Transcript Highlights:

• Then it came to the House and the House Health and Human Services Committee essentially tacked on to
• Then it came to the House and the House Health and Human Services Committee essentially tacked on to
• ><00:10:32.000> House<00:10:32.320> Health<00:10:32.480> and<00:10:32.640> Human
• <00:10:32.959> Services and the House Health and Human Services and the House Health and Human
• Services Committee did Health and Human Services Committee did in<00:24:04.080> coming<00:24:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 of House Finance met in a continued work session on Senate Bill 118, with no LBA present. The chair reviewed the bill’s complicated history: it began as a short Senate bill, was expanded in the Senate to address Hampstead Hospital and related contracts, and was later amended by the House Health and Human Services Committee to add the substance of House Bill 53, which would allow home cultivation of cannabis for therapeutic use. Members also discussed the bill’s timing against upcoming legislative deadlines and the available options, including recommending it ought to pass, retaining it, ITL, or amending it. A member asked about the $160,000 appropriation tied to Hampstead Hospital employees. Deputy Commissioner Marissa Hen explained that most of the money would cover accrued time owed to a small number of employees who transitioned through multiple staffing arrangements at the hospital, and the rest would honor previously promised bonuses for a few workers who would otherwise miss them after the transition to Dartmouth Health. She said the payments were intended to make employees whole after repeated changes in hospital management and staffing. Representative Stringham then offered Amendment 2345H, which would strip the House-added cannabis provisions and keep only the Senate-originated Hampstead Hospital-related sections. He argued this would improve the bill’s chances of surviving a gubernatorial veto and preserve the portions members broadly supported. The amendment failed on a 6-3 roll call. The committee then voted 6-3 to recommend the bill ought to pass without the amendment. Members also designated Representative Seaworth to speak for the majority and Representative Daniels for the minority when the bill reaches full Finance, and the work session adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Border Patrol Commissioner can't be trusted, important priorities like stopping fentanyl smuggling and human
• So making sure that we use human beings, you use those officers and agents in the most effective manner
• authority to fingerprint. immigrants under the age of 14 to combat and to ultimately prevent this human
• being hours on things that only human beings can do.
• As you know, human traffickers and cartels will take the path of least resistance.

Keywords: Customs and Border Protection, Rodney Scott, border security, asylum, transparency, Hernandez Rojas, migrant treatment, public testimony

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would be a significant blow to both human and animal safety.
• Now you have humans in the road, a horse loose, traffic hazards, car accidents.
• Um, the regulations to keep both animals and humans safe.
• Well, there's a human safety element in everything.
• The legislative network, Animal Humane Network, they're creating problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would be a significant blow to both human and animal safety.
• Now you have humans in the road, a horse loose, traffic hazards, and car accidents.
• The regulations keep both animals and humans safe.
• The legislative network, Animal Humane Network, they're creating problems.
• Remember, horses are very much different than humans, right?

Bills: HB386, HB1449, HB1701, HB2142, HB2675, HB2857, HB3063, HB3171, HB3641, HB3732, HB4045, HB4370, HB4491, HB4505, HB4626, HB5267, HB5356

Keywords: construction contracts, change orders, local government, budget limits, Texas legislation, HB 1449, mobile food vendors, food trucks, mobile food service establishments, permits, county health permit, municipal permitting, Health and Safety Code Chapter 437A, Chapter 437, inspection agreements, permit reciprocity, fee cap, preemption, large counties, population over one million

Transcript Highlights:

• Executive Director for the Division of Medical Services and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human
• I believe the moratorium is more in Jessica Thomason's area in Human Services.
• Chair, that is included in the Human Services budget area, so Jessica Thomason's area.
• So with that, let's adjourn for the morning and return after the session on human services.
• So with that, let's adjourn for the morning and return after the session on human services.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met with all members present to review the medical services portion of the HHS budget. Sarah Aker, Executive Director of Medical Services, walked the committee through several budget items, including HCBS cost-to-continue adjustments, the DD bed assessment, expansion of value-based purchasing, targeted rate increases for home health and QSP services, and the cross-disability waiver. Members generally supported the targeted increases for home health and QSP, and Aker explained that the cross-disability waiver funding would support startup work, service design, and infrastructure ahead of a planned July 1, 2028 implementation. The committee spent significant time on rate-setting and provider payment issues. Members discussed ambulance rate rebasing, with several senators expressing concern that the proposed increase was too high relative to peer states; the committee ultimately moved toward reducing that item to $1 million rather than zero so it could be revisited in conference committee. They also discussed a House-added critical access hospital networking grant and similarly leaned toward reducing it to $1 million. Aker explained the department’s value-based purchasing plans, including use of a vendor selected through RFP, and clarified how the department’s existing Medicaid managed care and hospital value-based programs work. A major portion of the meeting focused on long-term care and basic care payments, including a House-added extension of the $5 per day basic care add-on and a proposed shift in nursing facility incentive grants toward a withhold-based model. Senator Mathern indicated he would bring an amendment to delay or modify the withhold change, and Aker said the department would prefer language that directly addresses whether a withhold may be implemented. Members also discussed 1915(i) services, FMAP changes, the Medicaid legacy system modernization carryover, and a House-added legislative intent section on medical assistance. The committee adjourned for the morning with plans to return later to continue Human Services budget work and revisit unresolved items in conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next, PCS for HB 1283, capital human trafficking of vulnerable persons for sexual exploitation by
• I've spent the last 12 weeks receiving training and research on human trafficking.
• Human trafficking relies on the trafficker and the buyer to thrive, as well as the victim.
• Without the buyers, they would have no reason for human trafficking to exist.
• The difference between a drug and a human is a drug can only be used once, but a human can be used multiple

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and related bills. Early measures included HB 1171, tolling the statute of limitations for failure to make mandatory child abuse reports, and HB 1403, expanding school safety provisions by allowing child care facilities in the guardian program and clarifying perimeter and door-security rules; both passed unanimously, with HB 1403 adopted as amended. The committee also approved HB 1099, giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving elderly or medically vulnerable individuals in facilities; HB 1121, strengthening restrictions on misuse of unmanned aircraft systems; HB 1525, creating penalties for impersonating rideshare drivers and clarifying transportation-disadvantaged access; and PCS for HB 687, increasing penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenses known as “Trenton’s Law.” Members then advanced HB 847 to create an FDLE grant program for expedited DNA testing, PCS for HB 757 to prohibit altered sexual depictions of identifiable persons and create a civil remedy, and HB 1415 to repeal an obsolete Broward County narcotics enforcement unit. The committee also heard and approved HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion grants, creates a model diversion process, and establishes a behavioral healthcare data repository; testimony from the bill’s namesake’s mother and law enforcement emphasized the need for treatment over incarceration. HB 1351 updated sexual offender/predator registration rules, and HB 1479 created a public records exemption for domestic violence lethality assessment forms; both passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 1283, making sex trafficking of children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons a capital felony, despite constitutional concerns raised in debate; the bill passed 13-2. PCS for HB 781, addressing cyber intimidation by publication (doxing), also passed unanimously after supporters described it as a needed tool against online harassment. Finally, CSHB 139 authorized pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms, and PCS for HB 107 created and enhanced penalties for fraudulent use of gift cards. Most bills were reported favorably, many unanimously, and several were amended before passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• can There's really a broad range of areas here that this covers from transportation to health and human
• So the biggest part of this pie chart, as you can see, is for health and human services.
• Tapping into the county general funds is not an option to backfill health and human services that have
• Regarding health and human services, we are closely monitoring potential impacts across the county.
• To note our Human Services Agency budget is three hundred and forty million dollars.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• international organizations like the U.N. and ensures they never get a chance to address the many human
• Frankly, this kneecaps the global human rights and pro-democracy movement.
• Both the State Department and AID provide urgent, life-saving assistance to human rights.
• We've talked about how this silences and blindfolds our human rights watchers, giving Beijing a blank
• check to commit human rights abuses, including forced labor abuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so um part of us as humans.
• At baseline, uh, humans aren't naturally fertile.
• director, Minnesota Department of Human director, Minnesota Department of Human Services.
• transforming the human services system. transforming the human services system.
• <01:21:06.320> services So why transform the human services So why transform the human services

Bills: HF4609, HF4401

Keywords: infertility, fertility treatment, fertility preservation, IVF, assisted reproductive technology, ART, oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, egg freezing, sperm freezing, reproductive health, maternity coverage, health insurance mandate, health plan benefits, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, family planning, oncology fertility preservation, chemotherapy

Transcript Highlights:

• Your Committee on Health and Human Resources has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute
• Your Committee on Health and Human Resources has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute
• Your Committee on Health and Human Resources has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute
• Your Committee on Health and Human Resources has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute
• Your Committee on Health and Human Resources has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, these are humans we're dealing with on your part, but the victim also is a human.
• How do you... ...on your part, but the victim also is a human.
• How do you explain that to that person that, oh, he made a mistake, he's human?
• Or she made a mistake, she's human. Those are my concerns. I guess that's where I'm at.
• But human behavior, no matter what, behavior change takes time.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And specifically, one of the big ones is anti-human trafficking.
• <00:31:28.120> And<00:31:28.320> so, is anti-human trafficking.
• And so, is anti-human trafficking.
• been places where human trafficking has has<00:31:36.400> occurred.
• important on the on on the anti-human important on the on on the anti-human side<00:32:07.560>

Bills: SCR145, SCR132, SCR31, SCR110

Keywords: traffic violations, demerit point system, driver license points, traffic safety, hit and run, reckless driving, repeat offenders, recidivism, Department of Transportation, DOT, task force, traffic enforcement, road safety, vehicle code, license suspension, county police, Hawaii transportation, SCR132, Senate Concurrent Resolution, Makakilo Drive Extension

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe it's humanity, which is what we heard in testimony over and over.
• I believe it's humanity,<00:49:27.520> which<00:49:27.680> is<00:49:27.839> what
• <00:49:28.000> we<00:49:28.240> heard<00:49:28.559> in humanity, which is what we
• Let them feel the contact of your human flesh as you crush the trachea of the economy.
• <01:49:59.760> meet<01:50:00.000> at Human Services Committee will meet at Human Services

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I can't think of any single human being who's with them on this topic.
• And there is no perfect transcription, whether it's human or whether it's technology.
• Humane Society.
• Humane Society.
• I'm Jenny Berg, and I'm the California State Director for Humane World for Animals.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephanie Kendrick with the Hawaiian Humane Society.
• It's a humane measure to support the human-animal bond, and we urge the committee to pass it.
• It's a humane measure to support the human-animal bond, and we urge the committee to pass it.
• Humane measure to support the human Humane measure to support the human animal<00:12:37.240>
• Stephanie Kendrick with the hawan Humane Stephanie Kendrick with the hawan Humane Society<00:18:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of transportation-related bills. SB 21 on water carriers would create an inflationary cost index mechanism; DOT, Agriculture, DCCA, the PUC, and several harbor and logistics interests supported it, while Pacific Transfer opposed. SB 1478 would require vessel masters to follow harbor master evacuation orders during emergencies; DOT clarified it applies only to commercial ports, with support from Hima and the Harbor Users Group and opposition from the Hailongm Association. SB 108 would authorize DOT to regulate vessel noise near commercial harbors; the White Harbor Users Group opposed, while DOT said it supported the intent but warned the bill may be preempted by federal law. SB 1475 would raise the bond ceiling for harbor improvement projects from $100 million to $600 million, and SB 1473 would cap central services assessments on DOT funds at $5 million and tie them to CPI; DOT supported both, and Budget and Finance explained the central services fee is generally a 5% deduction from special funds with some statutory exceptions. The committee also heard SB 1402 on securing mooring lines in state commercial harbors, which drew support from the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Hawaii Longline Association. SB 1522 on vehicle title transfers was supported by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services. SB 599 would require DOT or counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips before disposal; DOT said it would provide scanners, the Hawaiian Humane Society and a private witness strongly supported the bill, and the committee discussed that the measure would not charge pet owners and that Oʻahu microchip rates are about 80% for dogs and 70% for cats. SB 1025 would allow service and non-service animals on mass transit under certain conditions; DHS offered comments, Maui and Honolulu opposed, while the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Environmental Caucus, and others supported it, and an opponent raised concerns about large pets, service animals, and the need for size and off-peak restrictions. Later, the committee heard SB 1096 on license plate-flipping devices, with DOT and Honolulu police supporting it. SB 384 would expand victim restitution in DUI-related negligent homicide cases to include child support for surviving minor children; DOT, MADD, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported it, while the Public Defender opposed, arguing the restitution amounts would be unverified and better handled through civil remedies. SB 597 would extend the deadline for the administrative driver license revocation office to issue decisions, and the Attorney General, police, and Maui prosecutors supported it because of drug-testing delays, especially on neighbor islands. Finally, SB 1285 would create a lower-level impaired driving offense and authorize administrative action; the Attorney General and Public Defender both raised concerns about charging discretion and resource impacts, while county, public health, alcohol policy, and victim advocates strongly supported the bill as a life-saving measure. The transcript ends partway through testimony on SB 1285, with no final committee votes or actions recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:40.120> can female there's no other way humans can female there's no other way humans
• society none of this is new to humanity society none of this is new to humanity we<00:46:26.040>
• kind funny and wildly creative humans kind funny and wildly creative humans I've<02:45:30.800>
• the New Hampshire commission for human the New Hampshire commission for human rights<04:33:19.119
• <04:34:49.840> Rights the Human Rights the Human Rights Commission<04:34:51.920> which<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed. Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details. Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Health and Human Services.
• Department of Health and Human Services. The first one, C1, is $9,000 from community mental health.
• This is a reallocation of resources request from the Department of Human Services.
• Special language allows the Department of Human Services to make four reallocations in a fiscal year
• resources requests from the Department of Human Services.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A place to really provide that strength that we all should have as human beings.
• <00:08:16.640> beings this is this is for real human beings this is this is for real human
• Humans are better than that." So, all any help, you know, that we—I can help.
• Humans are better than that." So, all any help, you know, that we—I can help.
• Humans are better than that." So, all any help, you know, that we—I can help.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Deputy Director of State Policy for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA.
• Monica Madrid, with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA, proud to sponsor and support.
• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, CHIRLA, proud to sponsor and support. Good afternoon.
• And I'm glad that we're starting to have these conversations in a humane... ...and ethical way so that
• Motion before us is due pass and re-refer to the Committee on Human Services, AB 450, Bains. Aye.

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 22, established a quorum, and adopted its 2023-24 committee rules. The hearing then considered five bills focused on aging, long-term care, immigrant seniors, nutrition, and emergency preparedness. AB 450 would create a task force to study the needs of undocumented Californians age 55 and older; supporters from CHIRLA and other advocates described barriers to housing, health care, retirement, and digital access, while members raised questions about eligibility and process. The bill was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services. AB 508 would require residential care facilities for the elderly to disclose staffing information upon request at admission and when rates increase. The author and supporters argued that staffing levels are closely tied to quality of care and that families need transparency to make informed choices; a witness described her father’s death in an understaffed facility. Assisted living industry representatives opposed the bill as burdensome but said they were continuing discussions with the author. The committee adopted amendments and passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1476 would allow senior congregate meal programs to continue offering to-go meals, a practice expanded during the pandemic. Supporters said the option improved access for homebound and food-insecure seniors and helped bring people into senior centers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1068 would create a working group on evacuation and sheltering needs for older adults and people with disabilities in long-term care during disasters, and AB 1069 would ensure area agencies on aging and aging/disability resource programs have access to emergency shelters to provide services. Both measures drew broad support from aging, disability, and advocacy groups, with testimony citing recent fires and evacuations, and both were approved and re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. The committee also left rolls open for additional members to add votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That they need fear no human being.
• Advisory Committee in the Department of Family and Protective Services referred to the Committee on Human
• HB 142 by Noble relating to the administration authority and the duties of the Health and Human Services
• Commission officer to inspect general inspection referred to the Committee on Human Services HP 200
• low income individuals. through the private marketplace requiring a fee, refer to the Committee on Human