leaders described the loss or jeopardy of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, including statewide databases, local grants, staff positions, E-rate/hotspot support, and digital equity programs. Witnesses said the cuts have already forced reductions in services, canceled grants and workshops, and in some cases left schools, students, job seekers, and low-income patrons without access to key resources. Members of the committee asked for lists of affected communities and databases, and several witnesses said they would provide additional written detail. Arts and humanities witnesses said federal terminations from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have hit organizations across the Commonwealth, including Mass Cultural Council, Mass Humanities, Mass MoCA, and local museums and historical societies. They described canceled or rescinded grants, layoffs, reduced programming, and a chilling effect on future applications and on artistic and scholarly work, especially where federal awards had already been matched with local or private funds. Several speakers also raised concerns about executive-branch DEI conditions attached to funding and about book challenges and book banning, saying these trends threaten intellectual freedom and public access to culture and history. Committee members emphasized the economic importance of the sector and the need to publicize the impacts. Tourism officials from Meet Boston and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism testified that federal cuts and broader geopolitical and tariff issues are hurting international visitation, especially from Canada and Western Europe, and could affect major upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and Sail Boston. They said reduced funding for Brand USA and Discover New England will weaken long-term marketing efforts and international partnerships, with downstream effects on hotel tax revenue, jobs, and workforce recruitment. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members mainly asking questions and requesting follow-up written testimony and data.