Transcript Highlights:

• They're a state chapter of the National Federation of Democratic Women, and they work to engage, educate
• Whereas the United States Navy plays a vital role in safeguarding Arizona's more than $32 billion in
• House Bill 2750, amending Title 41, Chapter 8, Article 6, and Title 41, Chapter 27, Article 2, Arizona
• Her story connects to a broader chapter in our past.
• Her story connects to a broader chapter in our past.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the pledge, attendance, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions, including the Dr. of the Day, Korean community guests, students, local officials, and a proclamation honoring the future USS Arizona SSN-803 and the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation. The chamber also announced committee assignments and took up several procedural motions, including reconsideration motions on HB 4027 and HB 2444, both of which were granted and returned to third reading. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on Calendar Numbers One and Two. In Committee of the Whole, HB 4034, dealing with CTE-related issues, was amended and reported do pass after debate over concerns from Tempe Union High School District and EVIT, with supporters saying the bill clarified statute and reduced future disputes. HB 2444 was amended and reported do pass. HB 2992, a pilot program related to sexual abuse prevention, drew opposition over concerns about opt-out instruction, pilot status, and classroom burdens, but it passed Committee of the Whole on a 31-21 division vote after amendments. HB 4027, involving highway naming, was amended and reported do pass despite objections that the amendment still appeared to elevate Charlie Kirk over the existing Ed Pastor designation. On third reading, HB 293 passed 31-22 and HB 2502 passed 37-16. HB 2229, relating to maternal services and funding for pregnancy resource centers, generated extensive debate over abortion-related implications and was defeated 26-27, though a motion to reconsider later succeeded 27-21. HB 2533 failed on reconsideration, while HB 2750 passed 44-9 and HB 2999, a special taxing districts bill tied to housing affordability, passed 32-21 after supporters argued it would lower financing costs and help build more affordable homes. H.C.M. 2009, urging federal action to streamline access to minerals on federal land withdrawals, passed 31-22. The House adjourned until the next day after additional announcements and personal privilege remarks, including a proclamation for Sleep Apnea Awareness Month and a call for more efficient floor action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:04.000><c> Please</c><00:32:04.320><c> join</c><00:32:04.640><c> me</c><00:32:04.920><c> in
• ><00:32:37.400><c> a</c><00:32:37.440><c> call</c><00:32:37.840><c> to</c><00:32:38.040><c> the</c><00
• He<00:32:42.920><c> was</c><00:32:43.080><c> one</c><00:32:43.240><c> of</c><00:32:43.320><c> the</c>
• <00:32:43.400><c> very</c><00:32:43.720><c> first</c><00:32:44.040><c> people</c><00:32:44.400><c> that
• > I</c><00:32:50.520><c> should</c><00:32:50.800><c> run</c><00:32:51.080><c> for</c><00:32:51.240><c

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 875, by the Appropriations Committee, is an act relating to the state budget, amending Chapter
• House Bill 883, by the Education Committee, is an act relating to education, amending Chapter 10, Title
• Amending Chapter 57, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-557.
• 24, Title 56...” “...amending the heading for Chapter 25, Title 63, Idaho Code, to revise definitions
• Skaug votes nay. 37 ayes, 32 nays, one absent and excused; the majority having voted in favor of House

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:09.919><c> Uh</c><00:32:10.640><c> is</c><00:32:10.880><c> it</c><00:32:11.360><c> your</c
• that</c><00:32:18.559><c> what</c><00:32:18.640><c> you</c><00:32:18.799><c> were</c><00:32:18.960><
• </c><00:32:51.679><c> Um</c><00:32:52.559><c> there</c><00:32:52.880><c> was</c><00:32:53.200><c> I</
• Um there was I guess<00:32:53.760><c> part</c><00:32:54.000><c> of</c><00:32:54.320><c> the</c><00:32
• I<00:32:56.640><c> guess</c><00:32:56.880><c> expansion</c><00:32:57.279><c> of</c><00:32:57.519><c>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:13 Roll Call 00:00:24 Approval of Minutes from September Meeting 00:02:10 Presentation of Special Purpose Governmental Entities Report 00:03:19 Presentation of Kentucky League of Cities Legislative Platform for the Upcoming 2026 Session of the General Assembly 00:15:37 Discussion of Centralized Collection of Net Profits and Occupational License Taxes 00:37:05 Adjournment 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee received reports on special purpose governmental entities from the Department for Local Government and the Fire Commission. DLG staff described SPGEs as limited-jurisdiction political subdivisions and reviewed the department’s registry, reporting portal, compliance monitoring, and planned system upgrades such as a two-way message center, automated noncompliance notices, and tracking for new entities and board expirations. They reported that, as of October 10, 2025, 69% of SPGEs were active and discussed compliance data by cycle, fiscal year, and district type. The Fire Commission reported that fire department mergers have reduced the number of departments by 16 since last year, largely because of volunteer staffing shortages, while financial disclosure compliance had risen to 94%. The commission also noted 509 compliance reviews, 19 in-house inquiries, seven referrals to outside agencies, and one recent federal prison sentence in a theft case. Members asked whether DLG advises SPGEs on tax rates; staff said it only performs calculations and the entities set their own rates. Questions to the Fire Commission focused on whether department reductions meant station closures; officials explained that most changes were mergers that keep physical buildings in place while combining personnel and finances to meet minimum staffing requirements. They said the trend is spread across the state but is especially pronounced in rural areas. The Kentucky League of Cities then presented its 2026 legislative agenda. Its priorities included modernizing city revenue options, increasing equity in road funding, fixing tax increment financing issues, addressing transient room tax collection from web-based platforms, strengthening emergency response coordination, clarifying massage parlor regulation preemption, correcting unintended consequences of House Bill 606, improving newspaper publication rules, and modernizing procurement statutes. KLC also said it supports allowing all cities to collect restaurant tax revenue, wants cities to receive a larger share of road funds and EV-related revenues, and seeks state collection and remittance of any future local sales tax to comply with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. Members asked about best-value bidding, road-fund equity, Airbnb tax litigation, EV prevalence, and disaster funding applications; KLC said cities currently must accept the lowest bid, the road split should better reflect city street costs, the Airbnb tax case remains pending, EV data by locality has not been studied, and allowing cities to apply directly for disaster funds would reduce reliance on county officials. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the September meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of bills: HB 2960, behavioral health; HB 2196, the appropriation clapout chapter; HB 2983
• By your vote of 32 ayes and 26 nays, the motion carries.
• House Bill 2010, amending Title 44, Chapter 2, Article 5, A.R.S., by adding Section 44-1484, relating
• House Bill 2155, repealing Section 41-3026, A.R.S., remaining Title 41, Chapter 27, Article 2, A.R.S.
• Members, by votes of 32 ayes, 27 nays, 1 not voting, you have passed House Concurrent Resolution 2001

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:11.480><c> and</c><00:32:11.559><c> so</c><00:32:12.559><c> please</c><00:32:12.840><c> listen
• <00:32:17.360><c> they</c><00:32:17.559><c> know</c><00:32:17.880><c> what</c><00:32:18.000><c> is</c
• <00:32:23.399><c> appreciate</c><00:32:23.760><c> it</c><00:32:24.320><c> Senator</c><00:32:24.679><c
• I sit<00:32:34.639><c> here</c><00:32:34.919><c> and</c><00:32:35.159><c> I</c><00:32:35.360><c> I</
• :32:44.760><c> that</c><00:32:44.880><c> sure</c><00:32:45.279><c> when</c><00:32:45.480><c> I'm</c><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, a health care conscience-protection measure. Supporters said the bill would protect health care professionals from being forced to participate in procedures or services that violate sincerely held religious or ethical beliefs, while explicitly excluding emergency care. They argued it would help recruit and retain providers, preserve ethical integrity in medicine, and has worked in several other states. Supporters also emphasized that the bill is aimed at procedures or services, not at denying care based on who a patient is, and noted that the bill includes a civil cause of action to give it enforcement teeth. Several supporters described personal experiences. A nurse said lack of conscience protections affected her career choices and limited her path into women’s health. Dr. Warman said he had requested not to perform anesthesia for abortions and later chose non-narcotic pain management because he objected to heavy opioid prescribing, saying conscience protections allow professionals to practice responsibly. Senators asked about examples, the bill’s scope, whether it could be used to discriminate, and which states have similar laws; Mississippi, Florida, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Arkansas were named. Questions also focused on the bill’s civil enforcement provisions and whether it could be used against patients based on identity or religion. Opponents warned the bill was overly broad and could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health workers, including clerks, ambulance drivers, pharmacists, nurses, and physicians. Dr. Karen Abrams said it could lead to denial of birth control, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other care, especially in rural areas with few alternatives, and could worsen Kentucky’s provider shortages. David Conway said the bill lacked patient protections, could increase delays and discrimination, and could prevent reassignment of objecting staff. The chair noted there were seven people signed up in opposition, limited testimony to two minutes each, and said the committee would return to the bill after hearing additional opposition and other pending bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a transgender<00:32:19.840><c> person</c><00:32:20.080><c> who</c><00:32:20.240><c> is</c><00:32
• I do<00:32:21.279><c> live</c><00:32:21.360><c> in</c><00:32:21.519><c> Nottingham,</c><00:32:22.080>
• Uh,<00:32:24.399><c> I</c><00:32:24.720><c> am</c><00:32:24.960><c> deeply</c><00:32:25.519><c> weary
• </c><00:32:25.760><c> and</c><00:32:25.919><c> wary</c><00:32:26.240><c> of</c><00:32:26.399><c> this
• As many people before<00:32:29.039><c> me</c><00:32:29.279><c> have</c><00:32:30.080><c> um</c><00:32

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to work<00:32:04.240><c> and</c><00:32:04.320><c> so</c><00:32:04.559><c> that</c><00:32:04.720><c>
• mind for me<00:32:06.000><c> at</c><00:32:06.120><c> all</c><00:32:06.760><c> times</c><00:32:08.200
• 00:32:14.360><c> just</c><00:32:14.519><c> take</c><00:32:15.000><c> I</c><00:32:15.120><c> take</c><
• the</c><00:32:18.039><c> begin</c><00:32:18.399><c> in</c><00:32:18.480><c> the</c><00:32:18.600><c>
• ><c> do</c><00:32:37.440><c> it</c><00:32:37.559><c> off</c><00:32:37.760><c> the</c><00:32:37.880><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an orientation-style overview from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), led by Executive Director Deana Jurus and staff. They described the office’s mission to protect public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and the public trust, and outlined the agency structure: enforcement, licensing and board administration, operations, legal counsel, board counsel, and the hearings bureau. OPLC said it currently supports 57 boards, including seven advisory boards, and has about 104 filled positions out of 120 authorized. They also noted new voluntary certifications for doulas, lactation consultants, and community health workers that are in rulemaking. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how boards and staff divide responsibilities under RSA 310:4. Staff explained that the office handles application processing, complaint intake and initial review, records retention, 91-A requests, and rule drafting, while boards make final decisions on licensure criteria, complaint dismissals or investigations, disciplinary actions, and some hearing matters. They also described the rule structure by chapter number ranges and the distinction between full licensing boards and advisory boards. The committee asked about complaint notifications, and OPLC said it is tightening policies so complainants are told whether a matter is closed or moving forward. The licensing process was discussed in detail, especially for nursing. Bethany Katrell explained that applicants apply through an online portal, may receive approval to sit for exams, can work under provisional authority in some cases, and then receive full licensure after exam results and criminal background checks are complete. OPLC said the portal now reduces back-and-forth paperwork and that, as of the latest biweekly report, 87% of applications were decided within the statutory 90-day period and 57% within 14 days. Members also raised questions about why some professions require board approval before taking an exam, and OPLC said that requirement varies by statute or board rule. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:02.840><c> which</c><00:32:03.159><c> the</c><00:32:03.880><c> um</c><00:32:04.080><c> applications
• c> the</c><00:32:04.919><c> vouchers</c><00:32:05.519><c> might</c><00:32:05.679><c> be</c><00:32:06.320
• 32:08.519><c> for</c><00:32:08.760><c> questions</c><00:32:09.320><c> thank</c><00:32:09.799><c> you<
• you</c><00:32:11.600><c> Department</c><00:32:12.039><c> of</c><00:32:12.320><c> Education</c><00:32:
• 00:32:36.080><c> thanks</c><00:32:36.320><c> by</c><00:32:36.480><c> chair</c><00:32:36.720><c> members

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a wide range of housing-related bills. HB 295 on Hawaiian homelands drew support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and individual testifiers who described long waits for DHHL housing, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands offered comments noting that lowering the Native Hawaiian blood quantum from 50% to 25% would require multiple legal and federal review steps. The committee also heard testimony on several Hawaii Public Housing Authority measures, including HB 99, HB 1096, HB 1097, HB 1095, HB 1093, and HB 1094, which generally received agency support and little or no public opposition during the hearing. HB 1094 prompted questions about the handling and sale or donation of seized property, and the agency said it lacked capacity to manage that work directly and would need to consult the Attorney General on liability concerns. The committee then heard HB 1056 and HB 1467, both related to a proposed Hawaii Homes or housing resiliency program. DCCA, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported HB 1056, while the Attorney General requested clarification on fund language. The Insurance Commissioner said DCCA was willing to run the program and that strengthening homes would help keep insurance available in Hawaii. For HB 1467, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and Climate Advisory Team also supported the measure, with the Attorney General raising concerns about delegation, the special fund, and extension authority. Testimony on both bills emphasized hurricane retrofits, with some witnesses urging harmonization of the two similar proposals and one witness warning that the bills could conflict with efforts to reduce building-code minimum standards. Other measures included HB 1013 on important agricultural lands, which received support from HHFDC, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, DBEDT, the Agri-Business Development Corporation, and Purple Maiʻa Foundation, with some agencies offering comments. HB 1294 on agricultural workforce housing drew comments from the Attorney General, who said commissions may be established by law rather than by the department itself, along with support from OHA, a council member, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus. HB 89 on teacher housing received support from OHA and education groups, while the Attorney General said the bill may have constitutional issues and suggested amendments to set standards for voucher applications. HB 276 on condominiums and HB 528 on residential leases also drew support, with no testimony in opposition. HB 415 on public safety and fire sprinklers generated the most clear split in testimony: the State Fire Council, a fire department representative, and an individual supported the bill, arguing sprinklers improve safety and can prevent major losses, while BIA Hawaii, Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution, NAAP Hawaii, Gentry Holmes, and DR Horton Hawaii opposed it, saying the added cost would worsen housing affordability and that existing codes already address safety. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly closed each bill after testimony and questions, and the hearing moved through the agenda without recorded committee votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1178, an act amending section 32-15-01 and 32-15-04, relating to advocates.
• Senate Bill 1713, amending Title 32, Chapter 18, Article 3, and sections 32-17904, 32-197905, and 32-
• Senate Bill 1214, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 32, and Section 2.1, relating to the practice of
• In fact, that section 32-16, 31-806,000, and such, and real property.
• House Bill 2755, amending Title 37, Chapter 2, relating to state lands.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> to</c><01:32:09.200><c> go</c><01:32:09.400><c> if</c><01:32:09.520><c> they</c><01:32:09.600><c
• 16.640><c> one</c><01:32:16.840><c> agency</c><01:32:17.280><c> to</c><01:32:17.440><c> talk</c><01:32
• Beyond<01:32:19.120><c> the</c><01:32:19.200><c> efficiencies</c><01:32:19.880><c> to</c><01:32:19.960
• requirements<01:32:24.320><c> when</c><01:32:24.400><c> a</c><01:32:24.440><c> health</c><01:32:24.680
• Under<01:32:51.760><c> this</c><01:32:51.960><c> proposal,</c><01:32:52.440><c> the</c><01:32:52.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 03:32:05.520><c> was</c><03:32:05.680><c> stabbed</c><03:32:05.840><c> in</c><03:32:06.000><c> the</c
• </c><03:32:07.920><c> And</c><03:32:09.200><c> so</c><03:32:09.279><c> I</c><03:32:09.520><c> started
• </c><03:32:14.800><c> I</c><03:32:14.960><c> said,</c><03:32:14.960><c> "So</c><03:32:15.279><c> the<
• 32:28.880><c> what</c><03:32:29.040><c> did</c><03:32:29.120><c> you</c><03:32:29.279><c> do?
• :32:57.920><c> beat</c><03:32:58.080><c> up</c><03:32:58.160><c> on</c><03:32:58.319><c> a</c><03:32:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1331, which would allow the town of Derry to incorporate the Derry Cooperative School District as a department of the town through a charter amendment. The prime sponsor and several supporters argued the change would increase local control, streamline overlapping town and school functions, and potentially help align school spending with Derry’s tax cap. Supporters also said Derry is large enough to warrant a structure more like Manchester or Nashua, and one witness cited a 2018 nonbinding Derry ballot question that passed 597 to 547 in favor of seeking authorization for this change. Opposition came from NEA New Hampshire President Megan Tuttle, who said the association and the Derry Education Association opposed the bill because schools are not simply another municipal department and because Derry voters had already rejected merging the district into town government. She argued the state should respect local control and the community’s prior decision. Committee members asked about the scope of the proposed charter change, the role of the school board, and the reported prior vote, and the sponsor clarified that the amendment would be limited to this specific purpose rather than opening the entire charter. The hearing then moved to House Bill 1374, which would change the procedures for withdrawing from a cooperative school district. Representative Mary Murphy said current law gives other cooperative towns too much control over a withdrawing town’s decision, and her bill would remove the requirement for approval by the other towns while raising the withdrawing town’s approval threshold to a supermajority. She pointed to Francis Town’s 2024 withdrawal vote and said the bill was intended to protect students and local decision-making. The sponsor asked for an ought to pass recommendation, and committee members asked follow-up questions about the prior withdrawal vote and the number of voters involved.

Transcript Highlights:

• still<00:32:08.799><c> that</c><00:32:09.159><c> Avenue</c><00:32:09.720><c> there</c><00:32:10.679>
• </c><00:32:28.639><c> wheel</c><00:32:29.000><c> already</c><00:32:29.880><c> exists</c><00:32:30.880
• c><00:32:42.200><c> messy</c><00:32:42.960><c> right</c><00:32:43.279><c> so</c><00:32:43.760><c> if<
• <00:32:44.639><c> already</c><00:32:44.880><c> has</c><00:32:45.039><c> an</c><00:32:45.240><c> exam<
• </c> levels<00:32:55.120><c> are</c><00:32:55.399><c> we</c><00:32:56.000><c> are</c><00:32:56.200><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard House Bill 2712, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). Members expressed concern that the exam requirement was only added in 2021 and has not been in place long enough to evaluate, but they also questioned whether licensure should be granted without a meaningful measure of competency. Testimony was split: supporters argued the exam is a barrier for applicants without formal social work education, while opponents said licensure should still require some standard of competency, especially because the title carries public expectations and insurance reimbursement implications. Karina Bonia, speaking for NASW New Hampshire, said there is very limited data because only one person in New Hampshire currently holds an LSWA. She explained that LSWA applicants may have degrees outside social work, unlike licensed social workers, and that the current exam is the same national social work exam used for higher levels of licensure. She argued that this creates a significant barrier for LSWA applicants and noted that LSWA holders are already required to complete 30 hours of training and substantial supervised hours. Members asked for data on pass/fail rates and whether a different exam or practical skills test would be more appropriate. Committee members and OPLC representatives discussed whether the current statute and board rules already provide enough authority for the board to set other criteria, and whether the exam requirement is tied to the social work compact. OPLC indicated that the current rule requires passage of a national proctored exam approved by the board, but that no national exam exists specifically for this level, and that the board may need legislative authority to develop different criteria. The discussion ended with interest in obtaining the existing rule language and possibly revisiting the issue through amendment or future legislation rather than immediately removing the exam requirement.

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:02.960><c> still</c><01:32:03.240><c> a</c><01:32:03.280><c> single</c><01:32:03.640><c> one.
• ><c> cut</c><01:32:31.560><c> off</c><01:32:31.720><c> time</c><01:32:32.200><c> of</c><01:32:32.320>
• Do<01:32:34.080><c> they</c><01:32:34.200><c> need</c><01:32:34.400><c> set</c><01:32:34.600><c> up</
• ><01:32:38.640><c> or</c><01:32:38.720><c> 20</c><01:32:38.960><c> minutes</c><01:32:39.240><c> to</c
• I I<01:32:40.160><c> think</c><01:32:40.400><c> we</c><01:32:40.480><c> have</c><01:32:40.600><c> to<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• actually</c><00:32:02.679><c> about</c><00:32:03.039><c> 60%</c><00:32:03.840><c> of</c><00:32:04.000
• from the<00:32:13.639><c> calculation</c><00:32:14.320><c> and</c><00:32:14.440><c> you</c><00:32:14.559
• ><c> have</c><00:32:18.279><c> some</c><00:32:18.519><c> or</c><00:32:18.760><c> all</c><00:32:19.000
• <00:32:22.240><c> so</c><00:32:22.440><c> for</c><00:32:22.639><c> exist</c><00:32:23.200><c> for</c>
• /c><00:32:39.559><c> in</c><00:32:39.880><c> child</c><00:32:40.240><c> care</c><00:32:40.399><c> assistance

Bills: HF3

Keywords: legislative auditor, reporting, accountability, state finance, executive agency oversight, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:29.919><c> Um,</c><00:32:30.480><c> as</c><00:32:30.720><c> a</c><00:32:30.880><c> newer</
• 00:32:32.480><c> I</c><00:32:32.799><c> don't</c><00:32:32.960><c> have</c><00:32:33.039><c> all</c>
• knowledge</c><00:32:33.840><c> base</c><00:32:34.080><c> that</c><00:32:34.240><c> a</c><00:32:34.399
• For those who<00:32:46.880><c> do</c><00:32:47.120><c> custom</c><00:32:47.679><c> exempt,</c><00:32:
• :51.600><c> So,</c><00:32:51.840><c> if</c><00:32:52.080><c> we</c><00:32:52.240><c> wanted</c><00:32

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. Representative Comtois explained her amendment, saying she tried to address prior concerns by limiting the number processed monthly, adding a registration and disclaimer requirement, and folding beef, swine, sheep, and goats into the bill’s framework. Members discussed whether some sections from earlier language on bison, elk, and red deer had been inadvertently struck, and Comtois said she did not intend to remove those protections and would restore them if needed. Several members raised drafting and policy concerns. Representative Miner suggested the waiver language should be a signed, notarized statement kept on file rather than filed with the Department of Agriculture, and Comtois agreed. Representative Gruber and Representative Scully discussed labeling and wording, including clarifying that the meat would not be “exempt” from federal inspection in the same way as non-amenable species, and adding language that any prosecution would be federal rather than state. There was also discussion about whether ground meat should be included for the amenable species, with Miner and Comtois indicating that excluding ground meat would reduce risk. Commissioner Sean Jasper of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food testified strongly against the bill, saying it was a step in the wrong direction, lacked consumer protections, and could jeopardize food safety and the state’s meat processing system. He argued that the federal exemption for non-amenable species could not simply be extended to new species by state law, warned that USDA could respond by withdrawing federal inspections, and said the bill would not solve the real bottlenecks in slaughter capacity. He also said he did not believe there was a general shortage of inspectors, and that the practical issue was producers not scheduling animals year-round, which forces facilities to scale to the slow season. No vote was taken during the work session, and members continued discussing possible amendments and wording changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We enhance enhance enhance programs<01:32:41.360><c> to</c><01:32:41.679><c> provide</c><01:32:42.080
• <01:32:44.560><c> and</c><01:32:44.880><c> college</c><01:32:45.280><c> students</c> our high school
• ><c> allow</c><01:32:46.880><c> our</c><01:32:47.199><c> students</c><01:32:47.600><c> to</c><01:32:47.920
• such</c><01:32:52.159><c> as</c><01:32:52.400><c> health</c><01:32:52.719><c> care,</c><01:32:53.800
• We supported summer<01:32:58.159><c> learning</c><01:32:58.639><c> programs</c><01:32:59.440><c> and<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would amend Chapter 32, Section 91, subsection B, by providing that anyone who has worked for
• This bill would amend Chapter 32, Section 91, subsection B, by providing that anyone who has worked for
• really would appreciate that you guys would please help me out and increase the age restriction from 32
• into this field I have noticed that people who are above the age requirement which is currently at 32
• up to 39 and Please help me out and increase that age restriction from 32 up to 39, and follow us with

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public employees, retirees, and public safety personnel. Early testimony focused on House Bill 2859, which would make Massachusetts Department of Correction industrial instructors permanent civil service employees after years of provisional status, and House Bill 2995, which would reduce the Boston Fire Cadet Program service requirement from two years to one year. Supporters of the Boston fire cadet bill argued it would improve equity, expand opportunities for Boston residents, and help diversify the Boston Fire Department; committee members asked about the current makeup of academy classes and the effect of a hybrid model, and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association was described as neutral on a separate age-related police bill. The committee also heard several proposals related to post-retirement earnings and civil service rules for police and fire retirees. Testimony supported bills including H. 2903 and H. 2966, which would loosen earnings limits for retired public safety workers returning to work, and related measures affecting civil service exemptions and professional services for retirement boards. Speakers argued the current limits are confusing, discourage experienced workers from filling needed municipal jobs, and can create safety issues on public works and construction sites. One witness from Worcester Police supported raising the police academy age limit from 32 to 39 to improve recruitment, especially in BIPOC communities, while Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata supported a separate bill to raise the Boston Police Academy age cap from 39 to 45. A substantial portion of the hearing was devoted to H. 2812 and S. 1817, which would increase the pension COLA base from $13,000 to $18,000 and freeze certain retiree health insurance contribution rates, with additional testimony about capping out-of-pocket health costs for some retirees. Educators and union representatives said the current COLA structure has eroded pension value and leaves retirees struggling with rising costs, while one witness described long delays and confusion in navigating retiree health coverage. The committee took no substantive votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after hearing all testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that said, I respectfully request that amendments 26, 32, 36, and 42 be withdrawn.
• The gentleman has asked that amendments 26, 32, 36, and 42 be withdrawn. Are there any objections?
• Madam President, we've got a Chapter 70 formula that no longer recognizes the burdens that are being
• And a Chapter 70 formula that does not capture the need that that creates.
• Chapter 70 is not adequate for a majority Of the communities that struggle.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated. The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously. Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.

Transcript Highlights:

• home buyers,<00:32:17.120><c> the</c><00:32:17.360><c> lack</c><00:32:17.600><c> of</c><00:32:17.840
• since the<00:32:24.559><c> funds</c><00:32:24.880><c> became</c><00:32:25.200><c> available</c><00:32
• This<00:32:27.200><c> program</c><00:32:27.519><c> is</c><00:32:27.679><c> also</c><00:32:27.919><c>
• </c><00:32:31.919><c> Home</c><00:32:32.159><c> buyers</c><00:32:32.559><c> are</c><00:32:32.799><c>
• ><c> are</c><00:32:35.120><c> able</c><00:32:35.279><c> to</c><00:32:35.440><c> reserve</c><00:32:35.919

Keywords: 1183, house