Transcript Highlights:

• >> No,<00:45:33.839> I<00:45:34.079> don't<00:45:34.640> I<00:45:34.880>
• We're<00:45:52.319> going<00:45:52.400> to<00:45:52.560> do<00:45:52.800>
• It<00:45:58.880> being<00:45:59.119> 9:45,<00:45:59.760> open<00:45:59.920>
• We<01:45:17.600> will<01:45:17.760> open<01:45:17.920> a<01:45:18.159> public
• <01:45:30.320> How<01:45:30.560> is<01:45:30.719> everyone<01:45:31.119>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:45:20.319> which<00:45:20.560> is<00:45:20.720> specifically<00:45:21.359><
• <00:45:23.599> that<00:45:23.839> would<00:45:24.000> damage<00:45:24.319> the
• :45:25.119> the<00:45:25.359> child<00:45:25.599> and<00:45:25.920> a<00:
• excludes<00:45:36.800> good<00:45:37.119> faith<00:45:37.520> protective<00:45:
• The<00:45:46.720> second<00:45:46.960> thing<00:45:47.040> this<00:45:47.280>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> the<02:45:00.279> the<02:45:00.439> keys<02:45:00.840> and<02:45
• it's<02:45:05.319> uh<02:45:05.479> you<02:45:05.600> can<02:45:06.319>
• <02:45:07.439> going<02:45:07.560> to<02:45:07.680> be<02:45:07.800> rolling<
• <02:45:09.399> going<02:45:09.520> to<02:45:10.439> uh<02:45:10.600> take
• lips off of<02:45:13.080> the<02:45:13.200> hook<02:45:14.160> and<02:45:14.680>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Kenya Corey with the National Waste and Recycling Association of Florida Chapter, waiving in
• Chapter 718. That is the bill, Senators. Thank you, Senator McLean.
• I met with President All-Briton about 45 days ago, and he said, look, we have to come up with a plan.
• The odds were 45 to 1. No one believed in her, but she won that race by almost five lengths.
• I've been in Ocala for 45 years.

Summary: The committee first handled Senate confirmations, hearing two support waivers from the Florida Swimming Pool Association, and then voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees in a block vote. It then took up several bills, adopting amendments and reporting each measure favorably: CS/SB 462 on transportation, which included FDOT authority over speed limits, EV-related funding, MPO changes, workforce grants, and an I-4 widening report; SB 1574 on energy infrastructure investment, creating a PSC mechanism for renewable natural gas infrastructure cost recovery; SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, limiting local government energy-source restrictions; and SB 726 on swatting, adding liability for prosecution/investigation costs and restitution for injuries or property damage. The committee also approved CS/SB 496 on timeshare management and CS/SB 1076 on roof contracting, both with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 408 on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling live racing from gaming licenses at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Senator Burgess presented a strike-all amendment that would delay decoupling for seven years, with a three-year notice period and a four-year guarantee of racing and current purse/breeder award structures. The sponsor and supporters said the longer runway was intended to create room for negotiations and align Florida with other pari-mutuel operations. The committee heard extensive public testimony, overwhelmingly opposed, from horsemen, breeders, veterinarians, farm owners, sales companies, and related businesses who warned the bill would reduce racing, depress breeding, threaten tens of thousands of jobs, and harm a major agricultural industry. A few speakers, including representatives of the Miccosukee Tribe, opposed the bill as a casino expansion that would benefit out-of-state interests and undermine existing gaming arrangements. No final vote on SB 408 was taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued public testimony after a recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• McKenna, or Sutton, moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Chapter 11 of the General
• Soter of Bellingham moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Section 11 and a half of Chapter
• 191, by inserting after the word 'meanings' the following: 'Abortions as defined in Section 12K of Chapter
• information solely for the purposes of payment, treatment, or health care operations, as defined by 45
• the Commissioner of Public Health shall convene a technical advisory group to review section 70I of chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up several routine matters, adopting resolutions recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival and congratulating Father Gerald Francis Finnegan, S.J., on his long ministry. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts State Police employee to go to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then moved to Senate Bill 2543, An Act Strengthening Health Care Protections in the Commonwealth, and adopted the Ways and Means amendment before sending the bill to third reading. Later, after the bill was released from third reading, the House considered it on final passage. Supporters described the measure as protecting reproductive and gender-affirming care, patient data, providers, and Massachusetts residents from out-of-state interference, while also incorporating federal emergency care requirements. Amendment 4, which would have barred state funding for campaign ads discouraging pregnant women from using pregnancy resource centers, was rejected. Amendment 8, which would have broadened the bill to include refusals of care and other preventive care for adults and minors, was also rejected after opposition argued it could allow one parent to block care for a child. Amendment 6, as changed, narrowing certain data protections to abortion-related care, IVF, and gender-affirming care, was adopted. The House also adopted Amendment 7, clarifying that businesses handling information for payment, treatment, or health care operations would not violate the bill, and Amendment 9, directing the Commissioner of Public Health to convene a technical advisory group to review a section of the General Laws. After these amendments, the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 136-23. The House then observed a moment of silence for victims of the Gabriel House assisted living fire in Fall River and adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• NMSA 1978, being Laws 2022, Chapter 56, Section 28, Section 31-9-1.2, NMSA 1978, being Laws 1988, Chapter
• Laws 1988, Chapter 107, Section 5,... ...1978, being Laws 1988, Chapter 107, Section 5, and Laws 1988
• , Chapter 108, Section 5, as amended.
• , Chapter 8, Section 3, and Section 33-11-3 in NMSA 1978, being Laws 1988, Chapter 78, Section 3, as
• 2 and 3, Laws 2003, Chapter 253, Section 1, and Laws 1975, Chapter 149, Section 1, as amended.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:07.119> was<00:45:08.119> able<00:45:08.440> to<00:45:08.599> supply
• > fresh<00:45:10.960> food<00:45:11.319> because<00:45:11.599> I'm<00:45:
• :14.680> uh<00:45:14.960> this<00:45:15.280> year<00:45:16.280> I'm<00:45
• a<00:45:21.040> qu<00:45:21.280> an<00:45:21.480> acre<00:45:22.160>
• I<00:45:22.319> got<00:45:22.599> a<00:45:22.800> 30<00:45:23.160> acre

Bills: HF44, HF2102, HF2279, HF2280, HF2281

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> Swan<00:45:00.400> I'm<00:45:00.520> a<00:45:00.760> strong<00:45
• live on a<00:45:10.520> street<00:45:11.000> on<00:45:11.200> the<00:45:11.319><
• <00:45:13.119> but<00:45:13.839> I'll<00:45:14.000> be<00:45:14.119> a<00
• c> I<00:45:16.079> live<00:45:16.319> with<00:45:16.440> my<00:45:16.599>
• <00:45:18.400> like<00:45:18.680> $33,000<00:45:19.680> per<00:45:19.880>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:16.640> Chairman,<00:45:16.960> and<00:45:17.359> thank<00:45:17.520>
• I just want<00:45:19.200> to<00:45:19.760> follow<00:45:20.079> up<00:45:20.240>
• <00:45:40.240> Um<00:45:40.960> if<00:45:41.200> in<00:45:41.440> fact
• :45:43.920> the<00:45:44.079> SNAP<00:45:44.319> funding<00:45:44.560> is
• > we<00:45:51.280> what<00:45:51.680> the<00:45:52.000> way<00:45:52.160>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:14.960> We<00:45:15.080> are<00:45:15.160> now<00:45:15.520> on
• c><00:45:20.800> for<00:45:20.960> Water<00:45:21.480> Month<00:45:21.880> in
• the state.<00:45:23.200> I<00:45:23.280> don't<00:45:23.720> show<00:45:23.920>
• We<00:45:27.080> have<00:45:27.200> Board<00:45:27.400> of<00:45:27.520> Water
• Mary, are<00:45:56.160> you<00:45:56.280> going<00:45:56.440> to<00:45:56.520>

Bills: SCR8, SCR40, SCR83, SCR179, SCR90, SCR94, SCR159, SCR165, SCR177

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems, lithium-ion batteries, environmental safety, recycling, public safety, waste management, Honolulu, Maui County

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to water, coastal management, and permitting. Early measures included SCR 8 on faster county action for certain home-modification permits for older adults and people with disabilities, SCR 40 on banning disposable body boards, SCR 83 on creating a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 179 on enforcing Maui fire-code provisions for brush clearance and emergency access, and SCR 90 on kupuna-friendly permit requirements. No testifiers were present for those measures, and the chair moved through them without taking votes in the portion provided. The most extensive discussion was on SCR 94, endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and SCR 159, urging shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki’s beaches and shoreline. University of Hawaii testimony said the surfing-reserve designation would bring recognition, could help attract grants, and would require a stewardship committee and management plan, but would not itself block beach nourishment or shoreline restoration. Members asked about possible effects on dredging, beach nourishment, and shoreline structures; the witness said impacts on surfing were not expected to be immediate or significant. For SCR 159, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the resolution but requested clarifying amendments to broaden references to law, stakeholder collaboration, and coastal science expertise. The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association also supported the measure, emphasizing coordinated maintenance, public access, and the economic importance of Waikiki beaches, while noting that existing legal agreements and court decisions should be reflected in the resolution. The discussion also covered whether the state and private owners share repair and maintenance obligations for Waikiki seawalls; testimony said existing agreements remain relevant but must yield to current law. The committee also heard SCR 165 designating March as Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and others, and SCR 177 requesting DAGS to convene a cooperative working group on state projects needing county permits. Mary Alice Evans said the latter would help expedite permitting, especially for housing and other state projects, and would complement efforts to standardize county permitting processes. No final votes or dispositions were announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a spring 2004 initiative of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
• And there are Alpha chapters all across the cities and colleges, all across America, Europe, Africa,
• As a result, we have about eight different chapters in our medical treatment guidelines.
• I'm proposing has 21 different chapters.
• The clerk will close the machine. 45 yeas, 46 nays, and the resolution failed. Mr.

Bills: HR275, HR276, HR277, HR278, HR279, HR280, HR281, HR282, HR283, HR284, HCR112, HCR113, HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, SCR63, SCR66, SCR67, SB414, SB484, SB513, HR168, HR174, HR194, HR216, HR264, HCR54, HCR74, HCR79, HCR85, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR98, HCR104, SCR23, SCR29, SCR33, SCR38, HB75, HB705, SB54, SB56, SB72, SB79, SB97, SB105, SB123, SB125, SB129, SB163, SB171, SB252, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB461, SB466, HR84, HR188, HR205, HR3, HR197, HR243, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, SCR35, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB39, HB58, HB112, HB134, HB155, HB187, HB287, HB462, HB782, HB825, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB1200, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, HB842, HB633, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB251, HB582, HB646, HB819, HB998, HB1257, SB197, SB436, SB78, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, carbon storage, carbon dioxide storage, carbon capture and storage, CCS, mineral rights, mineral owners, oil and gas, disposal wells, injection wells, advanced drilling, carbon sequestration, Louisiana energy policy

Transcript Highlights:

• One<00:45:09.359> of<00:45:09.440> the<00:45:09.520> considerations<00:45:10.160
• :31.720> It<00:45:31.840> is<00:45:31.960> my<00:45:32.080> opinion<00:45
• worn<00:45:39.960> camera<00:45:40.280> footage<00:45:41.080> and<00:45:41.200>
• This<00:45:45.680> bill<00:45:46.000> also<00:45:46.320> asserts<00:45:46.640>
• > purpose<00:45:51.320> of<00:45:51.480> an<00:45:51.560> arrest<00:45:51.840

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• we're<00:45:06.720> discussing<00:45:07.040> new<00:45:07.280> and<00:45:07.520
• :09.119> to<00:45:09.839> u<00:45:10.079> use<00:45:10.400> federal<00:45
• <00:45:14.720> I<00:45:14.960> hope<00:45:15.040> all<00:45:15.280> of
• In<00:45:18.240> closing,<00:45:18.880> we're<00:45:19.119> only<00:45:19.280>
• We're very proud.<00:45:22.640> I'm<00:45:22.880> very<00:45:23.119> proud<00:45

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the October 15 minutes, and began with a moment of silence following a Louisville UPS plane explosion that was described as a local tragedy affecting many families and first responders. The main presentation was an overview of Kentucky’s Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NMT) program from the Department for Medicaid Services and the Transportation Cabinet. Witnesses explained that NMT is a federally required Medicaid benefit, administered by the Transportation Cabinet under a risk-based capitated model, with eligibility limited to Medicaid members traveling to medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services and who lack access to other transportation. They also described exclusions, including certain KCHIP, QMB, and PACE members, and outlined the brokered regional structure, call center operations, scheduling rules, vehicle and driver oversight, complaint handling, and rider surveys. The presenters reported that NMT handled more than 3.1 million trips in state fiscal year 2024, with over 1.38 million trips already recorded in October, and said customer satisfaction surveys were high. They said the FY 2025-26 contract total is about $360.6 million, with monthly per-member capitation rates set by region through an actuarial process and approved by CMS. They emphasized that payments are tied to monthly Medicaid enrollment and that the state draws down federal funds for the exact amount paid, with no leftover balance. They also said most NMT use comes from adult day centers and rehabilitative care such as dialysis. Members questioned the witnesses about how quality metrics and contract standards are set, whether the state had explored alternatives such as Uber Health or other integrated models, and how utilization was calculated. The witnesses said contract requirements are developed collaboratively by Medicaid Services, the Transportation Cabinet, and other agencies, and that studies of other models generally found higher costs and lower approval ratings, with additional research on a hybrid model expected by the end of the year. They clarified that one figure reflected the share of Medicaid members with registered vehicles, while another reflected actual NMT users, and they defended the capitated structure as shifting financial risk to brokers rather than the state. Representative Fleming also raised concerns about oversight, reporting, and the apparent gap between budgeted and contracted amounts, asking whether any unused funds would return to general funds; the discussion ended before a final answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• :03.319> be<00:45:03.440> able<00:45:03.640> to<00:45:03.800> have<00:45:
• :45:13.440> that<00:45:13.559> we<00:45:13.720> receive<00:45:14.079> or
• <00:45:15.280> from<00:45:15.520> agencies<00:45:16.160> so<00:45:16.520>
• <00:45:34.119> uh<00:45:34.520> at<00:45:34.680> the<00:45:34.800> same
• :45:44.839> um<00:45:45.240> do<00:45:45.400> you<00:45:45.760> anticipate

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director of the National Association of Social Workers, the Massachusetts Chapter.
• It charges $45 for privilege. And then member states, most of them charge $45, not all of them.
• Are you aware of Chapter 112, Section 45 of the General Laws regarding dentists being able to do Botox
• Are you aware of Chapter 112, Section 45 of the general laws regarding dentists to be able to do Botox
• H. 378, H. 380, H. 419, H. 427, H. 44, H. 45, H. 4161, H. 465, H. 469, H. 4706, H. 3894, H. 3894, H.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards. The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation. Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• A 6% increase in Chapter 70 is great until you realize that we will receive a 2.3 Increase in Chapter
• Chapter 70 needs to be cracked open, as I keep hearing people say.
• Make the technical fix to Chapter 70 to ensure funding keeps pace with inflation over time. to Chapter
• Chapter 70’s formula works well for vocational Chapter 70’s formula works well for vocational schools
• In 2025, Chapter 70 monies dropped to just 23%.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:08.119> the<00:45:08.280> agency<00:45:08.720> does<00:45:09.119> limit
• :45:21.319> projects<00:45:21.640> of<00:45:21.760> all<00:45:22.079> range
• <00:45:46.160> that<00:45:46.319> has<00:45:46.440> been<00:45:46.599> our
• :51.200> and<00:45:51.400> would<00:45:51.520> it<00:45:51.680> be<00:45:
• <00:45:55.520> smaller<00:45:56.000> size<00:45:56.319> grants<00:45:57.200>

Bills: HF1621, HF1701, HF1796, HF1676, HF40, HF1428, HF1540

Keywords: HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• THE CLERKS ARE AT 6 PERCENT OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS WHEREAS ON AVERAGE MOST OF OUR PARTNERS ARE AT 45
• WE HAVE A SUCCESS RATE OF ABOUT 45 PERCENT. UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE WORKING ON TRYING TO IMPROVE IT.
• WE PROCESS BECAUSE PROCESSING THESE CASES IS MUCH LIKE PROCESSING OTHER CASES. >> Chair: VERSUS THE $45
• NUMBER THREE, I KIND OF FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD CHANGE CHAPTER 33 TO COVER MY NUMBER TWO ABOUT THE LESS
• AND I THINK CHAPTER 33 NEEDS TO CHANGE THE RULES BOOK BECAUSE I WANT THEM TO HAVE LESS OFFICERS THERE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:45:02.240> I<00:45:02.480> remember<00:45:02.800> staring<00:45:03.119><
• naively<00:45:14.400> that<00:45:14.640> telling<00:45:14.960> the<00:45:15.200
• :45:16.319> was<00:45:16.480> told<00:45:16.640> by<00:45:16.800> the<00:
• > again<00:45:32.400> to<00:45:32.640> me<00:45:32.800> or<00:45:32.960><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion. The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date. After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1929, it became incorporated National Collegiate sorority when the Alpha chapter was chartered at
• Sigma Gamma Rho has 45 chapters in Texas, including the Epsilon Ta Sigma alumni chapter in my district
• Today, the organization encompasses more than 750 undergraduate and graduate chapters across the United
• States and around the world, including over 50 undergraduate and graduate chapters across the state
• Uh, today with us in the gallery are members of the Bartlett High School chapter of the Family Career