Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> setc><00:03:16.519><c> thesec><00:03:16.799><c> typesc> misuse you know when you set these
• types misuse you know when you set these types of<00:03:17.720><c> capsc><00:03:18.720><c> umc><
• c><00:03:31.400><c> Mrc><00:03:31.720><c> Kotoc><00:03:32.439><c> uhc><00:03:32.560><c> inc
• ><c> regardingc><00:26:40.559><c> thesec><00:26:40.760><c> typesc><00:26:40.960><c> ofc> beneficiary
• regarding these types of beneficiary regarding these types of fees<00:26:42.279><c> uhc><00:26:42.480

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes. During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriations for<01:02:36.320><c> twoc><01:02:36.600><c> differentc><01:02:37.440><c> typesc
• c><01:02:38.960><c> Umc><01:02:39.120><c> itc> for two different types of work.
• <01:24:12.920><c> typec><01:24:13.080><c> ofc><01:24:13.160><c> discoveryc><01:24:14.160><c> and
• c><01:24:14.280><c> thisc><01:24:14.440><c> billc><01:24:14.640><c> isc> this type of discovery
• <02:17:01.679><c> typesc><02:17:02.080><c> ofc> assessments to to fund these types of assessments

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 54.079><c> ac><00:00:54.320><c> secondc><00:00:54.640><c> byc><00:00:55.680><c> Senatorc><00:
• <c> typec><00:21:50.559><c> ofc><00:21:50.799><c> servicesc> contracting for those type of services
• contracting for those type of services could<00:21:51.600><c> bec><00:21:51.840><c> 75%c><00:21:
• > thatc><00:32:37.360><c> typec><00:32:37.519><c> ofc> supplies and rent and that type of supplies
• and rent and that type of thing.<00:32:38.720><c> Soc><00:32:39.039><c> that'sc><00:32:39.519><c

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:08 Approval of Minutes 00:43 KOAP Report 00:59 KY Office of Drug Control Policy 23:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on September 18, 2025, approved the July 10 minutes, and received Brandon Reid’s monthly report on Kentucky agriculture development and finance activity for July and August. Reid emphasized the long-running structure created under House Bill 611 and Senate Bill 28, the role of county agriculture development councils in all 120 counties, and the importance of the program as a national model for supporting Kentucky agriculture. He also introduced new staff and interns, including a new loan programs manager, Rachel Coward, and project manager Kylie Davis. For July, the development board reported $3.4 million invested in agriculture and the finance corporation reported $3.1 million in loans. Highlights included 11 county council meetings, site visits, program reviews, and 18 project reports. July approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased farm animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, infrastructure loans, an agriculture processing loan, and beginning farmer loans. Staff also noted that all 120 counties had submitted their required five-year comprehensive plans on schedule. Bill McCloskey then highlighted several funded projects, including Dino’s Farm LLC in Jefferson County, which received support to purchase a meat processing facility and equipment, with the goal of creating market opportunities for goat, sheep, and cattle producers and establishing Kentucky’s first halal meat processing facility. Other projects included a veterinarian facility project to address large animal vet shortages and Grow Appalachia at Berea College, which provides technical assistance and market support for small-scale and eastern Kentucky producers. Members discussed the need for programs such as high tunnels and other small-scale opportunities in rural areas, and staff noted related resources such as CAPE and NRCS funding. For August, the board reported $500,000 in development board investments and just over $3 million in finance corporation loans, along with fewer staff activities than July but continued county council, site visit, and project review work. August approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, agriculture infrastructure loans, beginning farmer loans, and a horticulture incentives loan. Additional project updates included another veterinary equipment purchase, emergency safety equipment in Graves County, and a food safety and efficiency incentive for Jared Cornet.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:02:20.560><c> 68c><00:02:21.040><c> onc><00:02:21.280><c> pagec><00:02:21.520><c> three<
• 00:14:26.480><c> housingc><00:14:26.959><c> typesc><00:14:27.519><c> andc> sizefits-all for all
• housing types and sizefits-all for all housing types and in<00:14:28.079><c> thec><00:14:28.320><c
• > universec><00:14:28.720><c> ofc><00:14:28.880><c> housingc><00:14:29.199><c> typesc><00:14:
• 30.160><c> there'sc> in the universe of housing types there's in the universe of housing types there's

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> toc><00:00:35.840><c> Paducahc><00:00:36.320><c> forc><00:00:36.480><c> thec> several others
• c><00:00:39.400><c> Andc><00:00:39.800><c> Ic><00:00:39.880><c> ifc><00:00:40.120><c> youc>
• :00:41.120><c> wec><00:00:41.240><c> couldc><00:00:41.360><c> justc><00:00:41.520><c> takec><
• c><00:00:44.800><c> Andc><00:00:44.920><c> I'mc><00:00:45.040><c> goingc><00:00:45.160><c> to
• ><c> tryc><00:03:52.200><c> toc><00:03:52.360><c> makec><00:03:52.640><c> ac><00:03:52.720><c

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> suspendersc><02:24:03.920><c> typec><02:24:04.160><c> languagec> some boots and suspenders type
• 04:11:23.279><c> withc><04:11:23.520><c> ac><04:11:23.680><c> certainc><04:11:24.080><c> type
• c><04:11:24.319><c> ofc> off on them with a certain type of off on them with a certain type of certificate
• ><c> aboutc><04:20:08.239><c> thisc><04:20:08.640><c> typec><04:20:08.880><c> ofc> communities
• specifically<04:29:30.000><c> forc><04:29:30.319><c> thesec><04:29:30.640><c> typesc><04:29:30.800

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> impacts,c><01:14:05.600><c> thatc><01:14:06.000><c> typec><01:14:06.239><c> ofc><01:14:06.400
• But um I think that uh<01:31:58.159><c> thec><01:31:58.400><c> typec><01:31:58.560><c> ofc><01:
• So the<02:36:51.359><c> soilc><02:36:51.760><c> typec><02:36:52.160><c> thec><02:36:52.800><c>
• ,c><02:37:25.760><c> therec><02:37:25.920><c> arec><02:37:26.160><c> typesc> the type of contaminant
• , there are types the type of contaminant, there are types of<02:37:26.800><c> uhc><02:37:27.680><c

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• typec><01:01:54.720><c> ofc><01:01:54.880><c> thingc> education or you know that type of thing
• ><c> typec><01:15:09.840><c> featuresc><01:15:10.880><c> morec><01:15:11.199><c> toc> the business
• ><c> toc><01:15:15.360><c> thec><01:15:15.920><c> SAUc><01:15:16.480><c> typec><01:15:16.800>
• c><01:15:17.760><c> Whatc><01:15:17.920><c> doc><01:15:18.080><c> youc> more to the SAU type
• ><c> compliancec><02:24:41.040><c> typec> the Isn't there other compliance type the Isn't there other

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the October 15 minutes and a brief discussion of the committee’s report process, including the likelihood of a minority report and a deadline of November 1 for any separate report. Members then heard from Jod Adams of the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools, who gave an overview of charter schools in the state: there are 37 charter schools, with 6,034 students last year, and schools are formed by certified teachers, parents, or nonprofit organizations. She said charter schools receive about $9,180 per pupil in adequacy aid and charter school grant funding, must fundraise for additional money, and are governed by their own boards under their charters and bylaws. Members asked about admissions, governance, transportation, and special education. Adams said charter schools are open enrollment, not geographically based, and may use lotteries when applications exceed available seats. She explained that districts and charter schools coordinate on special education and busing, with the sending district responsible for special education coordination and certain transportation obligations depending on where the student lives and attends. She also said charter schools are public schools, not selective, and that each school’s board operates independently of the local district school board, though some schools may have special arrangements. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on funding and statutory obligations. Adams and members discussed how special education aid follows the student, while charter schools do not receive some district-level aid such as catastrophic aid; free and reduced lunch funding and Title funds can go to charter schools. Members also raised concerns that some state laws and administrative rules do not clearly specify whether they apply to charter schools, creating confusion and, in some cases, causing districts to perform services such as dyslexia screening for charter students without additional funding. Adams agreed that clearer statutory language would help and noted that charter schools are subject to many state requirements, including testing and reporting, even though not every public-school rule applies to them.

Transcript Highlights:

• So right now there are currently four classifications for the prevailing wage: Type A, Type B, Type C
• All of those types that I just mentioned pay into this, with the exception of Type A, even though Type
• Type C, which is residential, 20% of the work they do is prevailing wage, but yet those contractors
• Type B, which is general building—your casinos, your high schools, and that type of work—40% of that
• This bill will align Type A, B, C, and H for contractors in all disciplines to participate, either actively

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor offered and the committee adopted an amendment striking the section that would have imposed a 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales. After a recap of the bill’s remaining provisions, including a $400 million seed amount and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenue, the committee heard brief support from Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association and no opposition. The amended bill then passed on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for public works construction projects, while eliminating an exemption for certain road, highway, utility, and maintenance work. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, the building trades council, and apprenticeship advocates, argued the bill would expand training, help address labor shortages, and provide a return on public investment. Opponents from utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico said they already operate federally approved in-house training programs, warned the bill would raise project costs, and argued some trades have no accessible approved programs. Members questioned how the bill would interact with existing in-house programs, whether rural contractors and nonunion firms would be affected, and whether the state-approved fund and federal highway training requirements could conflict. A proposed amendment to exempt projects of $50 million or less was introduced but tabled. After extensive debate, the committee voted 6-5 to pass HB 270. The meeting also included discussion of a prior procedural error in which HB 270 had been heard before being properly assigned, which the chair said rendered that earlier action void. At the end of the meeting, the committee received a brief New Mexico Department of Transportation District 3 presentation on district projects, budget, and construction status.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:35:01.839><c> typec><00:35:02.000><c> ofc><00:35:02.160><c> storyc><00:35:02.640><c> a<
• /c> the C side a similar type of story a the C side a similar type of story a slight<00:35:03.119><c>
• :24.800><c> accountc><01:25:25.120><c> typec><01:25:25.360><c> itc><01:25:25.520><c> isc><01:
• ><c> types.
• /c><01:48:44.320><c> ourc> account types.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum call, the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, and approval of the prior meeting minutes. The first presentation was from Bo Craycraft of the Judicial Form Retirement System, who gave an update on investment performance, asset allocation, cash flow, and projected employer costs. He reported strong fiscal year 2025 investment results, with both the legislative and judicial retirement plans outperforming their actuarial assumed rates of return and benchmarks, driven largely by U.S. equity performance. He also noted the plans remained near their target asset allocation and continued to experience negative cash flow, though he said that was manageable in context of strong asset growth. Craycraft then discussed a recent experience study and actuarial assumption changes, especially a revised salary growth assumption and a higher cash balance interest credit rate. He said these changes increased projected employer costs, with contributions rising from about $700,000 to a projected $2 million in later years, though he expected the eventual 2025 valuation and investment gains to reduce that estimate. Members asked about mortality assumptions, the impact of the experience study on liabilities, and the sharp increase in the judicial plan’s projected employer cost. Craycraft explained that the increase was driven mainly by the updated assumptions and that no other major plan changes were involved. At the chair’s request, Craycraft also addressed the recent rise in Medicare Advantage premiums for the plan’s health coverage, saying the 2025 increase was largely tied to Part D changes and the Inflation Reduction Act and had been about 45%, but that future growth was expected to be under 5%. After his presentation, the committee moved to the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority update, where the next speaker began by saying the funds had exceeded actuarial assumed returns for the fiscal year.

Transcript Highlights:

• all different audit scope and throughout all different types<00:20:54.880><c> ofc><00:20:55.120><c
• c><00:20:55.919><c> So,c><00:20:56.080><c> itc><00:20:56.320><c> wasn'tc> types of transactions
• of coaching like fill it um some type of coaching like fill it out<00:37:44.960><c> on,c><00:37:45.440
• c><00:38:10.320><c> orc><00:38:10.720><c> typec><00:38:10.960><c> ofc> uh classes or coaching or
• type of uh classes or coaching or type of training<00:38:12.079><c> umc><00:38:12.320><c> arec><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the legislative auditor on a performance audit of the governor’s office and lieutenant governor’s office covering July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. The audit reviewed receipts, inventory, payroll, and non-payroll expenditures and found 12 findings, concluding the office generally did not comply with the criteria tested because of internal control deficiencies. The auditor said four of five prior findings that remained relevant were not fully resolved, and that the problems were widespread across financial operations, creating opportunities for waste and fraud, though no evidence of wrongdoing or misuse of funds was found. The main findings involved weak segregation of duties, late vendor payments, inaccurate reimbursements and vendor payments, missing documentation, and poor receipt management. Auditors said one employee handled purchasing, receiving, payment processing, and inventory functions without adequate oversight; vendors were often paid late, resulting in more than $1,000 in late/reactivation fees; reimbursements and some state airplane payments contained errors; and many vendor payments, reimbursements, and purchasing card transactions lacked required support. The office also failed to collect about $12,000 for events at the governor’s residence, did not fully process several deposits, and lacked documentation for some billed or deposited amounts. Members reacted strongly to the repeated control failures and the lack of documentation, with several saying the issues were pervasive and concerning even if the dollar amounts were not large. Questions focused on whether the problems reflected different treatment of vendors versus employee expenses, whether restitution was being sought, and whether legislation was needed. The auditor responded that the state already has the necessary policies and procedures, and that the issue is implementation and oversight by the governor’s office, not new legislation. The auditor also said the governor’s office had been receptive and had begun taking steps to address the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thesec><01:31:57.800><c> typesc><01:31:58.000><c> ofc><01:31:58.600><c> inspectionsc><01
• :31:59.600><c> thisc> perform these types of inspections this perform these types of inspections this
• also what type<01:51:53.000><c> ofc><01:51:53.199><c> controlc><01:51:53.639><c> methodsc><01:51
• :54.639><c> arec><01:51:54.880><c> arec><01:51:55.119><c> usedc><01:51:55.440><c> andc> type
• ><c> rolec><01:52:58.520><c> withc><01:52:58.840><c> everyonec> coordination type of role with

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts. Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach. Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• 06:31.600><c> thec><00:06:31.919><c> typesc> background section discusses the types background section
• are based<01:00:22.240><c> onc><01:00:22.480><c> somec><01:00:22.720><c> typec><01:00:22.880><
• ><c> thec><01:31:33.280><c> typesc><01:31:33.440><c> ofc><01:31:33.600><c> casesc><01:31:33.840
• <01:34:23.120><c> typec><01:34:23.280><c> ofc><01:34:23.719><c> discrimination.
• c><01:34:24.719><c> Givec><01:34:24.880><c> mec> alleged type of discrimination.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to hear the Legislative Budget Assistant Office’s performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. Auditors said the commission was inefficient and ineffective in investigating discrimination complaints and closing cases in a timely manner during fiscal years 2020 through 2023. The report contained 25 observations; the commission fully concurred with 24 and concurred in part with one. Auditors highlighted major problems with case processing delays, inaccurate case data, lack of a case management system, weak strategic planning and risk assessment, outdated and disorganized policies, confidentiality issues, expired administrative rules, fee-setting practices, incomplete financial-interest filings, and failure to complete required reports and reconciliations. Two recommendations, involving complaint screening and conciliation, may require legislative action. Several observations focused on the commission’s intake and investigation practices. Auditors said complaints may have been screened out before docketing, potentially preventing commissioner review required by statute, and that the investigation process lacked clear rules and guidance. They also found investigators were assigned non-investigative tasks, training was inadequate, interview requirements were unclear, supervisory duties were burdensome, and confidential information was not always protected by encrypted email. The audit recommended clearer administrative rules, better internal controls, more focused staffing, a supervisory investigator position, and improved training and documentation. Commission representatives said they had already made progress on several items since the audit began, including posting overdue biennial reports and moving toward a case management system expected to go live in June. They said they were working with EEOC counterparts and legal counsel, but emphasized staffing shortages and high turnover, noting the commission currently had nine people working out of 15 authorized positions, with three investigator vacancies and a vacant paralegal position. Committee members thanked the auditors and commission staff, discussed the history of the audit request, and raised concerns about how long the recommended corrective actions might take. The committee took no vote or formal action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> complexc><00:20:19.919><c> leavec><00:20:20.480><c> typesc><00:20:20.880><c> arec> some
• of the more complex leave types are some of the more complex leave types are things<00:20:21.360><c>
• the<00:34:04.799><c> typec><00:34:05.039><c> ofc><00:34:05.200><c> systemc><00:34:05.679><c> that
• :49.520><c> typesc><01:44:49.679><c> ofc><01:44:49.840><c> things?
• c> already and all those types of things? already and all those types of things?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of them some U suffer from some um type of trauma<00:13:42.279><c> uhc><00:13:42.399><c> somec><
• <c> otherc><01:24:19.600><c> typesc><01:24:19.800><c> ofc><01:24:20.080><c> capitalc><01:24:20.480
• ><c> thatc> there is other types of capital that there is other types of capital that will<01:24:20.760
• c><01:35:20.920><c> needc><01:35:21.560><c> forc><01:35:21.960><c> thisc><01:35:22.159><c> type
• c><01:35:22.320><c> ofc><01:35:22.560><c> programc> there is a need for this type of program there

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ac><00:05:31.360><c> groupc><00:05:31.680><c> ofc><00:05:32.240><c> Ic><00:05:32.479><c> don't
• <c> usc><00:05:44.800><c> inc><00:05:45.039><c> thec><00:05:45.120><c> statec><00:05:45.280><
• <c> areac><00:06:39.840><c> inc><00:06:40.080><c> whichc><00:06:40.240><c> thec><00:06:40.479
• >> Usually<00:28:39.760><c> thosec><00:28:40.080><c> typesc><00:28:40.320><c> ofc><00:28:
• 40.480><c> transactions,c> >> Usually those types of transactions, >> Usually those types

Bills: HB585

Keywords: Washington County, circuit clerk, compensation, county government, local legislation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> asc><00:01:08.400><c> ac><00:01:08.560><c> medic,c><00:01:09.119><c> whatc> the streets working
• > toc><00:01:09.760><c> bec><00:01:09.840><c> onc><00:01:10.000><c> thec><00:01:10.159><c> other
• /c><00:01:14.080><c> hearc><00:01:14.400><c> andc><00:01:14.720><c> bec><00:01:14.799><c> ac>
• :23:45.919><c> specificc><00:23:47.280><c> uhc><00:23:47.440><c> typesc><00:23:47.679><c> ofc
• c><00:23:48.159><c> Soc> incident specific uh types of calls.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:56.200><c> toc><00:03:56.320><c> caucusc><00:03:56.920><c> becausec><00:03:57.280><c>
• c><00:35:04.400><c> thisc><00:35:05.160><c> thesec><00:35:05.360><c> typec><00:35:05.520><c> of
• c> we've talked about this these type of we've talked about this these type of things,<00:35:06.000
• ><c> thesec><00:35:06.200><c> typec><00:35:06.360><c> ofc><00:35:06.480><c> instancesc> things
• , these type of instances things, these type of instances happening.<00:35:08.040><c> Mostc><00:35:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 409 in executive session, with the chair noting a caucus break to explain amendments to several substitute members. Members discussed a proposed amendment to narrow the bill’s felony provisions by limiting them to specific, knowingly dangerous conduct rather than making the offense too broad. The committee also noted a planned floor amendment to add missing “or” language to clarify that the listed acts were alternatives, not cumulative requirements. The amendment was adopted 13-0, and the bill as amended was then reported OTPA by a 13-0 vote. It was initially said to be headed to consent, but members later agreed it would not go on consent because a floor amendment was anticipated. The committee then opened House Bill 667, which would extend protections for medical personnel into emergency room settings. Supporters said the bill was needed because emergency room staff face increasing assaults and existing protections did not fully cover ER circumstances. Several members described firsthand or secondhand incidents involving nurses, EMTs, and other staff being threatened or injured, and argued that stronger penalties would help deter violence and improve prosecution. Others supported the bill but raised concerns about how it might affect people experiencing mental health crises, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities. A proposed amendment from Representative Sher would exempt people experiencing a mental health crisis who have a mental health diagnosis, and also address dementia and certain developmental disabilities. Supporters said the amendment was narrowly tailored and had backing from the Disability Rights Center, NAMI New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Nurses Association. Opponents argued that the criminal justice system already has safeguards such as prosecutorial discretion, insanity defenses, and competency rules, and warned against creating special exceptions that could weaken equal application of the law. After debate, the committee voted 10-3 to report HB 667 ought to pass, with members noting that minority and majority reports would be prepared.

Transcript Highlights:

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• 05:45.039><c> aboutc><00:05:45.440><c> thec><00:05:45.919><c> statusc><00:05:46.240><c> ofc><
• /c><00:05:48.880><c> mightc><00:05:49.360><c> affectc><00:05:49.840><c> anyc><00:05:50.080><c>
• c><00:06:25.120><c> Umc><00:06:26.080><c> youc><00:06:26.240><c> knowc><00:06:26.639><c> Ic
• c><00:18:04.480><c> andc><00:18:04.720><c> thosec><00:18:04.880><c> typesc><00:18:05.120><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Joint Fiscal Committee met on March 20, 2026, approved the minutes, and adopted the consent calendar after removing two items for separate discussion: FIS 26048 from the Department of Safety and FIS 26053 from the Department of Environmental Services. The committee then adopted both of those items after brief questioning. Safety explained that a $2 million transfer would reduce its lapse, though it still expected a lapse of just under $4 million. Members, especially Senator Gray, emphasized concern about lapses and the need to track them closely given prior-year shortfalls. On the Environmental Services item, members discussed the Heavy Falls dam removal. The commissioner said the dam is old, not grounded in bedrock, and does not meet current safety standards, so removal was the practical option because replacement funding was unavailable. He said the aquatic resource mitigation fund and Army Corps of Engineers support made the removal feasible, and that the town had been involved in discussions for years. The committee adopted the item. The committee also adopted a Department of Transportation item, with staff noting high snowfall and a roughly 25% vacancy rate but saying contractors and bonus incentives had allowed plowing operations to continue. A Judicial Council item was then adopted, with the director saying it would likely be his last appearance this fiscal year. The committee next reviewed information materials on YDC claims administration, where DOJ staff said current spending would leave about a $10 million buffer into the next fiscal year and described reduced staffing and ongoing claims work; no action was taken. The committee then heard audit presentations for the Liquor Commission and Lottery Commission. The Liquor Commission audit reported seven findings, including a material weakness on reconciliations, issues with NextGen data/reporting, gift and promotional card controls, procurement and leasing practices, and one nonconcurrence on whether certain purchases were exempt from bidding requirements; members discussed whether attorney general review or legislation might be needed. The commission said it had completed a year-end reconciliation and was about 70% reconciled through February. The Lottery Commission audit reported three internal control comments, all concurred with by the lottery, focused on written procedures, filling the controller position, annual risk assessments, disaster recovery testing, user access controls, and training compliance; the lottery said it was hiring to reduce reliance on one employee and had no unresolved findings. The committee took no vote on the audit materials and adjourned after setting the next meeting for April 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

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• c> thec><00:01:48.000><c> areac><00:01:48.240><c> ofc><00:01:48.479><c> insurancec> resulted
• ><c> asc><00:02:16.080><c> supportc><00:02:16.400><c> ofc><00:02:16.560><c> surroundingc><00:
• c><00:04:57.759><c> hadc><00:04:57.919><c> ac><00:04:58.400><c> atc><00:04:58.639><c> ac> the
• /c><00:08:12.720><c> ofc><00:08:12.800><c> ac><00:08:12.960><c> ofc><00:08:13.199><c> anc><00

Keywords: 1183, house