Transcript Highlights:

• And it's just, and so she's involved in drug checking and testing in a way that is just, you know, it's
• I listened to a couple of speakers and I remember, aren't they doing testing?
• I listened to a couple of speakers, and I remember, aren't they doing testing for addicts to see if there
• So we have about three years, at least I know, of data on the prevalence of xylazine in tested samples
• At one point, I think in Boston at least, it reached about 40% of samples that were tested contained

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The working group on best practices for oversight and enforcement met for its first session and focused on xylazine, including its legal veterinary uses, its appearance in the illicit drug supply, and whether it should be classified as a controlled substance. Members discussed the distinction between pharmaceutical-grade and non-pharmaceutical-grade xylazine, the role of international/illicit sourcing, and the limits of state-level regulation if the substance is already being added to fentanyl or other drugs outside the Commonwealth. The Department of Public Health representative summarized the agency’s view that scheduling xylazine could follow the “ironclad law of prohibition” and push the market toward other, potentially worse substances, and said DPH opposed straight scheduling in favor of education, support, and harm-reduction approaches. Veterinary members explained how xylazine is used in large-animal and research settings, why it is useful, and why federal-style scheduling could create practical burdens for veterinarians who work in the field. They also described reversal agents such as yohimbine and atipamezole (Antisedan), and noted that xylazine is not commonly used in small-animal practice. Several members raised questions about how much xylazine is actually used legally in Massachusetts, whether boards of pharmacy or distributors could provide useful data, and what other states have done. Arizona and Florida were mentioned as possible examples for further research, along with the need to examine stakeholder opposition and any effects on legitimate veterinary practice. The group agreed to divide into two subgroups: one focused on oversight and regulation of production/distribution, and another on whether xylazine should be classified as a controlled substance and what penalties, if any, should apply. Staff said they would circulate notes, a draft PowerPoint template, and a shared folder, with members asked to submit materials by December 2, draft materials due December 4, and final approval by December 9 ahead of the next public meeting on December 11. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous closure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, those are being field tested in a very early stage right now.
• these fees, we would also encourage the Uh, the legislature to, uh, recommend or to put in stronger testing
• Um, so we, we recommend expanding, uh, the test components to include PFAs and NORM and characterizing
• Um, when you say stronger testing requirements, with the testing requirements give some sort of a certificate
• but we would recommend increasing that to include PFAs and NORM, which is, um, the radioactive, uh, Testing

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen problems with getting arrested quickly and cause it and concisely tested when that Uresti
• The testing of arrests teases in this circumstance is not consistent.
• after a medical professional determines exposure with significant and provides at a station that testing
• When that individuals tested in the jail already, you should be no delays in the blood draws because
• The test is already done.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• they<00:36:22.320> are When species are tested, they are When species are tested, they
• The Canadians tested differently than the Americans tested.
• The Canadians tested differently than the Americans tested.
• Uh, I tried to understand the Senate test.
• Uh, I tried to understand the Senate test.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 497, a technical correction to last year’s capital budget. Shannon Reid of the Community College System of New Hampshire explained that the bill removes leftover state-agency boilerplate from a repurposed capital appropriation and replaces it with community college language, without changing any dollar amounts. She also described a requested amendment to rename a respiratory therapy renovation appropriation at Nashua Community College as an allied health instructional center, so the space can be used more flexibly for programs such as phlebotomy, radiologic technology, and LNA training. Terry Poff of the General Court then testified on the second part of the bill, which changes legislative space references to support the move of General Court offices from the second floor to the fourth floor of the annex as part of the legislative office building reconfiguration. Members asked whether the community college changes affected funding, and Reid confirmed the amounts do not change and that the bill simply speeds up a correction that otherwise would have been handled later in the lapse process. Poff said the annex space change is part of a permanent transition, though the work cannot proceed until the General Court has legal control of the space. The committee then entered executive session, adopted Amendment 1031H on a 12-0 vote, and voted ought to pass as amended on SB 497 by a 12-0 vote, with several members absent. The bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee next opened a hearing on Senate Bill 529FN, which would give preference to lumber sourced in the United States on state-funded building projects. Representative Davis, introducing the bill for Senator Roachford, argued that New Hampshire timber is disadvantaged by grading rules that treat U.S. lumber differently from Canadian SPF lumber, even when the wood is from similar species and climates. He said the bill is intended to support New Hampshire’s timber industry and that architects and engineers would still be able to specify stronger materials when needed. Committee members questioned whether the bill should instead refer specifically to New Hampshire lumber, how it would be enforced, and what the cost impact would be. Davis and later witness Mike Olette said the issue is tied to industry grading standards rather than a government code, that the bill is meant to create a preference rather than a mandate, and that price differences are hard to pin down because lumber is a commodity. Olette, who lives near the border, testified that New Hampshire logs are often sent to Canada for milling and then return under a different grade, which he said puts New Hampshire loggers and mills at an economic disadvantage.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, Senate File 28, Election Voting Machine and Voting System Tests, passed on third reading in
• voting machine and voting system tests voting machine and voting system tests passed<00:03:56.000
• And if they can't answer those certain tests, they can be issued a citation.
• And if they can't answer those certain tests, they can be issued a citation.
• So, that reference is there to give a standardized test, and that was the standardized test that's been

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it updates cross-references related to gasoline and the American Society for Testing and Materials
• Um, it updates cross-references related to gasoline and the American Society for Testing and Materials
• Those two Senate provisions relate to the licensing for the testing facilities.
• Those two Senate provisions relate to the licensing for the testing facilities.
• This is designed to testing facilities.

Bills: HF1545, HF2426, HF1615, HF2403

Keywords: medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to clarify, they're going backwards on the testing and development of this program.
• they get addressed in the future, is it seems like it's requiring the mortgage lenders to actually test
• software and to have... penetration testing done, and it may not even be their software.
• This might be a purchased asset, and so those organizations typically do their own testing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Test us, all of us, the righteous and the wicked.
• Test<00:03:34.959> us,<00:03:35.840> all<00:03:36.080> of<00:03:36.159> us,
• c><00:03:37.040> the<00:03:37.280> righteous<00:03:37.760> and Test us, all of us
• , the righteous and Test us, all of us, the righteous and the<00:03:38.319> wicked.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, September 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are certain things that it does, like biohazard testing.
• This is the only facility in the state that does that testing.
• There are certain things that it does, like biohazard testing.
• This is the only facility in the state that does that testing.
• There are certain things that it does, like biohazard testing.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met for its first meeting of the year, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior year’s minutes, and welcomed new co-chairs and members. The board reviewed the capital planning timeline and a list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. Members were reminded to keep presentations brief because of a packed agenda. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, infrastructure preservation, and preventive maintenance. Its requests included a $21 million maintenance pool, phase two funding for a new state public health laboratory, construction of an 18-bed children’s psychiatric hospital, and several projects at Western State Hospital and Western State Nursing Facility, including HVAC work, cooling tower repair or replacement, and chiller plant repiping. Additional projects covered elevator upgrades at Hazlewood and phased cottage renovations at Oakwood. Board members asked about vacant buildings, the cost per bed for the youth psychiatric facility, and the relationship between the CHFS youth facility and a separate DJJ facility; CHFS said the youth facility would serve DCBS-involved youth and be separate from the DJJ project. The Kentucky Department of Education then described its state-operated facilities, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. Its priorities included additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building, a rewrite of the SEEK education finance application system, renovation and repair of the FFA swimming pool, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size and cost of the swimming pool project, and construction cost assumptions; KDE said it tracks student outcomes through special education staff and that current estimates reflect higher post-COVID construction costs. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would connect job seekers and employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility faces safety and code concerns. The cabinet planned to continue through the remaining priorities and answer questions at the end of its presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it includes different things: standing orders, test-to-treat, expanding access through community
• I mean, it has just been amazing, the test and how they analyze what's actually happening in my body.
• I mean, it has just been amazing, the test and how they analyze what's actually happening in my body.
• I mean, it has just been amazing, the test and how they analyze what's actually happening in my body.
• I mean, it has just been amazing, the test and how they analyze what's actually happening in my body.

Bills: HB161, HB146, HB289, HB290, HB31, HB146, HB289, HB290, HB31

Keywords: consumer protection, app store, age verification, parental consent, data protection, minors, HB146, ivermectin, pharmacist, standing order, prescription drug, non-patient-specific order, dispensing, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, licensed health care provider, pharmacy board, medical licensure, disciplinary action, drug access

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill authorizing the town of North Attleboro to establish a means-tested senior citizens' property
• The House bill authorizing the town of North Attleboro to establish a means-tested senior citizens' property
• An act authorizing the town of North Attleboro to establish a means-tested senior citizens' property
• An act authorizing the town of North Attleboro to establish a means-tested senior citizens' property

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up a series of bills reported by the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling, including measures on Brockton residency requirements for local offices, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, non-competition agreements, election administration in Salem, school nutrition, local election procedures in Longmeadow, Charlemont, Conway, and Concord, a senior property tax exemption for North Attleboro, Holyoke City Council special meetings, renter consumer rights, alcohol licensing in Southbridge and Raynham, and the Reading Home Rule Charter. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered the bills to a third reading, and then advanced them accordingly. The chamber then considered several engrossed bills for final action. House No. 4763, validating the results of Bourne’s May 20, 2025 annual election, was passed and, after a separate constitutional vote, its emergency preamble was adopted. The House also passed to be enacted bills concerning the Cuttyhunk Fire District, Otis Fire District funding for the Historical Society of Endicott and Cuttyhunk, and the Salem licensing board. Additional third-reading actions included House No. 4321, allowing the Dalton Fire District to continue employing interim fire chief Christopher Francis Chahat, which was ordered to a third reading, and House Nos. 4267 and 4582, directing the Boston Police and Fire Departments respectively to waive maximum age requirements for named individuals, both of which were passed to be engrossed. The House then adopted an order to meet the following Wednesday at 11 a.m., and adjourned to that time in formal session, with a Democratic caucus announced for noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• When that sibling lost their skills to MLDD, doctors knew to test for it in the younger child because
• isn't necessarily the easiest thing test isn't necessarily the easiest thing either,<00:10:27.680>
• We carried out the first pilot study by testing 30,000 newborn dried blood spots using the method of
• and an FDA laboratory developed test and an FDA approved<00:13:15.839> MLDD<00:13:16.399>
• <01:09:57.440> in middle ground approach first tested in middle ground approach first tested

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the feasibility study to test the feasibility of the cultural mall project that my firm conducted
• <00:36:14.839> in the zoo launched our own pilot test in the zoo launched our own pilot test
• > from for your test test uh testimony from for your test test uh testimony from remote<00:52:59.040
• For surface waters, we test our water to see if there's anything wrong with it.
• Can they ask you to do those testing, or do you do that?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or trained their IT staff or tested or trained their IT staff or their<00:59:04.079> staff<00
• Then if we kind of switch over to our non-IT area of testing, we looked at lottery retailers and the
• Did you see any major holes in there, any test fires? Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr.
• that, but it is something that we didn’t test further.
• <01:05:41.880> further something that we didn't test further something that we didn't test

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate File 563, a bill to change the board makeup of the Northern Koochiching Area Sanitary District. Senator Hild said the proposal had been heard the previous year and had broad support from local officials and stakeholders. Cali Briggs, the district’s executive director, explained that the board structure no longer reflected current populations and sewer service patterns: International Falls now holds six of eight seats after earlier consolidations, while East Koochiching has grown through sewer expansions and should receive additional representation. The bill would reduce the board to seven members, with International Falls having three seats, East Koochiching two, Rainier one, and one at-large member chosen by the board. The committee raised no substantive objections, and Senator Gustafson moved the bill to pass and go to general orders; the motion prevailed. Members then briefly joked about the topic and moved on to an overview from the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall described the office as a nonpartisan legislative branch agency serving both chambers, with a mission of strengthening oversight, promoting accountability, and producing objective, useful reports. She outlined the office’s structure, including financial audits, program evaluations, and a growing special reviews unit, and explained the Legislative Audit Commission’s role in appointing the auditor and selecting program evaluation topics. Randall also emphasized the office’s broad access to records and data, its independence, and its responsibility to protect nonpublic information. Randall answered questions about the office’s authority over entities such as the University of Minnesota, explaining that OLA has audit authority there but often relies on the university’s internal audit function and can also conduct special reviews and program evaluations. She noted that public employees are required to cooperate and that subpoenas are available if needed, though the office prefers to maintain cooperative relationships. Special Reviews Director Katherine Tyson then described how her unit handles complaints and allegations involving misuse of public funds, data, or noncompliance with law, including preliminary assessments, communications with complainants and agencies, and deeper reviews when warranted. She said allegations and reports have increased steadily, with 481 received from 2020 through 2024 and nearly 10 per week on average last year, contributing to a heavier workload for her small team.

Transcript Highlights:

• packaging, labeling and testing packaging, labeling and testing requirements<00:37:00.960> at
• , as well as for illegal hemp testing pursuant to this bill.
• , as well as for illegal hemp testing pursuant to this bill.
• , as well as for illegal hemp testing pursuant to this bill.
• , as well as for illegal hemp testing pursuant to this bill.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• more problematic addition is exempting agriculture motor vehicles 10 years or older from emissions testing
• Testing, testing. Thank you very much. I'm sorry. You're all. You're all. I don't know. I don't.
• Testing, testing. Thank you. Testing one, two. I'm not here. I don't know. I'm like a good.
• Testing, testing one. I don't know. I can't have that. You can't have that. I think you're all.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:22.560> We're<00:20:22.720> tested<00:20:23.200> on<00:20:23.400>
• We're tested on it uh puts on for us.
• We're tested on it and<00:20:24.600> all<00:20:24.760> the<00:20:24.840> bills<00
• their officers on and they're<00:20:52.800> going<00:20:52.920> to<00:20:53.000> test
• them on it and they're going to test them on it and policy.<00:20:54.600> It<00:20:54.720>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A test alone cannot make up for years of interrupted learning, and for many that simply isn't a realistic
• The GED is a test-based credential, and success requires a 9th- through 12th-grade reading level.
• Again, adults unable to pass the GED are those for whom a test-centered model is not effective.
• The other opportunity that they have is the GED, which is an equivalency diploma, which is just a test
• But they don't read at a grade-point level that allows them to pass that test.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the Excel Center network. Witnesses described the state’s adult diploma gap, arguing that roughly 300,000 Arkansans over age 19 lack a high school diploma or GED and that the Excel Center provides a supported, diploma-based alternative with child care, transportation help, tutoring, and career services. Goodwill officials said the Arkansas campuses are the state’s only public adult charter high schools, are not state-funded, and have produced strong enrollment growth and graduation outcomes. A University of Notre Dame researcher testified that a study of Excel Center graduates found higher employment and earnings, more credential and college-credit attainment, and lower criminal justice involvement, with a high estimated return on public investment. Some members questioned the framing of Arkansas’s adult education challenges and whether the state was being portrayed too negatively, while others asked about wraparound services and the role of nonprofit providers. The committee ultimately adopted the interim study proposal, though there was some procedural confusion and debate about whether questions should have come before the vote. The committee then received a detailed Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Arkansas K-12 education funding as part of the adequacy study. Staff reviewed national funding principles and Arkansas’s funding structure, including state, local, and other revenues; the Public School Fund; Department of Education operations; and the Facilities Partnership Program. They explained that 2025 K-12 state and local revenues totaled about $6.6 billion, with foundation funding, categorical funding, supplemental funding, and additional funding distributed to districts and charters. The presentation covered the matrix used to calculate foundation funding, the role of the uniform rate of tax, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, and how charter schools are funded differently from traditional districts. Staff also discussed categorical programs such as alternative learning environments, English learner funding, enhanced student achievement, and professional development, as well as supplemental categories including transportation, special education high-cost occurrences, teacher salary equalization, declining enrollment, and student growth. Members asked numerous questions about the funding formulas, the meaning of specific staffing categories, how categorical funds are used, and the number of districts receiving teacher salary equalization or ALE funding. One member noted that the Excel Center’s funding appeared in the broader state-local totals and asked for clarification. Staff said some of the more detailed spending questions would be addressed in the next day’s presentation and offered to provide follow-up information, including district lists and historical changes. The meeting ended after the chair noted that the department was present mainly to answer questions, not to deliver a separate update, and no further business was taken up before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• and noted exceptions for 32 of the 39 students tested.
• Of the $350,000 in scholarship awards tested, nearly 32% were awarded to ineligible students.
• A disbursement test was conducted for the review period.
• The disbursement test was conducted for the review period, excluding payroll expenditures.
• Disbursements tested were properly posted to the general ledgers.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You are still required to undergo annual vehicle inspections, emissions testing due to federal mandate
• Estimating that half of half of the emissions test currently have were either improperly done or outright
• So we can't just unilaterally singling out emissions testing because...
• Some of our constituents don't like to go get their car tested once a year.
• testing program. is primarily some light, medium commercial sprinter vans, things of that nature.

Bills: HB5057, HB4519, HB5033, HB3997, HB 1237, HB1904, HB4400, HB 1227

Keywords: solid waste management, exclusive contracts, public agency, contract amendment, notification requirements, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, TERP, air quality, emissions reduction, clean fleet, alternative fuel, natural gas vehicles, hydrogen fuel, hydrogen infrastructure, diesel replacement, fleet grants, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, clean school buses