Transcript Highlights:

• We'll do no more than three in the room and two online, two minutes each.
• If there's anyone online who would like to speak in opposition, please raise your hand.
• If you'd like to speak in opposition online, please step forward. Raise your hand.
• If you are online, I would like to speak in support, please raise your hand.
• If you're online and in opposition, please raise your hand on the Zoom.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and recommends qualified applicants to SBE.
• I did, on various occasions, ask for classes online while he was processing his trauma.
• She asked various times for her son to take online classes while he was processing his trauma.
• It doesn't mention online... ...provisions for traumatized students.
• If Arizona faced a similar situation to what happened in Minneapolis where schools went online to keep

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you are here in person and would like to testify but did not sign up online, please visit the signing
• We will now move on to online testimony, and before we move on...
• And we move to an online testimony from our colleague, Senator Joe Comerford.
• We believe that Facundo Argello is online and ready to testify. And ready to testify? Good morning.
• Okay, so it sounds like she's not online at the moment. We'll go back.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform. The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods. Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the sign-up online, there were 10 in support and one opposed. Anyone here wishing to testify?
• <00:42:27.440> there online there online there [Music] were<00:42:32.400> 92<00:42:33.040
• That is the only witness that I have.<00:52:49.760> The Uh, there's online two opposed, no one
• Okay, online. We have zero in support, four opposed. And with that, I'll close the public hearing.
• We have um zero in support, four online.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So send me an application. Thank you so much. Thank you.
• The money goes only to the city of Arlington as the applicant.
• This is in an exception to the application of each law described by subsection A: the death or injury
• The FDA recommends the drugs not be purchased online. That's the current FDA recommendation.
• That's why people seek online health care.

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, prayer, approval of the previous journal, and messages from the House, then moved through several recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups. Members adopted resolutions recognizing the Texas chapters of Blue Star Mothers of America, Fine Arts Education Day, Donate Life Texas Day, Baha’i Capitol Day, County Government Day, Jack County Day, Crockett County Day, and a recognition of Navy Petty Officer Simon Urbanik for service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The chamber also heard remarks from visiting doctors, students, county officials, and community groups, with multiple senators speaking in support of military families, arts education, organ donation, and local government service. The Senate then took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2779, relating to the allocation and use of certain hotel occupancy tax revenues. Senator Birdwell said the bill would stop local governments from conditioning HOT funds on race- or class-based priorities and would require Galveston to transfer the full state rebate for beach cleaning and maintenance to its park board. After questions, the Senate suspended the rules, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed it, though the final vote showed significant opposition. The chamber also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2322, described as a cleanup bill removing the compelling-factor test for dispatchable generation from the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. A major debate centered on Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2253, which would phase out uncertified teachers in core classrooms and strengthen educator certification requirements. Senator Creighton argued the bill responds to a teacher pipeline crisis, adds parent notification, creates multiple preparation pathways, and provides financial incentives for certification; Senator West and Senator Sparks pressed for rural flexibility and implementation details. An amendment from Senator Gutierrez to add a teacher student-loan repayment program failed on a 11-17 vote, while other technical and fiscal amendments were adopted. The bill then passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2371, updating skimmer-reporting rules to cover electronic terminals beyond fuel pumps, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2351, relating to the construction of certain concrete plants under a standard permit. Senate Bill 619, a conscience-protection bill for health care workers, drew extended questioning from Senators Cook, Eckhardt, and Menendez about patient abandonment, scope, and whether it could allow refusals of legal services such as vaccines, antibiotics, contraception, or personal care; despite those concerns, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment. Finally, the chamber began consideration of Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1169, which would allow public entities to form public utility agencies to cooperate on water and wastewater projects without eminent domain or cross-collateralization, with Senator Hinojosa explaining it as a tool for small and rural communities facing utility infrastructure problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE BILL REGARDS SALE AUTHORIZATION, COUNTY CLERKS CAN CONDUCT FORECLOSURE AUCTIONS ONLINE INCLUDING
• THE ONLINE AUCTION PORTION OF THIS, IS THAT SOMETHING THAT WAS ASKED OF YOU TO PUT IN THE BILL OR WAS
• WHERE DID THE ONLINE AUCTION COME FROM?
• WHY ONLINE AUCTIONS ALLOWING THIS STUFF TO BE PUT ONLINE BECAUSE HERE'S MY CONCERN, I'LL PREFACE THIS
• THE ONLINE OFFICE, THE ONLINE AUCTION IS DONE FOR TAX DEED AND TAX CERTIFICATES HAVE BEGUN THE PROCESS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to begin with our current Medicaid application process within the DOCR.
• They take those applications with them and process them.
• The application became a formality, and then the formality was skipped.
• They pick the applicable base value, and then they can use their discretion to change it.
• So you take one minus the applicable base factor and you get 0.25.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:59.279> It provider enrollment applications. It provider enrollment applications.
• So we'll get going with the testimony from the online testifier.
• So we'll get going with the testimony from the online testifier.
• So we'll get going um testifier online.
• with the testimony from the online with the testimony from the online testifier.

Bills: HF3423, HF2354, HF3634

Keywords: healthcare, provider enrollment, medical assistance, legislation, state funds, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, service verification, Medicaid, human services, electronic documentation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Kim, I see we have a combination here of online and in-person.
• Jen Stuber, I think you're online. Yes, good morning, everyone. You have somebody...
• Laura Pippen, you are online and you represent the designated crisis responders.
• You are online and you represent the designated crisis responders.
• Katrina Pluinski is online from the Downtown Emergency Service Center.

Summary: The Community Safety Committee held an interim work session on crisis response, with members and witnesses discussing how Washington can better integrate 911, 988, mobile crisis, co-response, and alternative response models for behavioral health crises in public spaces. Travis Parker opened with an overview of the Sequential Intercept Model and the crisis care continuum, emphasizing early intervention, 988 access, regional coordination, navigators and peer support, and the need for sustainable braided funding. Several Washington witnesses then described current programs and system gaps, including the growth of co-response teams, the importance of integrating 911 and 988 rather than treating them as competing systems, and the need to reduce unnecessary emergency room use and improve first responder wellness and training. City, fire, and crisis-system representatives described local challenges and reforms. Kim Hendrickson of Poulsbo said most crisis calls still come through 911 and urged better coordination among field-based teams, more behavioral health training for fire/EMS, and more alternatives to ER transport. Laura Pippen, a designated crisis responder, described a strained involuntary treatment system, fewer DCRs statewide, difficulty getting law enforcement support for transports, and limited facility capacity, especially for substance use disorder. Jennifer Stuber and South County Fire’s Keith Sharp highlighted workforce training, a crisis responder certificate program, and first responder wellness efforts. Research witnesses Evan Lauder and James Pine said the evidence is still developing but generally supports on-scene resolution, reduced ED transport and detention in some models, and the importance of clear dispatch protocols, coordination, and ongoing evaluation. Dispatch and program operators then gave examples of how systems are working in practice. Katie Myers of Washington APCO/NENA said 911 remains essential, but needs evidence-based triage protocols, liability protections, and additional funding if it is expected to take on more crisis-response responsibilities. Whatcom County described embedding a “community connector” in the 911 center to coordinate alternative response, while ValleyCom reported that its 988 diversion pilot transferred 2,165 calls with 98% resolved through 988/211 without returning to 911. National examples included Denver’s STAR program, Albuquerque’s Community Safety Department, and Atlanta’s PAD initiative, each showing different ways to route low-acuity or behavioral-health-related calls away from police and toward clinicians, peers, or civilian responders. The session ended with Washington examples continuing, including Whatcom County’s alternative response team, underscoring the committee’s interest in refining and expanding integrated crisis response systems in the next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chairwoman and members of the audience and folks. that watch online, which always surprises
• And you know, with this money going to that, we've probably got close to 200 applications.
• And just an add-on to Senator Trujillo's comments about filling out applications.
• The three of us trying to fill out that application we all reached dead ends.
• They're an online program for looking at future career readiness.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the vetting of the application, the inspection.”
• “So the initial application and then in order to get the application, somebody has to vet that.”
• to federal law which is applicable to federal law which is applicable throughout<01:30:59.920>
• >> the application of the law. >> the application of the law.
• <03:44:35.680> okay mentioned online platform rental okay mentioned online platform rental

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll have him check the list for the people that signed up online.
• The online signups were three in support, one opposed, and the prime sponsor did leave me a note that
• the online the online signups were<00:27:12.440> uh<00:27:12.720> three<00:27:13.000
• That's the last person that I have on the list in the online file.
• We are in recess until 1:00 for those people who want to listen online.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an array of other online library resources that help with school reports, provide opportunities
• to learn a new language, or take an online class covering career training, hobbies, health, and more
• Is there a reason where an application might not, or has there ever been an application that was denied
• Might not, or has there ever been an application that was denied, so the library did not provide materials
• But for anybody who's online, this is the top of page 3, 5B.

Bills: HB1162

Keywords: Lake Agassiz, water authority, board of directors, state highways, water management, 908, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1162, which would add the West Fargo mayor as a voting member of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board. The sponsor and Fargo’s mayor argued West Fargo has grown into a major regional water stakeholder and should have a formal vote, while members questioned the board structure and why the change was not framed more specifically. The bill was supported in testimony, closed without opposition, and received a 6-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 1259 on annual legislative sessions and session structure. Members adopted an amendment that left the structure and logistics of sessions to legislative management rather than prescribing details in statute, after discussion about flexibility, committee workload, annual versus biennial sessions, and concerns about preserving debate and committee process. The amended bill received a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with some members voting no because they preferred a different committee recommendation or had concerns about the broader change. House Bill 1254, which would allow any North Dakota resident to obtain a State Library card, drew supportive testimony from the bill sponsor and State Library staff. They said the change would align law with current practice and expand access to books, e-materials, and other resources statewide, including for military families and out-of-state state employees. The committee closed the hearing and approved the bill 6-0. The committee also considered House Bill 1469, which narrows financial disclosure requirements so only business or trust interests directly related to the office sought or held must be disclosed. After brief discussion that the change would reduce unnecessary disclosure burdens, the committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a 6-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 1368, dealing with administrative rules and the standard for challenging them, was opposed by committee counsel as too broad and legally problematic; the committee rejected it on a 4-2 do not pass vote. Finally, House Bill 1219, which would reduce the required perpetual care fund set-aside for certain cemeteries from 20% to 10%, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, cemetery representatives, and local users, but also concern about long-term fund health. The committee ultimately recommended do pass on a 5-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pizzo: ONLINE 227 IS A QUESTION I HAD RELATING TO THE PASSING OF 2018, WOULD SENATOR GRUTERS BE THE APPROPRIATE
• APPLIES TO THE 57, IT DOESN'T APPLY TO THE 10 COUNTY RUN JAILS BECAUSE THE LAW TODAY SAYS IT'S APPLICABLE
• TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY SO NOW WHAT THIS BILL DOES IS MAKES IT APPLICABLE TO EVERYBODY ACROSS THE
• WHEN WE GET MIAMI-DADE ONLINE, WHEN WE GET RANGE ONLINE, WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO WITH THESE PEOPLE?
• PROVISIONS WHEN OUR DEPUTIES AGAIN IN THE JAIL BECAUSE IT IS NOT A CRIME ON THE STREET, THERE IS NO APPLICABILITY

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, they're online. Our first bill up today is Senate File 959. Senator Tu Jang, go ahead.
• We'll go to you online, please.
• And next we have Jeff Bertram on online, I believe so. And with that, Mr.
• Bertram online. He wants to go, but if you could just step a little bit back from your microphone.
• and then we have a Mr Bertram online and then we have a Mr Bertram online wants<01:15:34.239>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the state does remain poised to see continued significant affordable homes come online and available
• The way the program works is there's ANOFA inviting applications, applications are developed, they come
• So while we're reviewing applications, applications from the first window, new proposals can be coming
• It's part of their application, talking about how that partnership would work.
• With a single application and a single awards process.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would depend on separate applicability would depend on separate legislative<00:52:43.760> action<
• He said it ensures issuing authorities can see records that may already make an applicant ineligible
• <01:04:12.720> ineligible already make an applicant ineligible already make an applicant ineligible
• , then the applicant could apply to the district court in the district where they submitted their application
• application, then the applicant<01:12:50.080> could<01:12:50.320> apply<01:12:50.719><

Bills: HF962, HF3541, HF2936, HF3762, HF2879

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• participating school district or municipality must appoint an advisory committee to evaluate the approved applications
• To evaluate the approved applications submitted by both students and private employers, we are investing
• relative to taxation of digital advertising services, as well as H. 3126, an act establishing a tax for online
• advertising, and H. 324, an act establishing a tax for online advertising, and H. 3263, S. 2017, an
• These bills further risk undermining the ecosystem that makes free online products and services possible

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers. The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just wondering what's going on, especially with everything being online and some AI infusion there.
• It could be online. It could be in person, you know, whatever that comes.
• Yeah, it's not, I mean, we just revamped our RATSI tax credit application processes here.
• We just revamped our RATSI tax credit application processes here.
• It's all online. It's through Salesforce. And it's a pretty easy process to get through.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the January minutes. Members then heard from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler, who gave an update on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s apprenticeship efforts and emphasized apprenticeship as an earn-while-you-learn model that can help address workforce shortages while including people with disabilities. He described growth in apprenticeships across sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, and noted recent milestones including the state’s 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to support program development. Committee members focused on how apprenticeship could be adapted for human services and disability-related jobs, including early education, direct care, PCA work, sterile processing, and related health occupations. They asked about funding structures, employer participation, community college involvement, and how to make programs accessible to people with disabilities. Cutler explained that apprenticeship programs are employer-designed but must meet core requirements such as paid employment, at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages. He said the state can support programs through the registered apprenticeship tax credit, which he said is $4,800 per apprentice and can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit, and through Grow grants, which were most recently awarded at about $2.1 million statewide. Members and Cutler discussed using intermediaries such as trade associations, nonprofits, and disability organizations to help employers set up programs and navigate incentives. He said the commission could be useful as a convener and suggested a targeted panel or information session with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and existing sponsors to identify a few specific occupations and build a proof of concept. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on potential partner employers, including Eastern Bank, and on possible next steps for a focused panel or pilot opportunities.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you could restate the name and tell me where online I can learn more about it.
• I worked, read hundreds of applications, interviewed students, worked on...
• I worked, read hundreds of applications, interviewed students, worked on...
• It's being passed out and will be filed online.
• That schedule would be posted online and then submitted to LDOE.

Bills: HB818, HB1063, SB28, SB64, SB142, SB234, SB482

Keywords: higher education, accountability, curriculum review, faculty governance, disciplinary procedures, SB 28, Act 233, associate educator program, associate teachers, teacher certification, alternative teacher pathway, education workforce, teacher shortage, minimum age, age requirement, Louisiana schools, Title 17, R.S. 17:7.8, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment

Summary: The House Education Committee met on April 29, 2026, and heard several education-related bills. SB 234, which would change Louisiana medical schools from pass-fail grading to letter grading, was briefly discussed and reported favorably without objection. SB 142, dealing with the management of Board of Regents support fund matched endowments if a related constitutional amendment passes, drew questions about endowment matching, oversight, and the roughly $75 million in outstanding match requests; it was also reported favorably. SB 482, which expands the use of career coaches in middle and high school individual graduation plans and adds reporting requirements for career development funds, received support from BESE and other groups, with members asking about counselor shortages and whether districts would be required to contract with outside vendors; it was reported favorably. SB 64, requiring two people to be present for the initial viewing of video from special education classroom cameras, was supported as a safeguard for students and staff and was reported favorably. The committee then took up HB 1063, a broad higher education governance bill that would require board review of core curricula, increase transparency in hiring and board actions, limit faculty senate authority to advisory status, and restrict spending without board certification. The bill prompted extensive questioning about whether it would create new boards, how it would be funded, and whether boards could realistically handle the workload; the author said the committee would not vote that day and moved to voluntarily defer the bill, which passed without objection. HB 818, as amended, was converted into a reporting bill requiring public inventories and state reporting on assessments used by schools, including their purpose and results; after amendment adoption, it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 28 lowered the minimum age for associate teachers from 25 to 21 to help address the teacher shortage, with department staff saying it could expand the pipeline of candidates; it was reported favorably. The committee also announced its next meeting would be Wednesday, May 6, and adjourned.