Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative study'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So one might ask, As responsible legislators.
- Me in my capacity as a legislator, that's what you just said as a legislator.
- or otherwise exempted from the legislation.
- I chair our council on legislation.
- It is a paper, it is not a study.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 24th, 2026
Senate Budget and Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Virtually every single legislator on the Budget Committee has districts.
- You know, this legislation addresses a...
- study are and moving forward based on that.
- Our main opposition to this particular legislation is to the moratorium.
- And we are all for a study. I've said this in various committees.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THIS IS, TO ME, GROUNDBREAKING LEGISLATION. THIS IS THE FIRST IN THE NATION.
- THE LAST STUDY THAT WAS A DONE I WILL SEE IF I CAN FIND IT. I WILL GET YOU THE STUDY.
- WE SIT ON THESE JOINT COMMITTEES AND WE ARGUE WITHOUT ANY LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT.
- WE PASSED THAT LEGISLATION ALREADY. WE PUT A LOT OF MONEY INTO THAT PROGRAM.
- THEY HAVE TO STUDY. BUT IF THEY DON'T STUDY THEY FELL THE FIRST TEST.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We'd like to thank Assembly Member Krell for authoring this important piece of legislation.
- We'd like to thank Assembly Member Krell for authoring this important piece of legislation.
- So, you know, our local studies, national studies, and international studies, there have been hundreds
- of studies on this issue.
- However, there have been no such studies focused on midwifery education in California.
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion.
The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills.
The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 111 May 4th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- it's this is abusing the the legislative it's this is abusing the the legislative process. process
- Uh this this study would right way.
- Um, we talk about metrics and studies Um, we talk about metrics and studies all<01:10:40.000>
- Subsequent legislation has faith.
- Um the conservation legislation.
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Friday, May 1, 2026, on a voice vote after Representative Johnson offered a humorous Star Wars-themed motion. Members then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, including Finance, Business Affairs and Labor, State Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources, and Appropriations, along with a few non-legislative notices such as open enrollment and a Cinco de Mayo potluck.
The chamber also received a committee report from Appropriations recommending House Bills 1016, 1272, 1326, 1428, and Senate Bill 5 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The Majority Leader moved to add House Bills 1054, 1272, 1327, 1016, and 1428 to the special orders calendar for May 4, 2026 at 9:18 a.m., and there was no objection.
The House then took up Senate Bill 160, concerning employee protections in the workplace, with a Business and Labor committee report. The bill’s sponsors said it would ensure meatpacking workers receive frequent bathroom breaks and that the cost of initial protective equipment is not deducted from paychecks. Supporters argued the bill protects basic dignity and health, while opponents said the issues are already covered by OSHA and that the measure is redundant, potentially preempted, and too specific to one employer. Representative Richardson offered amendment L002 to require coordination with OSHA before state action, but the amendment was defeated on a voice vote. Debate on the bill continued, with members divided over whether the legislation was needed or whether existing labor and safety rules were sufficient.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Because city council, I mean, uh, I guess we can frame it under legislators, um, if legislators don't
- Because city council, I mean, uh, I guess we can frame it under legislators, um, if legislators don't
- Because city council, I mean, uh, I guess we can frame it under legislators, um, if legislators don't
- legislators by its terms of the bill. legislators by its terms of the bill.
- at that study too.
Keywords:
higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State
Summary:
The committee approved the April 9 minutes and then took up House File 4479, which would require public postsecondary institutions to make space available for town halls and similar official events by elected officials, with limits intended to keep the events on the official side and not campaign-related. Representative Frederick said the bill is meant to prevent universities from creating barriers such as fees or parking charges and to ensure a neutral, accessible venue for community conversations. The bill was laid over for possible later action.
The committee heard supportive testimony from Jim Dimmick of Minnesota State University, Mankato, who argued that town halls should be public, open, moderated, and dialogic rather than speeches, and said universities should be centers for public discourse. He also said charging fees can undermine neutrality and that using partisan student groups to sponsor events can create the appearance of bias. Minnesota State official Mr. Omen said campuses often host these events, fees are set locally to cover costs, and student government sponsorship can sometimes avoid charges; he also noted the fee at Mankato is discounted and depends on room size.
Several members raised concerns about the bill. Representative Scott, Chair Robbins, Representative Schwarz, Representative Allen, and others argued that campuses should not be required by statute to give legislators special treatment, that fees and parking costs cover real expenses, and that universities should remain focused on education rather than political events. Questions also focused on who would decide what room size is reasonable, how disputes would be handled, and who would pay for security if protests or safety issues arose. Representative Frederick responded that room selection would be a good-faith partnership with the university, that the bill does not require a town hall or guarantee a specific room, and that security funding is not spelled out in the bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/06/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- , So, if you're passing this legislation, So, if you're passing this legislation, with<00:27:29.600
- . legislation. legislation.
- "That's the interim study. Cost assessment.
- . legislation. legislation.
- Um, move to interim study. Is there any discussion on the motion of interim study?
IN
Transcript Highlights:
- All the legislation we've been... We're talking about excellence in education.
- Speaker, your committee on rules and legislation... Mr.
- This was something I did a, oh my gosh, summer study committee.
- On the House side, we removed the Probate Study Committee.
- Revision Task Force to study the recodification of the current guardianship code.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Interagency Council on Student Attendance created 3/4/26
Transcript Highlights:
- testified and was part of the the study testified and was part of the the study group<00:04:10.400
- Um, and so you can't just rely on two legislators to be the champions for work that moves forward.
- We need to continue movement stemmed from the student attendance and truancy legislative group.
- talked about it in in the the study talked about it in in the the study group<00:26:42.480>
as - And we as legislators are required to put that challenge to them.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 3585, as amended, which would create an interagency council on student attendance and re-refer the bill to education finance. Representative Keeler moved the bill and an A1 amendment that corrected the council’s placement from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to the Department of Education; the amendment was adopted. Keeler and Representative Bakeberg described the bill as the product of several years of bipartisan work on chronic absenteeism and truancy, emphasizing that attendance problems involve multiple systems and require ongoing coordination rather than a single-agency response.
Testimony was strongly supportive. Matt Shaver of Allies cited statewide chronic absenteeism data and argued that schools cannot solve the problem alone because root causes such as housing, transportation, health, and economic instability lie outside school control. Assistant Commissioner Angela Mansfield of MDE said the task force and pilot districts showed coordination gaps and supported the council, while also noting MDE’s Compass staff would need permanent funding to carry out the work. Ashley High Totower of Hennepin County’s BEET program said attendance is a public health, child welfare, transportation, housing, and economic issue, and Kenneth Avon of the Minneapolis Foundation said absenteeism is an ecological problem requiring cross-sector coordination.
Student witnesses also supported the bill but urged stronger youth representation. Henry Brick of Catalyst for Systems Change said students understand the causes of absenteeism best and proposed expanding student seats on the council from one to five. Ava Northrup of the Minnesota Youth Council said youth voices should be more than symbolic and suggested two youth representatives, one from the metro and one from greater Minnesota, plus additional youth task forces or panels. In member discussion, Representative Lawrence questioned whether the council duplicated existing MDE work, asked who would coordinate the group, and raised the lack of a sunset; Keeler and Bakeberg said the Department of Education would coordinate and that a sunset could be considered later. Other members asked about fiscal impact, and the chair said a fiscal note had been requested and the bill would move on to education finance.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues Jun 18th, 2025
Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- Ron Mazzal, state senator from the 10th Legislative District. Great. Good to have you.
- Yes, good to be here, Senator Marcos Ritchelley, third legislative district, Spokane.
- Ritchelli, third legislative district, Spokane. Great.
- , I'm happy to provide them to the staff so they can provide it to the legislators.
- That is usually done either through legislative direction or executive order.
Summary:
The committee met for what was described as its final meeting, with members and staff reflecting on the work of the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care and noting that future work would likely shift to standing health and wellness committees. The meeting began with introductions and then moved into updates on major initiatives that originated from the committee, including Washington Cares, the Dementia Action Collaborative, and Medicaid long-term care programs. Presenters emphasized that these efforts were developed through long-term legislative-executive collaboration and were intended to help Washington prepare for the state’s aging population.
On Washington Cares, DSHS described the program’s development from a 2014 research effort to its 2019 enactment, premium collection beginning in 2023, portability improvements in 2024, and 2025 changes including a grandfathered opt-out fix and a framework for supplemental private long-term care insurance. The agency said benefits are expected to go fully live next summer, with a pilot of up to 400 applicants planned for next January. On dementia policy, the Dementia Action Collaborative reported on the state dementia plan, Project ECHO training for providers, and pilot dementia-capable community programs at area agencies on aging, citing preliminary results that about 85% of family caregivers said services helped people remain at home. DSHS also reviewed Medicaid Transformation Project initiatives, including Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, presumptive eligibility, and health-related social needs benefits such as rental assistance, nutrition support, and home modifications.
The committee then heard an emerging issues panel from ombuds and disability advocates. Patricia Hunter of the long-term care ombuds program raised concerns about staffing shortages, resident rights, surveillance technology, private equity ownership of facilities, and illegal discharges or evictions. Betty Sweeterman of the Developmental Disabilities Ombuds discussed people stuck in hospitals without medical need, gaps in behavioral health services for people with developmental disabilities, and the need for better workforce training. Todd Carlyle of Disability Rights Washington urged expansion and bundling of community supports such as PACT, GOSH, and peer bridgers to reduce repeated institutionalization and support discharge from inpatient psychiatric settings. Provider and labor panels followed, with nursing home, assisted living, supported living, and union representatives all emphasizing workforce shortages, low wages, Medicaid rate inadequacy, case management bottlenecks, behavioral health complexity, and the need for more flexible care models and stronger accountability for rate increases. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with public comment on manufactured housing and closing remarks thanking staff and participants for the committee’s work.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-PSM, AEN, AEN DEFER, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- So, what have your studies to date found regarding pesticides drift near schools?
- The study currently is in its early phases.
- The previous study that was alluded to was done prior to me being at the department.
- The previous study that was alluded to was done prior to me being at the department.
- The previous study that was alluded to was done prior to me being at the department.
Summary:
The joint AEN-PSM hearing on February 7, 2025 focused primarily on three agriculture-related measures and one animal welfare bill, with additional discussion of pesticide drift monitoring, coffee labeling, and a gas-pump labeling bill. SB 762 would create an Agricultural Crimes Council and authorize agricultural crime investigators; testimony from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Law Enforcement, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and several members of the public was generally supportive, with repeated calls for stronger enforcement, community involvement, and in some cases allowing investigators to be armed. Some testifiers also urged changes to the appointment process for council members, preferring neighborhood boards or local officials over gubernatorial appointments. The committee discussed combining related agricultural crime bills and noted concerns about investigator safety in remote areas.
SB 763 would establish an agriculture enforcement program within the Department of Law Enforcement and a special fund. Testimony was strongly supportive from state agencies and farm groups, with speakers emphasizing the need for more effective response to agricultural theft, poaching, and related crimes. Several public testifiers linked the bill to broader community safety and asked for clearer funding, training, coordination, performance metrics, and technology use. The committee also heard SB 1022, which would prohibit leaving pets in dangerous conditions in vehicles and allow officers, firefighters, animal control, and in some cases private citizens to rescue animals; the Attorney General said existing cruelty statutes may already cover the conduct and suggested amendments, while HPD opposed the bill. Members asked about liability for rescuers and whether the proposal might affect property-crime enforcement.
The committee also heard SB 1304 on pesticide drift monitoring funding, with the Department of Agriculture supporting the measure and explaining it was needed to complete a required project under an EPA-related agreement. A Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action representative raised concerns about the methodology of prior studies, and a public testifier described a recent odor incident near a roadway and school. SB 1015, requiring labels on gas dispensing equipment warning about fossil fuel impacts, drew support from the Department of Agriculture and the Public Utilities Commission but opposition from the Hawaii Energy Marketers Association. SB 500 on coffee labeling and regional origin was also heard, with the Department of Agriculture in support. In decision-making, the committees adopted recommendations to pass SB 762 with amendments, SB 763 with amendments, SB 1022 with technical amendments, SB 1304 with technical amendments, and SB 1015 as is; SB 500 was not acted on in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- CHIA study estimated that the cost... coverage.
- I testified then as a parent, not as a legislator. My son was alive at the time.
- A recent study from Massachusetts all-payer insurance claims data estimates...
- Studies of assertive community treatment ...and decreased hospitalization.
- We're developing opinions on this legislation.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on a large group of behavioral health and insurance-related bills. Topics included expanding access to mental health services by allowing physician assistants to authorize Section 12 emergency holds and be recognized as licensed mental health professionals (H. 1131/S. 773); improving coverage for community behavioral health centers so commercial insurance matches MassHealth’s bundled outpatient and crisis services (H. 1276/S. 703); eliminating cost sharing for certain behavioral health services (S. 718); extending detox and clinical stabilization coverage from 14 to 30 days and adding transitional support services (H. 1319/S. 772); requiring coverage for dual-diagnosis treatment in psychiatric facilities (H. 1277/S. 771); and preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness through coverage of coordinated specialty care and assertive community treatment (H. 1135/S. 709). The committee also heard bills on preventive behavioral health services for children (H. 1228/S. 802) and post-pregnancy mental health care, including postpartum depression and pregnancy loss-related care (H. 1314/S. 823).
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- All public comments will be posted on the Electronic Legislative Information System, also known as TELIS
- Uh, last legislative session, you may remember the House Bill 8 within the community colleges for the
- To ensure legislative insight and my accountability.
- And that were near degree completion, to return and complete their studies.
- I look forward to working with this committee on this important legislation.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/02/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- education regarding that study? education regarding that study?
- attempt at legislating? attempt at legislating?
- legislate. Thank you. legislate. Thank you.
- discuss this legislation. discuss this legislation.
- I studied in Germany." I studied in Germany."
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It opens the door for universities and research groups to study hemp.
- within there, but within the study.
- So this bill does the study so we can identify gaps and create a solution.
- Instead of doing the study, let's just let's just finally get it done, so.
- Chairman Guillen for filing the important piece of legislation.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-15 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We had support for that legislation, and after this...
- I don't think that was a study, but I understand. Chair.
- They're finding this throughout our studies.
- There is no reason to roll back the current legislation.
- The legislation... 56,380 nurses by 2037.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established, then adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day. The chamber first took up HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands. Sponsor Rep. McClure said the bill would remove strict liability for previously mined phosphate lands if a Department of Health study is done at the owner’s request and the former mining status is recorded publicly. Opponents, including Reps. Cross, Nixon, and Eskamani, argued the bill did not provide enough notice to future buyers and renters and could create health and disclosure concerns. The bill passed 87-24.
The House then passed HB 145 on suits against the government, which Rep. McFarland said updates Florida’s sovereign immunity caps for the first time since 2010, raising them to $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident with future automatic increases, aligning the statute of limitations with private claims, and allowing governments to settle above the caps if they choose. He said the bill would make redress more accessible without eliminating the liability shield. The bill passed 104-7.
The chamber then considered CS/HB 289 on civil liability for the wrongful death of an unborn child, a bill by Rep. Greco that would amend the Wrongful Death Act to allow parents and other survivors to bring claims for the death of an unborn child, while exempting the mother and lawful medical care provided within the standard of care. Debate centered on whether the bill could affect abortion access, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, surrogacy, and liability for doctors, friends, family members, and others. Multiple amendments were offered to narrow the bill or add carve-outs for abortion, fertility care, surrogates, perinatal professionals, rape/incest/human trafficking situations, and to require the mother’s consent before suit; sponsors and opponents argued over whether these changes would prevent frivolous lawsuits or instead create loopholes and weaken the bill. None of the amendments were adopted during the portion of the transcript provided.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Legislative Oversight & Sunset
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee meeting is called to order.
- This legislation ensures that when those warning signs are identified, they are reported.
- First, multiple studies confirm that veterinarians do, in fact, encounter animal abuse.
- Perhaps the most commonly cited study is a 2017 study by the Veterinary Information Network, which found
- But there are other studies, many others, all pointing to the same sad story.
Summary:
The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee met in hybrid format and took up HB 415/HS1, which would require veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. The chair described the bill as addressing a gap in Delaware law and noted that veterinarians are often the first professionals able to identify signs of cruelty. Supporters emphasized the connection between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, and said the measure would help detect and address abuse earlier.
Public testimony was uniformly supportive. A representative from the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association thanked the sponsor and said the bill had been amended with input from the association. A representative of the state council said the council did not take a formal position but was significantly interested because of the bill’s link to agriculture and animal welfare. Online witnesses from Animals for Animals Action Fund and Faithful Friends Animal Society also supported the bill, citing the need for mandatory reporting, existing immunity protections for good-faith reports, and studies showing veterinarians frequently encounter abuse.
No committee vote was taken during the meeting. After public comment concluded, the chair adjourned the meeting, noting that HB 415 was the only item on the agenda.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (12/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I don’t believe that study committee per se came up with future legislation, but it was more a matter
- of different members of that study committee might do that.
- <00:22:15.760>
more with future legislation, but it was more with future legislation, but - But it study committee uh might do that.
- assistance legislature legislative assistance legislature legislative representatives<00:50:09.119
Summary:
The committee met on December 19, 2025, approved the draft minutes from the November 21 regular meeting, and received a DHS commissioners update. Patricia Tilly reported on the state’s rural health transformation application, saying CMS had provided only one question and positive feedback, that the final federal award amount was still pending, and that DHS was preparing an accept-and-expend item for fiscal review using an up-to amount. She also said the new Hampstead YDC facility remains on track, with substantive construction expected by late summer 2026 and move-in likely in early January 2027. In response to questions, she confirmed the playground/outdoor activity area had been in the original design and was added when funding became available.
Henry Litman, Medicaid director, discussed the Senate Bill 248 study committee report on palliative and hospice care. He explained the distinction between palliative care, which can be provided while a patient still seeks curative treatment, and hospice care, which involves electing not to pursue curative services. He said the committee’s work pointed to a need for better education for providers and the public, and described ongoing conversations with the Foundation for Healthy Communities and Home Health and Hospice about developing materials and possibly addressing how palliative services are bundled. He also said the study committee itself did not generate future legislation, though members could pursue it separately.
Litman then answered questions about Medicaid eligibility and long-term services and supports, including delays in processing, the backlog from pandemic-era redeterminations, and efforts to speed reviews. He said the department is using temporary staffing funded in part by last session’s legislation, working with the New Hampshire Healthcare Association, counties, and UNH Law to streamline policy and training, and relying more on electronic asset verification while still guarding against improper asset transfers. He emphasized the goal of balancing faster access to benefits with compliance and fraud prevention.
Robert Rodler followed with the annual tuition waiver update for children in foster care or guardianship. He reported 82 applicants and 65 waivers granted, including 35 for USNH schools and 30 for the community college system, and noted a correction would be issued for inaccurate continuing/new student figures in the report. Senator Gray said he intends to pursue a separate budget appropriation for these tuition waiver costs in the future so the funding would be clearly identified and easier to track. No additional votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/11/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I I'm don't really need legislation?
- And I'm happy to see legislation.
- One is a legislative study, which has only senators and House members. also big noise producers.
- One of them is a legislative<01:38:33.760>
study <01:38:34.480>which <01:38:34.800>has - worked through the legislative process. worked through the legislative process.
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 1281, which would establish standards and voluntary certification for agency-owned “facility comfort dogs” used by police and other public safety agencies. Representative Morton, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a consistent statewide framework because different departments currently use different policies. He emphasized that the bill is meant to distinguish comfort dogs from service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs, and noted that a small amendment may be needed to make that distinction clearer. He also said the bill is timely under the ADA because comfort dogs fall outside service-animal protections, but still need training standards for public safety and consistency.
Committee members questioned whether the bill was too detailed and whether the legislature should be setting rules on matters like training methods, diet, and breeding. Laura Barker of Hero Pups, who helped train New Hampshire’s first police comfort dog, supported the idea of a minimum standard but said the bill should be less prescriptive and should not interfere with therapy dogs or private handlers. She explained that comfort dogs vary in temperament and deployment needs, that raw diets raise zoonotic disease concerns, and that the program should remain voluntary and not cost the state money. Detective Michelle Jones of Portsmouth Police opposed the bill as written, saying the term “facility comfort dog” is confusing, the bill is overly restrictive, and some provisions go beyond what should be mandated by statute; she suggested a more flexible, guideline-based approach and noted that departments already have their own SOPs and can enforce them internally.
Justin Brassen of the Manchester Police Department also testified, describing the history of comfort dog programs in New Hampshire and the work of a prior subcommittee formed through the governor’s commission on PTSD among first responders. He said there are currently no statewide standards and that the earlier study involved police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and NAMI New Hampshire, with the goal of creating a thoughtful work product. He agreed the bill needs work and answered questions about how departments handle training and public access. By the end of the hearing, members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, and one committee member suggested the bill may be better handled through interim study because of the amount of work still needed.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Human Resources Division Mar 18th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- So this has been a complex study.
- You've studied that? Yes, we did study that.
- In fact, we studied that when we moved through the legislative session and...
- Yes, we did study that.
- In fact, we studied that when we moved through the legislative session and came forward with the ask.
Summary:
The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines.
Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards.
The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do.
Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.