Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to direct to you and then maybe it's hit the doctor.
• Wrong direction for you. I like the House; they got the cushions in the back. Oh, oh.
• We already pay for the EEOC, which enforces this law out of our federal money.
• Federal law already... ...implementing infectious disease control measures.
• Federal law already prohibits discrimination based on religion.

Committee: Senate Senate Health and Human Services COR

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills and public testimony, beginning with introductions and then taking up several health and human services measures. A major focus was SB 1120 and SB 1121, which address radiation protection in cardiac catheterization and other ionizing-radiation procedure rooms. SB 1120 would require health care facilities to equip at least 50% of procedure rooms with radiation protection systems by July 1, 2027, while SB 1121 would prohibit requiring lead aprons in rooms with such systems and instead require real-time dosimeters for staff who opt out of lead aprons. Physicians, nurses, and a hospital executive testified that enhanced radiation protection systems can dramatically reduce occupational exposure, lower cancer and orthopedic risks, and help with workforce recruitment and retention; a hospital alliance remained neutral pending further stakeholder discussions. Both bills were amended and passed out of committee on 7-0 votes, and SB 1118, which appropriates state funds for a rural hospital grant program to install radiation protection systems, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1001, which appropriates $1 million to the Department of Economic Security for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, after testimony from blind and low-vision Arizonans and advocates describing long waitlists, the need for independent living training, and the program’s role in preventing unnecessary dependence. SB 1072, a major funding bill for home- and community-based services and room-and-board rate increases for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, drew testimony from providers about severe staffing shortages, overtime, turnover, and underfunding; it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1125, requiring DCS to pursue MOUs with tribes and improve tribal communication and access to licensing and enforcement information, also passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee then considered SB 1123, which removes a board-certification requirement so trained forensic pathologists can supervise autopsy training for residents and fellows; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and training fix, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1052, allowing mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in assisted living facilities under physician order and DHS rules, generated mixed testimony: supporters argued it could improve health and independence for residents, while opponents raised concerns about off-label treatment in nonmedical settings. The bill passed 5-2. SB 1112, which reduces the number of acquaintance witnesses required in court-ordered treatment proceedings from two to one and allows the court to waive the witness requirement under certain conditions, drew strong testimony from families and mental health advocates on both sides; it passed 5-2. The committee also began hearing SB 1113, which would allow certain service of process in court-ordered evaluation and treatment cases by evaluation-agency employees or other court-authorized persons, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would make federal agencies collaborate on this problem.
• It would make federal agencies collaborate on this problem again.
• There's direct correlation.
• That's the direction we want to go in West Virginia.
• Stein I'll direct my attention to you.

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• EBT gets federal funding.
• So there's a lot of federal money that's being used.
• I'm going to direct all of my questions to the OBEI office.
• The federal civil rights law has no caps whatsoever on it.
• However, that was seen as a direct reversal.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I I'd like to change it from direct.
• And the indirect to direct supervision.
• </c> have to be under the direct supervision. have to be under the direct supervision.
• </c> to direct to direct that<00:19:12.400><c> it</c><00:19:13.000><c> allays</c><00:19:13.360><c> my
• </c> to direct. to direct.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that's part of federal that's part of federal law<01:27:12.679><c> um</c><01:27:13.400><c> and</
• </c> um you my understanding of the federal um you my understanding of the federal law<01:39:13.040><
• You're right: service animal equals dog. anything to hamper federal law so anything to hamper federal
• We're going back to federal law.
• </c> President Trump's first term Federal President Trump's first term Federal funding<04:22:33.720><

Summary: The committee held a work session on a bill arising from the Lee case involving animal seizures and humane society involvement. Members and the commissioner discussed concerns about due process, lack of clear notice to animal owners, the need for owners to understand when they are surrendering ownership, and whether humane agents should have additional training or certification. Several members also questioned the role of the NH SPCA and humane societies, the absence of oversight, and whether there was any financial or policy conflict in their involvement. The commissioner said the Department of Agriculture does not have a direct relationship with humane societies, but does coordinate with police on seizures, and noted that problems tend to arise when agencies do not consult the department first. Testimony and discussion focused on possible fixes to the bill, including clearer written notice of rights, requiring a third-party qualified veterinarian or other neutral evaluator, establishing the condition of animals at the time of seizure for later court proceedings, and possibly using teleconferencing with a veterinarian in limited circumstances. Some members suggested the bill may need a broader study committee, while others said it should be amended now rather than delayed. The chair said the bill would be worked on further and sent to the subcommittee for more detailed review. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 250, which would allow local governing bodies to regulate dog muzzling. Representative Jodi Newell testified that the bill was intended to let municipalities respond to dangerous dogs, citing Keene’s attempt to require muzzling after a serious incident but lack of clear authority under current law. Deborah LeBlanc also testified about a dog attack that seriously injured her dog and said a muzzle requirement could have prevented the attack. Committee members asked about the incident, existing dog-control laws, and whether the dog had been leashed; the discussion suggested the bill was meant to clarify local authority over muzzling as a public safety measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, speaking of federal funds... ...with this administration.
• It is even more important as we navigate funding uncertainty at the federal level.
• I’m Governor Healey’s Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure for Massachusetts.
• In October of 2023, Massachusetts jumped in total federal funding.
• But as you're aware, the federal funding landscape is changing rapidly.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held an informational hearing with invited testimony from MassDOT leadership, the MBTA, Massport, and the state’s Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. MassDOT officials outlined work across highways, rail and transit, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and aeronautics, emphasizing major capital spending, bridge and roadway programs, transit grants, rail expansion, airport safety, and modernization efforts. They highlighted Chapter 90 and municipal grant programs, the Compass Rail and West-East Rail efforts, RMV upgrades such as electronic titles and driver licensing systems, and aeronautics work on airport pavement, drones, and advanced air mobility. Committee members focused on safety, service access, and project implementation. Questions to MassDOT covered automated enforcement and rising roadway fatalities, the Allston multimodal project’s federal funding, Complete Streets access for rural communities, and South Coast Rail staffing and future electrification. The RMV was asked about the Work and Family Mobility Act, Real ID demand, and appointment access, especially in Metro West. Members also raised concerns about South Coast Rail operations, Keolis staffing, and whether the Stoughton route remains part of future plans; MassDOT and MBTA officials said they are working on staffing, service reliability, and long-term expansion, while noting that nothing is off the table for future rail improvements. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng reported progress including workforce growth, elimination of subway speed restrictions, expanded reduced-fare access, bus network redesign, South Coast Rail launch, and commuter rail signal upgrades. He said the agency is pursuing a new commuter rail operating contract designed to support future regional rail, electrification, and higher-frequency service, while maintaining service and workforce stability amid funding uncertainty. Members also asked about fare collection data privacy and the impact of state funding levels; Eng said the MBTA needs the governor’s proposed funding to preserve service and staffing, and that the fare system’s data are encrypted and handled through a secure vendor system. Massport CEO Rich Davey reported record activity at Logan, Worcester, and the cruise and maritime facilities, along with major capital and climate investments such as sustainable aviation fuel planning, shore power at Flynn Cruiseport, renewable diesel, and expanded ground transportation. He said Massport is planning for continued passenger growth and managing congestion through parking, HOV, and curbside changes, while monitoring federal policy, tariffs, and air traffic control staffing issues. Federal Funds Director Quentin Palfrey described the administration’s efforts to secure federal infrastructure dollars, citing about $9 billion in federal awards since the start of the administration, including major transportation grants for the Cape Cod Bridges, Allston, West-East Rail, North Station drawbridge replacement, roadway safety, and clean school buses. He warned that changing federal policies, grant delays, and possible future congressional actions create uncertainty, but said the office is working case-by-case with municipalities and agencies to protect awarded funds and find alternative financing where needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does 911 then direct them to y'all? Mr. Kessler: Yeah, they can actually do direct transfer.
• We are already moving in that direction. Mr. Nau: ...
• We are already moving in that direction.
• James Kessler: Page four is a summary of federal funds for the agency.
• Cyrus Reed: We think that's actually a good use of federal money.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• First one is a payment for direct loss.
• We’ve only opened up the program to direct loss.
• loss when ranchers experience direct loss.
• So your ability to work with our federal, your federal counterparts, is unrestricted. Yeah.
• up to 100% reimbursement for losses to federally protected species.

Summary: The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre. CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement. Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• We made the changes as directed and reviewed the new budget details with CMS.
• Covered California, again, receives no state or federal. to the best of our ability.
• The end of the federal enhanced subsidies has already resulted in a loss of enrollments.
• I don't think everyone would receive an 8% to 10% just because how the federal credits work.
• So is— Just because of how the federal credits work, that would be an adjustment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Elmer Lazzardo, with the California Federation of Labor Unions, in support.
• Elmer Lozardo with the California Federation of Labor Unions in support.
• government or interfere with federal functions.
• If we allow states to impede federal actions and trespass on what is clearly federal authority, If we
• allow states to impede federal actions and trespass on what is clearly federal authority, we do run

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely in support and some opposition on a few measures. AB 458 would direct the Department of General Services, in consultation with the Department of Justice, to develop model procurement guidelines for state purchases of firearms, ammunition, and accessories so agencies avoid vendors that violate gun laws; law enforcement and San Francisco representatives supported it, and members discussed adding oversight and vetting. AB 1729 would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans for return-to-office decisions and restoring public reporting on telework savings; supporters cited cost savings, productivity, climate benefits, and worker flexibility, while the author clarified it would not alter collective bargaining under the Dills Act. AB 1754 would require post-completion reporting on bond-funded programs’ goals and outcomes; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure, while counties and water agencies opposed it unless amended, warning of added bureaucracy, delays, and litigation risk. AB 1841 would create a paid state holiday recognizing California Native American Day, and AB 2115 would issue a formal legislative apology to California’s first peoples and install a commemorative plaque at the Capitol; both drew strong tribal and labor support and broad committee praise, with members emphasizing education, historical acknowledgment, and healing. AB 2211 would allow craft distillers to operate a satellite room and use certain alcohol modifiers on premises, and AB 1991 would authorize wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries to conduct sensory tastings for research with guardrails; both had industry support, with AB 1991 drawing one opposition voice from Alcohol Justice. AB 1578 would require elected officials to take anti-hate speech training as part of existing sexual harassment training; it drew sharp First Amendment objections from opponents and mixed committee views, but the motion to send it to Appropriations passed on a recorded vote. The committee also heard AB 1807, which would bar state-owned property from being used for federal immigration enforcement operations; the author and supporters argued it would protect communities and prevent state complicity in federal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so I would argue against direction.
• </c> me, I only get to quote federal law. me, I only get to quote federal law. twice<01:19:53.600><c>
• </c> move on to um the department of direct move on to um the department of direct care<02:12:06.800>
• 50.479><c> support</c> certification of direct support certification of direct support professionals<
• </c> align with what the federal rules are. align with what the federal rules are.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and self-directed home care.
• home care we support and self-directed home care we support HF<00:05:18.400><c> 339</c><00:05:19.280
• that the federal government is considering<00:15:17.839><c> cutting</c><00:15:18.199><c> out</c><00:
• </c><00:15:32.600><c> Republican</c> uh national uh um uh Federal Republican uh national uh um uh Federal
• </c><00:21:09.799><c> CMS</c> of Minnesota rules and the federal CMS of Minnesota rules and the federal

Bills: HF339 , HF1272 , HF2121 , HF2122 , HF1216 , HF1003 , HF2319

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> another critical area where federal another critical area where federal funding<00:38:01.920><c>
• </c> cuts officially announced by the federal cuts officially announced by the federal administration
• </c> already been approved on the federal already been approved on the federal level.<01:32:16.560><c
• </c> waiting to see what the federal waiting to see what the federal government<01:32:49.040><c> is</
• </c> start in the right direction. start in the right direction. Senator<01:34:13.360><c> Lur.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• For this undertaking, our approach was direct.
• standard of below 6% for federal fiscal year 2026.
• So the federal government sets performance measures.
• So the federal government sets performance measures.
• And so we know we're headed in the right direction.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Florida Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views on abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, hormonal birth control, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board should apply Florida statutes, described himself as strongly pro-life and skeptical of some federal health guidance, and said he would be sympathetic when judging fellow physicians because of his own experience in practice. Supporters praised his medical background, military service, and family medicine experience, while opponents argued his stated views could affect his ability to fairly discipline other doctors. The committee voted 5-2 to recommend confirmation, with Senators Polsky and Rouson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined her background at DCF and APD and described department priorities including streamlining services, improving child welfare and behavioral health systems, expanding peer support, and reducing SNAP error rates. Members asked detailed questions about Hope Florida, the number and role of Hope Navigators, agency responsiveness on bill analyses, and accountability for community-based care contractors. Hatch said Hope Florida is a partnership-based navigation effort aimed at self-sufficiency, that 143 Hope Navigators are in place, and that the department is working to improve transparency and oversight through contracts, audits, and a proposed funding model. Senators also pressed Hatch on the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance history and on forensic audits of community-based care agencies, especially Northwest Florida Health Network. Hatch said the foundation is now in compliance and under audit, and that the contractor had completed corrective actions and was operating within current accountability limits. She said DCF had not yet conducted new forensic audits under her tenure but was preparing another round and was considering using contracted-services dollars to support that work. The discussion ended with continued questioning on oversight, staffing, and whether the agency could provide more formal bill analyses going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the bill revises the procedures for applying to the CTF benefit in tandem with a federal
• E-Rate is the federal counterpart to CTF.
• During this hearing, Superintendent Thurman and other stakeholders raised concern about the direction
• E-rate is the federal counterpart to CTF.
• During this hearing, Superintendent Thurman and other stakeholders raised concern about the direction

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:02.080><c> brokerage</c> talk about the self-directed brokerage talk about the self-directed
• </c> So we're headed in the right direction So we're headed in the right direction there. there. there
• Um self-directed brokerage All right.
• </c><00:18:47.840><c> government</c> coming in from the federal government coming in from the federal
• </c> being in taking advantage of the federal being in taking advantage of the federal Medicare<00:30

Summary: The Public Pension Oversight Board met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and heard updates from the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority and the Teachers Retirement System. The deferred compensation update highlighted continued growth in assets to about $4.787 billion and roughly 88,000 participants, strong retention from auto-enrollment, a marketing campaign tied to pay raises that generated additional participation, and a new self-directed brokerage account expected to launch July 1 of the coming year for participants with at least a $40,000 balance, allowing up to 25% of their account to be moved into the brokerage window. The director also described the free financial planning service, which has been used by about 3,500 participants with a high return rate, and said the plan is currently in a fee holiday; if fees are charged, they are capped at $237 per year for most participants. Members asked questions about who provides the CFP service, the fee structure, and the brokerage eligibility threshold. The director said the CFP service is provided through the authority’s service bundle with Nationwide, not as a separate paid service, and explained that the fee cap and current fee holiday are intended to keep the program low-cost. Board members praised the deferred compensation program’s performance and asked for a copy of the legislation referenced in the presentation. TRS then presented on retired teachers’ health insurance. Barnes first clarified how declining federal contributions for federally funded school positions affect the retirement annuity trust, explaining that if those federal dollars fall, the amounts would need to be covered through the SEEK formula and that the projection for those contributions is about $80 million over the next three years. He then reviewed TRS retiree health coverage, distinguishing between KEHP for retirees under 65 or not Medicare-eligible and MEHP for Medicare-eligible retirees, and explained that TRS recently completed RFPs for both prescription drug and medical coverage. TRS will keep Express Scripts for prescription drugs, but will move the Medicare Advantage medical plan from UnitedHealthcare to Humana on January 1, 2026, while keeping the plan design, provider access, and out-of-pocket structure largely unchanged, with a new hearing-aid benefit of $500 per ear. Barnes also reported the 2026 premium and contribution changes: the maximum TRS contribution toward KEHP will rise to $1,144.96 from $930.76, an 18% increase that he said will require roughly $15 million to $16 million more in the state budget, while the MEHP premium will drop to $200 per month from $210. He said the TRS board has statutory authority to set these amounts and that the changes will have mixed actuarial effects, with the KEHP increase being negative overall and the MEHP decrease positive.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:00.279><c> Medicaid</c> right now our federal Medicaid right now our federal Medicaid percentage
• </c><00:43:27.119><c> directed</c><00:43:27.640><c> to</c> would be direct directed to would be direct
• </c><01:06:09.920><c> those</c> that will decide which direction those that will decide which direction
• ." to uh go the direction of tax cuts or to uh go the direction of tax cuts or rebates<01:11:05.960><
• </c> income tax liability or property direct income tax liability or property direct property<01:19:28.719

Transcript Highlights:

• You throw a rock in any direction and you're in my district.
• State and federal grants.
• It was only recently eligible under federal funding.
• So it's 18 local, state, and federal grant programs.
• And so this is for seniors 60 and up, and it is also federally funded.

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It moves in the exact opposite direction.
• It is an important step in the right direction.
• It's also seen constitutional concerns in federal court cases.
• Actually, a state government may not tax the federal government.
• It is a tax applied exclusively to the federal government.

Transcript Highlights:

• AHCA would seek federal approval for the work requirement, and federal approval would take, we believe
• This bill will direct AHCA to seek a federal waiver to provide home and community-based services for
• receive federal funds to assist us with these costs.
• Federal anti-kickback laws pertain only to services that are reimbursable by federal health care programs
• President, federal anti-kickback laws pertain only to services that are reimbursable by federal health