Transcript Highlights:

• Um I'm happy to answer any employees.
• So it's a long speech. Sorry about that.
• So it's a long speech. Sorry about that.
• So, it's<01:28:02.320><c> a</c><01:28:02.800><c> long</c><01:28:03.199><c> speech.
• </c> it's a long speech. Sorry about that. it's a long speech. Sorry about that.

Bills: HF4841 , HF4234 , HF3697

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: Hennepin County, sales tax, health care facilities, ballpark improvements, tax revenue, HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• , but there's no guarantee that the lottery employees are coming over to TDLR.
• So in that respect Does the prohibition on employees September 1 affect family members of those employees
• Members, this is really a unique speech for me because I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.
• , and employees and commissioners of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
• So thank you so much for your opposition speech, and I, too, want to protect taxpayers.

Bills: SB6 , SB30 , SB13 , SB2878 , SB2501 , SB66 , SB268 , SB331 , SB618 , SB414 , SB1394 , SB2425 , SB898 , SB993 , SB442 , SB735 , SB784 , SB2538 , SB1919 , SB1013 , SB2215 , SB2322 , SB626 , SB570 , SB747 , SB2183 , SB673 , SB1015 , SB1447 , SB1370 , SB1784 , SB1897 , SB2873 , SB2891 , SB2933 , SB2540 , SB2681 , SB2695 , SB1965 , SB2203 , SB872 , SB875 , SB1030 , SB1277 , SB1730 , SB1681 , SB1152 , SB2969 , SB2747 , SB2705 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB2080 , SB2721 , SB1986 , SB2392 , SB2539 , SB2857 , SB2799 , SB2785 , SB2782 , SB1531 , SB1927 , SB1263 , SB1098 , SB835 , SB3070 , SB22 , SJR27 , SB25 , SB7 , SB552 , SB1612 , SJR87 , SJR1 , SB6 , SB30 , SB13 , SB2878 , SB57 , SB127 , SB293 , SB441 , SB3059 , SB512 , SB241 , SB1718 , SB140 , SB2055 , SB2075 , SB2018 , SB1534 , SB1567 , SB785 , SB1233 , SB1580 , SB1663 , SB413 , SB447 , SB519 , SB467 , SB1579 , SB1191 , SB1021 , SB1838 , SB2807 , SB2835 , SB546 , SB2121 , SB2167 , SB2035 , SB2024 , SB1032 , SB1049 , SB1266 , SB1400 , SB1302 , SB401 , SB1596 , SB1281 , SB1242 , SB1343 , SB310 , SB1346 , SB2753 , SB2703 , SB2221 , SB1719 , SB2177 , SB800 , SB790 , SB748 , SB571 , SB1957 , SB1923 , SB1896 , SB1760 , SB1335 , SB2368 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2972 , SB2986 , SB2965 , SB1563 , SB1467 , SB1164 , SB1137 , SB614 , SB705 , SB961 , SB918 , SB955 , SB869 , SB850 , SB863 , SB1610 , SB1055 , SB2206 , SB457 , SB2337 , SB1362 , SB926 , SB1494 , SB251 , SB456 , SB500 , SB1307 , SB2615 , SB2995 , SB2321 , SB973 , SB974 , SB865 , SB506 , SB781 , SB1522 , SB1558 , SB510 , SB667 , SB763 , SB2073 , SB1858 , SB1660 , SB505 , SB2900 , SB1433 , SB1540 , SB1964 , SB1300 , SB1644 , SB2217 , SB2373 , SB2431 , SB1758 , SB2480 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB3073 , SB2920 , SB2781 , SB826 , SB766 , SB2460 , SB527 , SB1946 , SB2885 , SB1243 , SB2610 , SB2595 , SB857 , SB2501 , SB66 , SB268 , SB331 , SB618 , SB414 , SB1394 , SB2425 , SB898 , SB993 , SB442 , SB735 , SB784 , SB2538 , SB1919 , SB1013 , SB2215 , SB2322 , SB626 , SB570 , SB747 , SB2183 , SB673 , SB1015 , SB1447 , SB1370 , SB1784 , SB1897 , SB2873 , SB2891 , SB2933 , SB2540 , SB2681 , SB2695 , SB1965 , SB2203 , SB872 , SB875 , SB1030 , SB1277 , SB1730 , SB1681 , SB1152 , SB2969 , SB2747 , SB2705 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB2080 , SB2721 , SB1986 , SB2392 , SB2539 , SB2857 , SB2799 , SB2785 , SB2782 , SB1531 , SB1927 , SB1263 , SB1098 , SCR9 , HB5560 , HB762 , HB 107 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB4386 , HB2495 , HB581 , HB3348 , HB5323 , HB1584 , HB4341 , HB6 , HB171 , HB143 , HB449 , HB3486 , HB4263 , HB5246 , HB2 , HB2011 , SB17 , SB21

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school libraries, library advisory councils, parental rights, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, judicial branch, court security, expunction, pretrial intervention, youth diversion, record retention

Transcript Highlights:

• Cassie Manzini on behalf of the California School Employees Association, in support.
• So, in addition, no names and addresses of employees, but simply a headcount of employees and the standard
• Including the classification of employees? No. Okay.
• It would take an extra 50 employees and a huge warehouse.
• I mean, if I do vote for this today, I'm going to vote no on the floor and give a speech about it if

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took action on a number of them. SB 1234 by Senator Alvarado-Gil would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; there was no opposition, a committee member confirmed it would apply to caregivers rather than children, and the bill was supported for moving forward. SB 1257 by Senator Arreguín would require the Attorney General to publish an annual public report on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship; supporters from immigrant advocacy and health groups testified about fear and chilling effects in communities, while questions focused on how data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 by Senator Choi would bar foreign adversary entities from buying California agricultural land; supporters cited national security concerns, but committee members pressed on enforcement, straw buyers, and who would be responsible for identifying prohibited purchasers, and the bill was held on a 2-4 vote after debate. The committee also heard SB 1146 by Senator Gonzalez, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, describing deepfake health ads as deceptive and harmful; it passed the committee 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 988 by Senator Grayson would regulate auto glass insurance practices by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring claim numbers and itemized estimates, and addressing steering and billing practices; supporters said it would curb fraud and stabilize premiums, while independent glass businesses worried about steering and market concentration. After discussion of consumer choice and small-business impacts, the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1288, presented by Senator Grayson on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make a good-faith effort to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would reduce barriers to claiming those assets, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit witnesses described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements, while SIFMA and bankers opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactivity and verification. The bill passed 8-0 to call. The committee also heard SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; the Attorney General’s office and immigrant advocates supported it as a response to exploitative pricing and poor conditions, and it passed 8-0 to call. Finally, SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors opposed the fee and penalty structure as uncapped and costly. The bill was moved forward on a vote and remained on call after committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• increasing the fees would only help to generate our business and help to provide an increase to our employees
• only help to generate our business in help to project and actually provide increase to you know our employees
• and just to provide increase to you know our employees and just to help benefit the you know the community
• These bills will allow the balance between free speech and justice, encouraging targets to speak without

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn. On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees. The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sub-minimum wage: Personally, I've had to scratch and claw my way to be a paid employee.
• However, if an employer chooses to pay less than minimum wage, what does that say about how they view employees
• necessarily with the goal, our goal with Project Search is not to convert every student into an employee
• I was like, all Right, come on, give us a final speech here.

Transcript Highlights:

• These requirements apply to fully insured health plans and health plans offered to public and school employees
• This issue came on our radar through a member of ours, a speech-language pathologist in the Mount Vernon
• But it is not a covered benefit in Washington for public employees and people on Medicaid.
• But it is not a covered benefit in Washington for public employees and people on Medicaid.

Summary: The Health Care and Wellness Committee held a public hearing on several bills and a joint memorial. SB 5915 would update the health technology assessment program by adding technologies recommended for Medicare populations or in national guidelines to the review priority list, requiring broader evidence review for life-threatening or rare diseases, and setting timelines for posting and deciding review requests. Supporters, including rare disease advocates and providers, said the current process is outdated and too rigid; the bill was then held for later action. SJM 8002 urged Congress to strengthen original Medicare, oppose privatization, add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and reduce Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud. Supporters from labor and senior groups argued it would protect beneficiaries and send a message to federal officials; the memorial was also held after testimony. The committee also heard SB 5395 on prior authorization. Staff explained it would tighten notice requirements, require a licensed clinician—not AI alone—to deny requests based on medical necessity, add transparency around policy changes, and change how retrospective denials are treated. The prime sponsor and provider groups said the bill was a negotiated compromise meant to reduce delays and inappropriate denials, while insurers were generally neutral but sought a narrow amendment. Testifiers described prior authorization as a major source of delay and administrative burden, and the bill was held after public testimony. SB 5845 would require carriers to pay or deny clean claims within 30 days, set timelines for non-clean claims and information requests, and allow penalties for repeated noncompliance. Hospitals, physicians, and health systems supported it as a way to improve predictable payment, while insurers were neutral and asked for a narrow amendment; the bill was also held. The committee heard SB 6025, which would change the definition of fetal death so gestational age is calculated using the best clinically accurate age rather than the last menstrual period. Obstetric and nursing witnesses said the current law can force inaccurate records and unnecessary burdens on grieving families, while opponents objected to the bill’s abortion-related definitions. The bill was held after testimony. Finally, SB 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge fees to support that work. The department and the sponsor said the measure would preserve a patient-centered accreditation option amid budget pressure, and the committee closed testimony and held the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's 25 districts and 34 divisions, with over 13,000 employees.
• So the answer is yes, there very well could be some DIR staffing from... us, W-2 from our employees,
• My sister followed me to T.W.U. and is now a bilingual speech-language pathologist.
• Now it kind of differs from employee to teacher, I mean, obvious with the name, but just give us a brief

Committee: Senate Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• From 4-H projects to memorizing speeches to running for officer positions and working with my peers,
• Roybal Caballero, an act relating to labor, increasing the minimum wage for certain employees, providing
• introduced by Representative Patricia Roybal Caballero (member_12219), an act relating to state employees
• Salary, annual leave accrual rates, and paid parental leave, providing for state employee recruitment

Transcript Highlights:

• Two things that I'd ask that you think about: one famous speech from Theodore Roosevelt was talking about
• Martin Luther King's words, one of his famous speeches centered around service.
• c><00:12:34.640><c> his</c><00:12:34.880><c> famous</c><00:12:35.880><c> uh</c><00:12:36.000><c> speeches
• </c><00:12:37.120><c> uh</c> words, one of his famous uh speeches uh words, one of his famous uh speeches

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's paid speech is specifically what the Sunshine Laws regulate.
• I haven't heard what their concern is other than they just don't think their speech should be regulated
• but it reminds me a little bit of the, you know, a college saying, if you want to have some free speech
• , we have a free speech box over here, you can stand in and talk, but you can't exercise that in other
• .voters as the voice of the church in the state of Idaho rather than having to go stand in a free speech

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot read my speech. So, I might have to make it up.
• I<00:02:25.280><c> cannot</c><00:02:25.720><c> read</c><00:02:25.920><c> my</c><00:02:26.080><c> speech
• 02:27.280><c> So,</c><00:02:28.000><c> I</c><00:02:28.120><c> might</c> &gt;&gt; I cannot read my speech
• So, I might &gt;&gt; I cannot read my speech.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of my favorite stories about Humphrey is that after he gave his final speech to a joint session of
• want to close with this quote that I actually read directly from his memoir last time I gave this speech
• <c> joint</c><00:03:32.319><c> session</c><00:03:32.640><c> of</c><00:03:32.879><c> Congress,</c> speech
• to a joint session of Congress, speech to a joint session of Congress, uh<00:03:34.879><c> the</c><00
• I have enjoyed my life, its speech.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now there's talk of a cut of 80,000 employees for the VA, right?
• Now, here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we have about 8,600 VA employees.
• Now there's talk of a cut of 80,000 employees for the VA, right?
• Now, here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we have about 8,600 VA employees.
• We've served over 500 employees to date who have received mentors in this programming.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is the employee. So Acumen and LDH, yes. Okay.
• He gets speech.
• So we see speech once a week.
• I'm a retired state employee and an AARP volunteer.
• I'm a retired state employee and an AARP volunteer.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several budget requests tied to health and human services. Louisiana Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for continued support and a supplemental appropriation of $1.173 million for infrastructure and standardization, explaining that the money would expand use of the Guardify digital evidence system, improve chain of custody, and reduce reliance on DVDs. Baton Rouge and statewide CAC leaders said prior funding helped eliminate a therapy wait list and speed services for abused children. Members asked detailed questions about the digital system, MDT coordination, and how the request related to SB 237, which would strengthen multidisciplinary review of child abuse cases. The Alzheimer’s Association sought $824,000 to sustain the dementia care specialist program, saying it helps families navigate services, keep loved ones at home longer, and reduce Medicaid costs. AARP and the Live at Home Coalition also testified for 750 additional Community Choice waiver slots at a state cost of $3.3 million, arguing that home- and community-based care is cheaper than nursing homes and that the current wait list is more than 11,000 people. Legislators discussed the size of the need, the state’s long-term care spending mix, and whether more support should go to family caregivers and community-based options. Testimony also focused on disability support services, substance use treatment, and developmental disability provider rates. A parent and direct support worker described the Children’s Choice waiver’s 20-hour cap and low pay, saying it makes it hard to retain caregivers and meet the needs of medically fragile children. Odyssey House and O’Brien House asked for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates under ASAM 4, warned that removal of room-and-board payments and weak Medicaid eligibility pathways are reducing access, and called for more oversight of sober living homes; members questioned outcomes data, length of stay, and links to homelessness. Finally, the Arc of Louisiana said the LDH rate study confirmed underfunding and supported a $53.6 million increase in state general funds, with local ARC leaders describing the services they provide and the need for higher direct support professional wages.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is the employee. So Acumen and LDH, yes. Okay.
• He gets speech.
• So we see speech once a week.
• I'm a retired state employee and an AARP volunteer.
• Larry Carter with the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Repealing it restores free speech, removes unnecessary business barriers, and maintains strong consumer
• But what this has done, we believe, has taken away free speech from folks that are agents.
• But what this has done, we believe, has taken away free speech from folks that are agents.
• But what this has done, we believe, has taken away free speech from folks that are agents.
• But what this is done, we believe, has taken away free speech from folks that are agents.

Bills: S0266 , S0394 , S0540 , S0632 , S0642 , S0832 , S0834 , S1028

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on insurance requirements for nonprofit religious organizations and health care sharing ministries. The bill repeals a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing fraud and disclosure protections; opponents said allowing agents and brokers could create consumer confusion and has been associated with bad actors. A title amendment was adopted, and after debate the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and passed SB 642, which extends reporting and duty requirements to foreign and alien bail bond insurers, and SB 394, a technical bill updating reinsurance intermediary manager law to match current DFS practice. SB 266, which lets vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts without penalty, was reported favorably after testimony from supporters in the insurance and elder law communities and a public adjuster who said the intent was good but the bill may need refinement. SB 832, a residential property insurance transparency bill requiring rate breakdown reports and a consumer resource center, also passed after discussion about consumer clarity and whether the required cost categories can be compiled as written. Later, the committee approved SB 540, which creates cybersecurity requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, closes a regulatory gap for certain investment advisers, adjusts OFR examination-payment deadlines, changes de novo charter requirements, allows virtual credit union meetings, and makes other financial regulation updates. Several amendments were adopted, including a substitute amendment removing fintech sandbox provisions. Finally, SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation was reported favorably after debate over a commercial lines clearinghouse intended to reduce Citizens’ exposure and shift more business to the private market; members discussed taxpayer risk, market competition, and consumer protections. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, waiting to hear your eloquent speech on that. All speeches are eloquent. Yeah, they are.
• <00:23:45.279><c> on</c> speech on speech on that<00:23:48.320><c> all</c><00:23:48.600><c> conent</c
• speeches are eloquent that all conent speeches are eloquent yeah<00:23:50.200><c> they</c><00:23:50.360
• Discussion on this one as well: I'm going to give the same speech that I have.
• Yeah, it's a good speech. We'll take it out. Beautiful. Doing a good job, everybody. Uh, SB 228.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• LHS Associates employees, between 11 to 31 employees, and VotingWorks employees, between 11 to 50 employees
• LHS Associates employees, between 11 to 31 employees, and VotingWorks employees, between 11 to 50 employees
• LHS Associates employees, between 11 to 31 employees, and VotingWorks employees, between 11 to 50 employees
• I don't need to give my speech again; I gave it last time. It's the same bill.
• I don't need to give my speech again; I gave it last time. It's the same bill.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• individuals from the school district involved: a general ed teacher, sometimes a CTE teacher, sometimes a speech
• Employees. It's therapists. It's everything that's allowable. Not the student.
• We also had a young girl speech therapy she needed.
• , someone from the campus would cross the street bring that child into an Edgewood school and our speech
• For example, if the child had a speech impairment, the speech therapy was provided by the school.

Bills: HB3 , HB3

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: education savings account, educational expenses, certified educational assistance organization, school choice, funding, special education, tuition reimbursement, emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management, public safety infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:52:02.640><c> supposed</c><00:52:02.920><c> to</c> is the transgender employee supposed to is
• a speech that my daughter<01:33:00.199><c> wrote</c><01:33:00.520><c> last</c><01:33:00.719><c> year
• I'm a loving uncle, brother, and son, and a good employee of a large New Hampshire company.
• You are taking away their free association and their free speech.
• what if they want to be a speech what if they want to be a legislator<02:18:20.960><c> how</c><02:18

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed. Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details. Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.