Bills: HB3239, HB4317, HB4321, HB4322, HB3832, HB3673, HB3783, HB3800, HB2956, HB3960, HB2471, HB3338

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Bills: HB3239, HB4317, HB4321, HB4322, HB3832, HB3673, HB3783, HB3800, HB2956, HB3960, HB2471, HB3338

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Summary: The committee considered and advanced a series of occupational licensing, workforce, and regulatory bills, often after adopting proposed committee substitutes (PCSs) and, in some cases, live amendments. House Bill 437 updated CPA licensure pathways to align with the 2025 Uniform Accountancy Act and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4321 added a restriction on the Department of Labor retroactively applying new rules to existing structures absent written findings of obvious safety hazards, and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4322 removed the requirement that a funeral director in charge also hold an embalmer license, with supporters saying it would help rural funeral homes and opponents raising concerns about embalming coverage; it passed 7-1-1. House Bill 3783, a constituent-request bill for career tech/CIB testing changes in the plumbing field, was discussed as a work in progress to clarify experience-hour requirements and passed 8-0-2. House Bill 2956 made cleanup changes related to the Appraisers Board after a federal audit and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 2471 expanded and adjusted the Oklahoma Workforce Commission’s membership and quorum rules and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3239 updated the Veterinary Practice Act and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3673 allowed journeymen and contractors to renew expired licenses without reexamination if they meet fee, education, and disciplinary requirements, and passed 9-0-0-8. House Bill 3338, a constituent-request bill regulating the pool industry to address bad actors, also passed after adoption of a PCS, with the Attorney General reviewing the issue. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 3960, which would have required larger grocery stores and drugstores to employ more workers relative to self-checkout kiosks in an effort to increase staffing and reduce retail theft. Supporters framed it as a workforce and anti-theft measure, but the bill failed on a 2-6 vote. House Bill 3832 drew substantial discussion about human trafficking in exotic entertainment establishments; the sponsor explained that the bill was intended to require photo identification rather than lower the age threshold, so law enforcement could more quickly identify workers and shut down trafficking operations. Members asked about the practical effect of the proposal and related enforcement concerns, and the bill passed after the sponsor clarified the PCS was still being finalized. The committee then adjourned after the final bill was handled.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, it removed references to 'citizen' in some sections and replaced them with 'person' in most other
• replacement or culvert maintenance that actually saves the state from expending those funds on those
• </c><00:44:08.480><c> replacement</c><00:44:09.079><c> or</c><00:44:09.240><c> Culvert</c> example Culvert
• replacement or Culvert example Culvert replacement or Culvert maintenance<00:44:10.240><c> that</c><
• Marty's replacement was here, but he had to leave. We have another commitment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 187, which would allow parents or guardians to seek restraining orders on behalf of a minor child even when the alleged perpetrator is not a family or household member. Tracy Sirles testified that the bill was prompted by her family’s experience after being told by state police to seek a restraining order, only to learn the current law did not allow it because the offender was the child’s best friend’s father. Members agreed the change was straightforward, noted the fiscal note reflected only a small indeterminate cost to the judicial branch, and moved House Bill 187 ought to pass; the motion was approved unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 66, a Right-to-Know bill that removes “citizen” language in favor of “person” in some provisions and allows certain New Hampshire-connected requesters to seek records electronically if the records already exist in that format. Members reviewed concerns about defining “member of the media,” the scope of electronic requests, and a sentence stating appeals would have no filing fee or search charge. After debate, the committee voted to amend the bill by removing that fee-waiver sentence, then recommended House Bill 66 ought to pass as amended. The vote was 6-3. Next, the committee heard from the Environment and Agriculture chair about several solid-waste-related bills being folded into trailer bill language, including House Bill 215 and House Bill 171, with discussion of a possible three-year landfill moratorium and the need to address DEES staffing and funding concerns. DEES later clarified that the revised approach would not require new positions or create a fiscal impact because the new solid waste commission would be self-funded through filing fees. The committee voted unanimously to retain House Bill 215. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 566, which requires landfill permit applications to include a detailed leachate management plan and more information about disposal contracts. The sponsor said the bill was developed with DEES to address leachate problems and improve safety oversight. DEES testified that the bill largely reflects current practice and would have no specific fiscal impact, with existing staff able to absorb any review workload. The committee moved House Bill 566 ought to pass, and the motion was approved unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 624, a grant program for local river management advisory committees, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• river, and aquifer data, supporting forest stewardship, restoring native freshwater mussels, and replacing
• problem culverts.
• problem culverts.
• </c><00:24:12.799><c> problem</c><00:24:13.520><c> culverts</c> muscles and replacing problem culverts
• muscles and replacing problem culverts this<00:24:14.600><c> year's</c><00:24:14.880><c> clean</c><00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• contracted the work on the Coronado National Forest, did a couple site visits, and they also put in a culvert
• contracted the work on the Coronado National Forest, did a couple site visits, and they also put in a culvert

Summary: The Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee met with a quorum and heard opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the need to balance OHV recreation with safety, land stewardship, and coordination among users, agencies, and law enforcement. The chair described recent field observations near Sheep’s Bridge as an example of mixed use on public lands and framed the committee’s work as continuing efforts from prior years to improve mitigation and stakeholder cooperation. Arizona State Parks and Trails presented on the OHV fund and grant program. The agency explained the revenue split among Parks, Game and Fish, and State Land, and reported current fund balances, pending awards, and grant obligations. Officials said they had tightened grant oversight by requiring annual reporting and closing out long-running grants, which returned nearly $4 million to the fund. They also described eliminating informal grant “buckets” so law enforcement, education, mitigation, and trail-related projects compete under the same priorities. A major focus was the new mitigation working group created after a multi-agency call with federal, state, and local land managers. The agency said the group is stakeholder-driven and intended to speed up mitigation projects, including trail maintenance and erosion control, using both grants and contracted crews. Examples included fencing and signage in Bulldog Canyon, a safety and erosion project at Charleau Gap, a culvert project on Coronado National Forest, and a pending Windmill Mountain Ranch project. Officials also reported that law enforcement demand is rising sharply, that match requirements were removed for law enforcement grants, and that grant requests can now extend up to $750,000 over multiple years to help counties hire and retain officers. Members generally supported the changes and asked about long-term funding needs, with the agency saying demand is likely to continue growing and that priorities have shifted toward law enforcement, education, and mitigation over new trail construction.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:50:12.680><c> be</c> this entire section is going to be this entire section is going to be replaced
• One that I love to talk about is our partnership with New Hampshire DOT helping with culvert issues.
• We've seen a lot of extreme weather lately that has not only an impact on roads, bridges, and culverts
• issues um we've helping uh with Culvert issues um we've seen<03:44:21.439><c> a</c><03:44:21.520><c>
• but um from our Bridges and culverts but um from our perspective<03:44:28.680><c> it</c><03:44:28.840

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on HB 577, a bill to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Hampshire. The sponsor and supporters described the state’s housing shortage and argued the bill would make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by right, up to 950 square feet, either attached or detached, while still requiring compliance with building codes, septic/water limits, and other local requirements. Supporters said the measure would help seniors age in place, provide housing for young adults, caregivers, and workers, and make better use of existing property such as garages and barns. Representative Reed raised concern that removing language related to short-term rentals could allow ADUs to be used for that purpose rather than long-term housing. The sponsor said he was open to clarifying language on short-term rentals, and another witness explained that current law already allows municipalities some choice on ingress/egress requirements, while the bill would standardize that and leave the design choice to the property owner. Several supportive witnesses followed, including the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the Business and Industry Association, AARP, Housing Action New Hampshire, 603 Forward, and New Hampshire Youth Movement. They emphasized affordability, property rights, workforce housing, intergenerational living, and the need for statewide consistency. A Derry resident testified that his existing garage space could be converted into an ADU under HB 577, but current local rules prevent that because it is detached; he said the bill would let him rent it affordably. Supporters also argued that ADUs can increase property values and help homeowners cover mortgages and taxes. In opposition, the New Hampshire Municipal Association said the bill would impose a local zoning mandate, could add density pressure on already stressed infrastructure, and did not guarantee that new units would be affordable or workforce housing. No vote or final committee action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This facility was replaced with a reduced-sized, unmanned compressor plant in 1992. Plant in 1992.
• A 14-acre landfill was finally closed in 1990 and replaced with a solid waste transfer center.
• earlier that before I became president, I was the Red Willow Farm president for four years, and we replaced
• I traveled it when we went to the Shiprock Fair, and there was no culvert.

Transcript Highlights:

• The funding specifically renovated and replaced aging facilities infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment
• We've looked at increasing that capacity and the culverts that flow, under the five roads it has to pass
• valley, that's what I could see exactly where that water ran, ran over the highway, washed out the culvert
• The The trend is to replace the aged-out ACs, furnaces, water heaters, and so forth, and to replace them

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we were dealing with beaver dams and culverts. It was quite a project.
• Um, road quality is another example and oftentimes it's wash out from culverts.
• Um, road quality is another example and oftentimes it's wash out from culverts.
• Um, road quality is another example and oftentimes it's washout from culverts.
• Um, road quality is another example and oftentimes it's washout from culverts.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• problem culverts.
• It was funding that came with that transfer to offer replacement outdoor recreation opportunities in
• There's not a replacement for cadmium pigments in artist's paint.
• That's why real cadmium continues to outsell the available replacements significantly despite the cost
• In the future, if we ever do find that cadmium paint replacement, then let's talk about this again.

Transcript Highlights:

• They support replacing culverts that are, um, that there's too much of a drop on the is Upper Greyel
• They<01:49:24.960><c> support</c><01:49:26.080><c> replacing</c><01:49:26.639><c> culverts</c><01:49:
• 27.280><c> that</c><01:49:27.520><c> are</c> They support replacing culverts that are They support replacing
• culverts that are um um um that<01:49:29.679><c> there's</c><01:49:29.920><c> too</c><01:49:30.080><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . replacement. replacement.
• And so the town actually stepped in without reconstructing the dam, put in a culvert or a stream crossing
• the dam,<01:21:09.760><c> put</c><01:21:09.920><c> in</c><01:21:10.080><c> a</c><01:21:10.159><c> culvert
• c> or</c><01:21:11.679><c> a</c><01:21:11.679><c> a</c><01:21:12.080><c> stream</c> dam, put in a culvert
• or a a stream dam, put in a culvert or a a stream crossing<01:21:12.719><c> so</c><01:21:12.880><c>

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:

• structures include everything from traffic signals to signs, concrete boxes smaller than bridges, and culverts
• When you consider where we are, we have been able to retain about 73.7% of the replacement value of our
• And then, you know, again, try to replace that 20 million in weightation improvements.
• is the first of three installments to the new voter registration system revolving fund for the replacement

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our local municipalities are trying to do road repair, culvert work.
• AND TO LET YOU KNOW, IT IS POTHOLE SEASON, OUR LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES ARE TRYING TO DO ROAD REPAIR, CULVERT

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on May 6, 2026, approved the prior journal, and accepted a Rules Committee report advancing the government appropriations bill to third reading. The chamber then took up the tenth budget extender, which sponsor Senator Serrano said would keep state government operating through Monday, May 11 and contained $482 million in new spending, bringing the total across extenders to $20.3 billion. In questioning, Senator O’Mara and Senator Helming pressed Serrano for details on the reported $268 billion budget deal, policy outcomes, revenue raisers, and whether local governments, schools, and rural health programs would receive certainty; Serrano said final budget bills were not yet in print and declined to speculate on unresolved issues. The extender passed 60-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the North Tonawanda High School girls varsity basketball team, the Tappan Zee High School girls basketball team, and SUNY student Chriss-Ann Pryce. Members praised the teams’ state championships and Pryce’s academic and leadership achievements through the Educational Opportunity Program. The chamber then returned to legislation and passed a bill designating May 9 as Overdose Awareness Day in New York; Senator Fernandez said it recognized the harm of overdose and the need to continue funding harm reduction and recovery services. Additional bills passed included a statewide domestic violence lethality assessment measure, with Senators Murray, Rolison, Webb, and Ramos describing it as a tool to identify dangerous situations and prevent fatalities; a mental health insurance bill limiting step therapy/prior authorization for serious mental health medications, supported by Senator Fahy; and measures on education, real property tax, election law, general business law, kitchen incubator economic impacts, public buildings, state finance, and mental hygiene. Several bills drew recorded opposition, including the real property tax bill and the election law and general business law measures. The Senate concluded by adjourning until Monday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated legislative.

Transcript Highlights:

• we're doing we're doing less on bridges, we're doing less<00:26:58.559><c> on</c><00:26:59.440><c> culverts
• </c><00:27:00.960><c> So,</c> less on culverts and other things.
• So, less on culverts and other things.
• We have a number of projects out there that are waiting to get funded. don't need to be be replaced,
• we could don't need to be be replaced, we could look<00:59:10.720><c> at</c><00:59:10.880><c> something

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• my cattle were regularly trudging through to access pasture, and so they helped me install three culverts
• my cattle were regularly trudging through to access pasture, and so they helped me install three culverts
• my cattle were regularly trudging through to access pasture, and so they helped me install three culverts
• my cattle were regularly trudging through to access pasture, and so they helped me install three culverts

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It would have to be raised up, and it would be a much larger culvert.
• Now, it's not replacing, it doesn't weaken.
• Now, it's not replacing, it doesn't weaken.
• Now, it's not replacing, it doesn't weaken.
• <c> it</c><04:47:18.638><c> doesn't</c> Now, it's not replacing, it doesn't Now, it's not replacing,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have a culvert coming out or we all know is what you could buy a vehicle for in 2007.
• Our jaws of life, our hose, all those things that we might need to replace quickly without going through

Bills: SB 32, SB 464, SB 996, SB 1163, SB 1173, SB 1277, SB 1452, SB 1453, SB 1548, SB 1882, SB 1883, SB 2016

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• the water level at that time, because of a massive clog, had actually turned the water above those culverts
• the water level at that time, because of a massive clog, had actually turned the water above those culverts
• the water level at that time, because of a massive clog, had actually turned the water above those culverts
• the water level at that time, because of a massive clog, had actually turned the water above those culverts
• the water level at that time, because of a massive clog, had actually turned the water above those culverts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing opened with committee procedures and then took up SB 1, relating to vegetation management near utility lines. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it would shift rights, responsibilities, and liability onto the state and private landowners. Hawaiian Electric supported the measure with amendments, describing it as a first step to address wildfire risk and improve public safety and system reliability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and Command Schools both raised concerns that the bill could impose significant costs, liability, and access burdens on farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, especially where easements are old or unclear. Life of the Land argued the issue belongs before the Public Utilities Commission, and PUC staff explained that the commission is already reviewing Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan and vegetation management in a docket, with a decision expected by September and public meetings scheduled for April 23 and 24. Committee members questioned the need for legislation versus negotiated solutions, and witnesses said private parties could potentially renegotiate easements without statute. The committee then heard HB 1296, relating to disaster recovery. DLNR and OPSD supported the bill, saying it would ease regulatory burdens in post-disaster rebuilding and help speed permit review. Testimony and member questions focused on the bill’s five-year rebuilding timeline, the role of the coastal zone/SMA process, and how long permit reviews typically take; OPSD said SMA major/use permits generally take about six months, while minor permits are faster. Members also discussed whether the bill would apply to existing structures damaged in disasters and whether the amendments from the Attorney General’s office and OPSD were acceptable; no objections were raised. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170, relating to the expeditious redevelopment and development of affordable rental housing. HHFDC supported the bill, and testimony from a Maui affordable housing project said the measure is needed to rebuild the Weinberg Court Apartments, a 63-unit affordable project in Lahaina, using insurance funds rather than government money. Members asked whether the bill would help existing affordable rental projects damaged before the enactment of related coastal rules, and the response was that the bill is aimed at existing structures damaged during events and intended to speed rebuilding of affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• HAD AN MEANING THE SENATOR COLLINS HAS AS WELL BUT IF I HEARD IT ONCE I HEARD A THOUSAND TIMES HOW CULVERTS
• THE WAY WE NEED A LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUFFICIENTLY ARE YOU SEEING SUFFICIENT PATTERNS AND PRACTICES OF CULVERT

Keywords: 999, senate, all