Transcript Highlights:

• And the criteria for keeping them is lowered, so therefore probably a lot more people would be in jail
• And the criteria for keeping them is lowered, so therefore probably a lot more people would be in jail
• 00:02:30.959><c> without</c><00:02:31.280><c> bail</c><00:02:31.800><c> so</c> keeping somebody in jail
• without bail so keeping somebody in jail without bail so they<00:02:32.319><c> they</c><00:02:32.640
• </c><00:02:33.920><c> longer</c> they they they would stay in jail longer they they they would stay in

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met to continue work on House Bill 2, with the chair saying the goal was to finish the bill as given by the governor, though additional amendments were expected. Members first discussed the bail section and agreed to hold it for later because a separate House bail bill was expected on Thursday and could have significant county cost impacts. They also generally accepted the proposed reorganization of positions between Fish and Game, DNCR, and the Department of Environmental Services, but noted the need to review effective dates and funding details, including a possible double appropriation of $275,000 for a scientist position already funded in HB 1. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on environmental review and native plant-related sections moving functions from DNCR to DES. Members discussed changing the rulemaking timeline from 180 days to 90 days, and clarifying that “begin” means the public hearing stage. They also reviewed how fee revenue would shift between agencies in HB 1 so the budget impact would be net zero. The committee indicated it would prepare amendments reflecting these changes and revisit them at a later vote. The longest discussion concerned the boathouse provisions. Members debated whether the new definitions and construction standards were appropriate in a budget bill, with one member arguing they should be in a separate bill, while others said the provisions were urgent because of a lawsuit and the lack of clear guardrails. Concerns included the February 20, 2025 effective date, which some thought might be retroactive, the detailed limits on what may be stored in a boathouse, and a fee increase that some felt could discourage homeowners from seeking permits. The committee also questioned whether the fee structure should be tiered for smaller projects and whether permit-by-notification projects should be exempted. No final votes were taken on these sections during the discussion; instead, members agreed to seek legal and policy answers and to return with amendments and public hearing input before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• billing the HHSC4, Medicaid for PCA services saying they're taking care of people while they're in jail
• So when you gave your example, if someone could be in jail but still saying they're providing services
• where we have a correctional officer who was at her desk with, you know how a correction, you know how jail
• fraud also occurs when benefits are filed on behalf of someone who, like the OIG mentioned, is in jail

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met to hear interim charges on higher education transparency and on preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. The chair emphasized accountability for taxpayer dollars and asked witnesses to address financial reporting, audit practices, and whether more frequent or comprehensive audits would improve oversight. Legislative Budget Board staff described how public university systems and most community colleges respond to requests about internal audit practices, noting that university systems generally follow a similar annual audit timeline and that community colleges use a more varied mix of internal and external audit arrangements. Members focused on gaps in reporting, especially Texas Southern University’s missing submissions for several years and Collin County Community College’s nonresponse to the LBB survey. The State Auditor’s Office then outlined its higher education audit work, including mandatory statewide single audits, DEI compliance audits, HUB and State Use Program audits, benefits proportional audits, and discretionary audits based on risk. The auditor said the office has released 43 higher-ed audit reports since fiscal year 2021 and has two audits in progress, and explained that internal audit reports from institutions help guide future audit selection. Senators pressed the office on the lack of enforcement authority, the value of internal auditors at each institution, and whether community colleges should have more standardized reporting and audit requirements. The auditor and general counsel said the SAO can refer suspected fraud to law enforcement but cannot itself enforce findings, while several senators suggested stronger clawback authority and more robust internal audit structures. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board explained that it collects annual financial reports, sources-and-uses data, and community college finance reports, and uses them for funding formulas and other reporting. It also trains governing board members and said it has limited regulatory authority, though community colleges must certify compliance annually and can lose eligibility for state funds if they do not. Members questioned the reliability of self-attested data, the adequacy of board training, and whether a single reporting structure would be more efficient. During public testimony, a ScholarShot representative argued for clearer, student-facing financial transparency so students can see total cost of attendance and the gap they must cover before enrolling.

Transcript Highlights:

• You touch me, you're going to go to jail. You're going to get charged for child abuse.
• going</c><01:34:21.280><c> to</c><01:34:21.440><c> go</c><01:34:21.520><c> to</c><01:34:21.679><c> jail
• </c><01:34:22.719><c> You're</c> me, you're going to go to jail.
• You're me, you're going to go to jail.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When is somebody going to put somebody in jail, arrest somebody? Handcuffs.
• When is somebody going to put somebody in jail, arrest somebody? Handcuffs.
• When is somebody going to put somebody in jail, arrest somebody? Handcuffs.
• Somebody going to put somebody in jail? Arrest somebody? Handcuffs. When is that going to happen?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We know people living in greater Minnesota are more likely to be jailed pre-trial than their Twin Cities
• </c><01:34:50.639><c> likely</c><01:34:50.960><c> to</c><01:34:51.120><c> be</c><01:34:51.280><c> jailed
• </c> Minnesota are more likely to be jailed Minnesota are more likely to be jailed pre-trial<01:34:52.480

Bills: HF3901, HF962, HF4428, HF4478, HF1775

Keywords: foster care, ombudsperson, investigative powers, children's rights, complaint process, HF4428, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, community engagement, work requirement, work mandate, employment requirement, community service, 80 hours, half-time student, income threshold, federal minimum wage, eligibility verification, benefit suspension, benefit termination

Transcript Highlights:

• date nothing has been done, not one resignation, not one deportation, not one arrest, not one person jailed
• c><00:12:56.280><c> not</c><00:12:56.560><c> one</c><00:12:56.839><c> person</c><00:12:57.320><c> jailed
• </c> one arrest, not one person jailed. one arrest, not one person jailed.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I agree, like nobody should be sitting in jail for two years.
• </c><00:22:36.799><c> be</c><00:22:36.960><c> sitting</c><00:22:37.200><c> in</c><00:22:37.440><c> jail
• </c> like nobody should be sitting in jail like nobody should be sitting in jail for<00:22:38.000><c>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• making sure that those who are homeless for reasons, for example, financial reasons, etc., are not jailed
• </c><01:25:59.679><c> they</c><01:25:59.920><c> are</c><01:26:00.080><c> not</c><01:26:00.560><c> jailed
• </c> reasons etc that they are not jailed. reasons etc that they are not jailed.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School. The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles. Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment. One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not often that a prosecutor is not going to put someone in prison or in jail, um, and remove someone's
• It's not often that a prosecutor is not going to put someone in prison or in jail, um, and remove someone's
• It's not often that a prosecutor is not going to put someone in prison or in jail, um, and remove someone's
• It's not often that a prosecutor is not going to put someone in prison or in jail, um, and remove someone's

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are homeless is effective at improving people's lives and a better investment of public dollars than jails
• 08.880><c> than</c> better investment of public dollars than better investment of public dollars than jails
• c> emergency</c><01:05:10.240><c> rooms</c><01:05:10.640><c> and</c><01:05:10.960><c> extended</c> jails
• and emergency rooms and extended jails and emergency rooms and extended hospital<01:05:12.160><c> stays

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh it's likely that this would end up with our state treasurer in handcuffs and being hauled off to jail
• being<01:27:04.560><c> hauled</c><01:27:04.880><c> off</c><01:27:05.120><c> to</c><01:27:05.360><c> jail
• </c><01:27:06.480><c> because</c><01:27:07.199><c> it's</c> being hauled off to jail because it's being
• hauled off to jail because it's illegal illegal illegal for<01:27:09.679><c> anybody.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 1042, which would increase the BFA contingent credit limit. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli explained that under RSA 66, state debt capacity is tied to unrestricted revenue and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is contingent rather than direct debt. She said the state currently has about 4.2% to 4.3% debt-to-revenue ratio, about $120 million in additional capacity, and that approving the bill’s proposed increase would reduce available capacity for future state borrowing, including capital budgets. She noted the BFA has a long history of using guarantees without a state payout, but said the legislature should consider whether the full additional $250 million is needed and whether unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Pease Development Authority, should be reviewed in the future. Committee members asked whether guarantees have the same effect as actual debt for bonding capacity, and the treasurer confirmed that they do for purposes of the formula. Members also asked about the usual level of debt relative to the statutory 10% cap, and she said the state generally stays well below that limit. BFA Executive Director James Key Wallace then testified that the request was driven by rising project costs, inflation, and the need for more runway so the agency does not have to return to the legislature in an emergency. He said the BFA is self-supported, has never had a guarantee paid out by the state, requires collateral and reserves, and believes the appropriate range is closer to $400 million to $450 million; he also said a Senate bill would raise the limit to $400 million. He added that the BFA’s pipeline includes projects from about $15 million to $100 million and that housing availability is an important factor in business location decisions. After closing the work session on House Bill 1042, the committee opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage for pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Dave Nagel, the prime sponsor, gave extensive background on his long career in pain medicine and said the bill is intended to improve access to non-opioid therapies and evidence-based pain management. He described the broad population affected by chronic pain and opioid use disorder, and said the proposal has long had bipartisan and stakeholder support. No vote or final action was taken on House Bill 241 in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh it's likely that this would end up with our state treasurer in handcuffs and being hauled off to jail
• being<01:27:04.560><c> hauled</c><01:27:04.880><c> off</c><01:27:05.120><c> to</c><01:27:05.360><c> jail
• </c><01:27:06.480><c> because</c><01:27:07.199><c> it's</c> being hauled off to jail because it's being
• hauled off to jail because it's illegal illegal illegal for<01:27:09.679><c> anybody.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony from State Treasurer Monica Misipelli on House Bill 1042, which would increase the contingent credit limit for the BFA. She explained that under RSA 66 the state’s debt capacity is capped at 10% of unrestricted revenue, and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is not direct debt. She said the state currently has about 65% of its capacity used, roughly $120 million of remaining room, and that raising the BFA contingent credit limit from $200 million to $450 million would reduce that capacity. She noted the state’s debt-to-revenue ratio is about 4.2%, that the state’s credit rating is not immediately affected by the guarantee program unless the state actually has to assume the liability, and suggested unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Peace Development Authority, could be reviewed in the future. Members asked whether a credit guarantee affects bonding ability like actual debt, what the usual debt level is relative to the statutory cap, and whether the increase would crowd out future capital borrowing. Misipelli answered that guarantees are included in the formula and do affect available capacity, though the current ratio remains manageable. She also said she had been using a $120 million benchmark for capital budget planning and was now modeling $130 million in future state debt. When asked whether the full $250 million increase was necessary, she deferred to the BFA, saying the question should be answered by the agency. James Key Wallace, executive director of the New Hampshire BFA and interim commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs, then testified in support of the bill. He said the request was driven by larger project costs over the last several decades, with construction inflation causing guarantees to be used up in bigger chunks, and by the fact that the BFA has been close to its current cap. He said the agency does not use taxpayer funds, has never had a payout on a guarantee in nearly 35 years, and requires collateral, reserves, and an 80% loan-to-value buffer. He told members the Senate had a similar bill to raise the limit to $400 million and that the BFA considered that range acceptable. In response to questions, he said a smaller increase such as $150 million would cover known transactions but might not provide enough runway for future opportunities, and he confirmed the bill was brought at the BFA’s request. He also said businesses consider housing availability when deciding whether to locate in New Hampshire, since housing and workforce are key location factors. At the end of the work session, the chair closed House Bill 1042 and opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage of pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Nagel began introducing the bill and asked for copies of the treasurer’s debt-capacity report, but the transcript cuts off before any further action on HB 241.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, 12-year-old thought he was going to get out of jail. So, yeah.
• going to get 12-year-old thought he was going to get out<01:20:43.240><c> of</c><01:20:43.320><c> jail
• </c><01:20:44.600><c> Yes,</c><01:20:44.840><c> whatever</c><01:20:45.080><c> you</c> out of jail.
• Yes, whatever you out of jail. So, yeah.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33 The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44 Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics. Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.

Transcript Highlights:

• already, for example, you will find very high incidence of mental illness, people who are in your jails
• who</c><01:25:34.600><c> are</c><01:25:34.920><c> in</c><01:25:35.080><c> your</c><01:25:35.240><c> jails
• ,</c> people who are in your jails, people who are in your jails, people<01:25:37.200><c> who</c><01:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on September 24, 2025, approved the minutes from the September 9 meeting, and then continued its discussion of Medicaid waivers with Leslie Hoffman and Carmen Hancock from the Department for Medicaid Services. Members asked for updates on the 2024 waiver waitlist management assessment recommendations, including aligning waiver policies, standardizing applications and waitlist placement, and modernizing data systems. DMS said that work is being done jointly with Aging and Independent Living and Behavioral Health/Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities through task forces, that ARPA spending delayed action, and that implementation timelines extend through March 2027. The board also reviewed per-member waiver cost averages for fiscal years 2023 through 2025 for ABI, ABI long-term care, HCBS, Model II, Michelle P, and SCL. DMS emphasized these figures were benefit-only averages based on paid claims, not full waiver costs, and explained that true budget neutrality is calculated on an aggregate basis against institutional care comparisons approved by CMS. DMS said all six waivers remain in compliance with budget neutrality and that the most recent 18-month lag review for FY 2022 and FY 2023 found costs at or below institutional care. Members also asked about unused waiver slots; DMS said slots generally cannot be reallocated mid-year if they have been used, except in cases such as death or reserved capacity, because CMS treats participants as unduplicated for the waiver year. A major portion of the meeting focused on the new child waiver created under House Bill 6. Legislators questioned whether the waiver’s design, including the exclusion of participant-directed services and the emphasis on high-acuity children with behavioral health, DCBS, or juvenile justice involvement, matched the bill’s intent to keep children at home. DMS said it used the $14.7 million appropriated for FY 2026 to develop the program, that there is no priority list, and that the waiver is intended to serve the highest-acuity children while also addressing residential needs for those sleeping in offices or placed out of state. Members also raised concerns about the rapid growth of the HCBS waiting list and asked for more detail on age and timing patterns, which DMS said it would provide later. Finally, DMS gave average processing times from application to eligibility determination and from approval to service start, and said the overall average from application to services beginning was about 80 days, while members requested follow-up information on the Carewise assessment contract and related costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're going to have a court-appointed attorney in a criminal case where there's potential jail time
• :27.280><c> where</c><02:22:27.520><c> there's</c><02:22:27.840><c> potential</c><02:22:28.160><c> jail
• </c><02:22:28.479><c> time</c> case where there's potential jail time case where there's potential jail

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee met on April 15, 2025, and opened a hearing on Senate Bill 269, which would remove references to “bride and groom” and replace them with “applicants” in the Vital Records Act. The bill was described by the sponsor’s designee as a housekeeping update requested by the Secretary of State to modernize and standardize the language in light of same-sex marriage and to make the statute gender-neutral. Members asked whether the change would affect the substance of marriage law, marriage ceremonies, age and residence requirements, or open the door to polygamy; the response was that it would not change the law, would still apply to two adults, and would not supersede New Hampshire’s ban on polygamy. Some members noted the bill had passed the Senate unanimously and 18-0, while others questioned whether the change was necessary given existing forms and statutes, and whether it could create confusion with other laws such as alimony or divorce paperwork. The discussion became lengthy and somewhat informal, with members debating whether the terminology update was merely clerical or whether it should be postponed for more information from the Secretary of State’s office. Several members expressed frustration that no representative from that office was present. One member, speaking as a family law attorney, argued the bill was redundant because similar information already appears on vital statistics forms and could potentially create unintended issues; others countered that the Legislature should keep statutes consistent with current law and modern terminology. The committee also briefly discussed how marriage certificates and licenses are labeled and how same-sex couples are designated under current law. After a Republican caucus break, the chair called for a nonbinding thumb vote on whether to postpone the bill. The committee voted to come back to the bill later, and the hearing on SB 269 was closed and postponed to a later executive session date. The chair then shifted to other committee business, including preparations for a later discussion with Chief Administrative Justice Ellen Kristo and a family court subcommittee exercise, but no further action was taken on SB 269 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, sometimes the client would rather be there than they would in jail.
• </c><01:15:52.800><c> they</c><01:15:52.960><c> would</c><01:15:53.120><c> in</c><01:15:53.480><c> jail
• </c> there than they than they would in jail. there than they than they would in jail.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• needed was, I don’t know, let’s say $10,000, and they were very convinced because that person was in jail
• </c><01:20:05.120><c> person</c><01:20:05.440><c> was</c><01:20:05.920><c> in</c><01:20:06.280><c> jail
• </c><01:20:07.280><c> and</c> because that person was in jail and because that person was in jail and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some are boarding in hospitals or jails.
• c><01:43:47.600><c> in</c><01:43:47.840><c> hospitals</c><01:43:48.239><c> or</c><01:43:48.600><c> jails
• </c><01:43:49.600><c> And</c> are boarding in hospitals or jails.
• And are boarding in hospitals or jails.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and up to half the times we ask of the people that wind up in county jails or in need of more care
• 58:18.720><c> county</c> the people that wind up uh in county the people that wind up uh in county jails
• :20.400><c> more</c><00:58:20.640><c> care</c><00:58:20.880><c> than</c><00:58:21.119><c> just</c> jails
• or in need of more care than just jails or in need of more care than just the<00:58:21.920><c> criminal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• their paperwork up to date so they don't get kicked off MA, so the county's not paying for holding at jails
• paying<00:59:33.440><c> for</c><00:59:33.839><c> holding</c><00:59:34.640><c> at</c><00:59:35.040><c> jails
• </c><00:59:35.839><c> because</c> paying for holding at jails because paying for holding at jails because

Keywords: 1183, house