Transcript Highlights:

• Is someone from our tech team helping you? Ciara, is she available? Just plug it into the other.
• In order to execute the program, actually, I think, you know, in the big scheme of things, considering
• I know that's a big question.
• numbers and these big business models of fraud, I just looking at whether you look at what we see in
• Because that's a big concern of this committee. So we appreciate your time.

Bills: HF3043, HF2891

Keywords: public safety, illegal remunerations, healthcare fraud, grants, criminal penalties, state law, grants management, state employees training, certification, monitoring grants, accountability, grant fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the, the level of support that we provide for our military and you're a big part of that identifying
• I'll start big to small from macro.
• I'm sure you've all heard of Boy State, which is a big project of the American Legion.
• I'll go to UTMB or I'll go to Texas Tech and I see this person.
• We come up, we have, uh, the, it's a big argument on getting the air conditioning into the system.

Transcript Highlights:

• It could have been a big shout this way and a big shout that way, and I would have to pull up the thing
• So anyways but not as big because cuts. So anyways but not as big because of<00:55:22.400> this.
• One big thing. We can do it all at once. Yeah. One big thing. All right.
• One big we're doing it all at once? One big thing.
• There's a big expense for the 18? There's a big expense for the landfill.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5. The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the big issue here is under the Infrastructure Act, we've received a lot of extra money, which is
• match because we have had such a big match because we have had such a big influx<01:05:09.559>
• Well, you got a big chunk today, which was the Department of Corrections.
• There's a big natural gas head there, or a propane head there. A lot of it comes from Selkirk.
• It is a big-ticket item. I think it was $1.5 million.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a Department of Corrections capital budget presentation on HB 25, focused largely on urgent maintenance and security needs at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men and other DOC facilities. DOC officials described the governor’s proposed priorities: boiler surge and radiator tank replacements, electronic controls and camera upgrades, and replacement of HVAC units using R22 refrigerant. They also outlined additional requested projects totaling $15.4 million, including a body alarm/man-down system at Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, steam line and trap repairs, fire alarm replacements, and removal of an underground diesel tank in favor of above-ground storage. DOC testified that many systems are well beyond their expected service life, including 40-year-old boilers, outdated analog cameras, and HVAC equipment using discontinued R22 refrigerant. They said the men’s prison is relying on a leased temporary boiler, has significant steam leaks causing major water loss and reduced boiler efficiency, and is dealing with frequent fire alarm faults and deteriorating wiring. On the body alarm system, they said the vendor no longer supports the equipment and replacement parts are no longer available. On the diesel tank, members questioned whether it could be abandoned in place or whether fuel could be reused; DOC said it had not explored all alternatives and would follow up, while noting the tank is underground and tied into the warehouse system. Members also asked whether some current investments could be reused in the planned new men’s prison. DOC said some items, such as air handlers, might potentially be moved, but most projects are needed to keep the current facility operational and would not be practical to transfer. Questions were also raised about the leased boiler arrangement, the use of the man-down system by staff and visitors, and whether the kitchen project could be converted to a modular unit. DOC said the modular kitchen approach is necessary because the existing kitchen cannot remain fully operational during repairs. The committee then moved to lapse extensions, and DOC identified several projects no longer needing extensions, including items numbered 64, 65, and 66 in HB 25, with the chair noting those balances would be deleted and that the lapse amount was $550,500.

Transcript Highlights:

• I turned around and I look at Ron in those big blue eyes and we look up at the state seal.
• And it's really a big thank you to the support I've gotten from the Democratic side.
• You may remember in Big Run, right off I-95, and all their backyards were flooding.
• And it's big money. You want to follow some money, follow that one.”
• Again, a big thank you to Representative Gorman.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tech companies looking to profit from their attention.
• And it was this big ordeal that nobody wanted to deal with.
• We wonder if it's a step Toward a low-tech environment.
• That, for us, is a big concern.
• Yes, it's a really big concern.

Bills: HB6, HB27, HB 123, HB210, HB213, HB222, HB610, HB 1085, HB1481, HB6, HB27, HB123, HB210, HB213, HB222

Keywords: mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, financial literacy, high school education, curriculum requirements, economics, personal finance, HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• Waterfall is still pretty big out there.
• This is just a normal big failure of a big government software system.
• The Department of Defense spends a fortune on big software projects.
• His book came out a couple of years ago, "How Big Things Get Done."
• And only then does the vendor go away and build a really big thing.

Transcript Highlights:

• a sales Tech exemption for construction<00:26:32.240> materials<00:26:32.799> for<00:26
• Chair Rest: That's an excellent question, and to be prudent and not get crosswise with big tire, I'm
• So it's a very big number from the grain bin standpoint.
• prudent and not get crosswise with big prudent and not get crosswise with big tire<01:24:04.199>
• number from the grain B standpoint big number from the grain B standpoint I'll<01:25:15.119> also

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe in the big cities they are, but I agree.
• If I may, I'm kind of big on showing progress and results.
• look like a big production.
• That's the big difference, right?
• There's a big pool.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can significantly vary depending on how big the case is or how big, uh, the company is and the number
• I mean, that's a pretty big jump.
• I mean, that's a pretty big jump.
• As the chair say, I'm a big fan of Explore Minnesota.
• As the chair say, I'm a big fan of Explore Minnesota.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the leading voice of today's multi-tech clean energy industry representing energy storage, wind,
• 25:59.240> voice<00:25:59.600> of<00:25:59.720> today's<00:26:00.080> multi-tech
• the leading voice of today's multi-tech the leading voice of today's multi-tech clean<00:26:00.880
• references included the International Energy Agency and another source from the North Carolina Clean Energy Tech

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I want to commend you because that's a big step.
• /c><01:27:24.600> the<01:27:25.239> um<01:27:25.840> current<01:27:26.840> tech
• and they don't have the um current tech and they don't have the um current tech technical<01:27:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees. The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package. The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to order this many fire engines, and we make a big commitment.
• And we make a big commitment.
• That was a big purchase for us. The cost in 2007 was approximately $336,000 each.
• So that is a big issue for the city of Fullerton, one of those issues.
• So that is a big issue for the city of Fullerton, one of those issues.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And a big part of that is looking at how do we continue the deployment of charging infrastructure where
• And big thanks to Chair Creem and Vice Chair Barrett for the time.
• We have a big job ahead of us and we are going to need lots more funding.
• So that’s a big cut to us.
• So that's a big, that's a big cut to us.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the impact of the Trump administration’s federal climate policy changes on Massachusetts, with a focus on threatened grants, regulatory rollbacks, and state options to continue climate work. Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts still has a 2050 net-zero mandate and needs contingency plans for clean energy, transportation electrification, offshore wind, resilience, and financing if federal support is reduced or withdrawn. Executive branch witnesses said Massachusetts has already experienced disruptions to more than $1 billion in climate-related federal funds, though many suspended grants were restored after litigation by the Attorney General’s office. EEA reported continued uncertainty around a $389 million Grid Innovation Program award and a FEMA dam-safety reimbursement, while MassDOT said its NEVI fast-charging program remains on track with about $50 million obligated, but a $14.4 million competitive charging grant is on hold and future unobligated NEVI funds remain uncertain. Senators also discussed EV rebates, charging infrastructure, the role of the Community Climate Bank, and whether the state can expand independent financing and support for municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits. The Attorney General’s office described successful multi-state litigation that won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal funding freeze, restoring access to many EPA, DOE, USDA, and Interior funds, while noting continued enforcement actions over FEMA manual reviews and other barriers. The office said it is also preparing to defend the endangerment finding, California vehicle-emissions waivers, offshore wind permits, and other federal climate protections. Outside advocates warned that federal tax-credit rollbacks, tariffs, and possible repeal of IRA and infrastructure funding could slow EV adoption and raise costs, while offshore wind testimony said federal permitting pauses and legal challenges are delaying projects and could leave Massachusetts far short of its 2030 offshore wind goals. Nonprofit witnesses also described canceled or delayed grants for wetland restoration and urban heat mitigation, and urged the Legislature to increase state funding, including for the environmental bond bill and municipal vulnerability preparedness work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Regulatory reform is a big one. You know, the climate policy...
• Regulatory reform is a big one. You know, the climate policy. to regulatory reform is a big one.
• These are big companies. What about our consumers? They have receipts too. These are big companies.
• These are big companies. What about our consumers? They have receipts too.
• These are big companies. What about our consumers? They have receipts too.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So those are, those would be my big things. Thank you. We'll just move down the line.
• That's a piece that's been really big in my mind that we talk about schools, schools, schools, and to
• A big enough thing that I think we need to talk about that more seriously.
• And so for me that's a big piece. I, I also want to point out I just finished with CES.
• My literacy person, Sarah Hunton, I'm sure you know her, could probably give you a big old list.

Transcript Highlights:

• Calling Blake Hudson, Director of Public Affairs, Tech Association Health plans as a resource witness
• Did, did you find the term catastrophic kind of I, I'll tell you what, I think it is, it's a big deal
• The big three PBMs control over 80% of the market for prescription drug reimbursements in the country
• Chair calls Pete Powers, Texas Pharmacy Association itself from the big city of Gilmer, Texas.
• I should say in the big city of Tallulah, Louisiana, but you know they probably won't know where that

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, especially that's why I'm big on single-stair because that allows us more dense urban infill.
• So this is big, my friends.
• So this is big, my friends.
• So this is big, my friends.
• So this is big, my friends.

Summary: The committee heard a series of housing and wildfire-recovery bills, with members repeatedly framing the package as a response to the Los Angeles fires and the state’s broader housing affordability crisis. AB 306, by Assembly Member Schultz, would place a six-year moratorium on new residential building-code updates and local code modifications except for health-and-safety emergencies. Supporters argued it would reduce costs and provide certainty for rebuilding and new housing production, while opponents from environmental, clean-energy, and labor groups warned it would freeze beneficial code improvements, delay innovation, and limit local control. Despite those concerns, several members said they would support the bill while seeking amendments, and the committee voted it out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 301, which would require state agencies to follow shot-clock style deadlines for reviewing building permits, and AB 253, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to conduct certain post-entitlement permit reviews if local departments take more than 30 days. Supporters said both bills would reduce delays, lower costs, and speed rebuilding and housing production; some members emphasized that safety reviews must remain intact. AB 301 passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, and AB 253 passed 8-0 to Local Government. AB 462, by Assembly Member Lowenthal, would exempt accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County’s coastal zone from coastal development permit requirements, with the goal of speeding ADU construction for disaster recovery and housing supply. Supporters said ADUs are a proven tool and that the bill would help displaced residents and future coastal disaster areas; one member of the public opposed the bill, arguing ADU proliferation can change neighborhood conditions. The committee sent AB 462 to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote. The final bill discussed, AB 299, would let disaster-displaced families stay in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for more than 30 days without triggering landlord-tenant rules, mirroring an earlier homelessness-related law; the transcript ended as the author began presenting the bill and its support.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a role for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and I am a consistent supporter of a big
• The prime contractors, the big five primes, are the case study in who can currently survive.
• They buy a lot of stuff from big defense contractors.
• That's the big thing. All the policies in the world...
• Most of them can make that in two months in some kind of big tech job or whatever.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I have a call into LSS, ledge tech, not LSS, LedgeTech, to assist me in how to download that

Summary: The Legislative Ethics Board met in public session with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes after hearing that board counsel had reviewed the remaining advisory opinions and would bring recommendations on whether to retain or retire them to a future meeting. The board also noted there were no employer disclosure forms to review. Members received an update on digitizing the board’s files: the archives work was completed, a secure thumb drive had been provided, and staff were working with LedgeTech on how to securely access and store the materials. They also discussed billing for the digitization project, noting one invoice of about $3,900 had been paid and that the total cost might end up well below the original estimate. A member of the public, a Washington State University doctoral student, attended to observe but did not testify. With no further business, the board moved to adjourn the public session, and the motion passed unanimously.