Transcript Highlights:

• At today's hearing, the committee will hear testimony on bills related to agriculture, land use, and
• We are also hearing just one bill that we did not get people to testify on from the last hearing, and
• Can you hear me? Yes, we can hear you. Please go ahead.
• Thank you for hearing.
• Can you hear me now? Yes, yes, please go ahead. Okay. Can you hear me now?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on a series of bills focused largely on local-option real estate transfer fees and housing funding tools for communities facing severe affordability pressures. Testimony strongly favored bills for Somerville, Concord, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Chatham, and a statewide local-option transfer fee, with speakers arguing that high-end real estate transactions should help fund affordable housing, anti-displacement efforts, workforce housing, and related capital improvements. Elected officials and local housing leaders described rising rents and home prices, investor activity, shrinking year-round housing stock, and difficulty recruiting or retaining teachers, police, health care workers, and other essential employees. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals would be optional for municipalities, could include exemptions for first-time homebuyers or seniors, and would direct revenue into local affordable housing trust funds or housing banks. Committee members asked questions about who would pay the fee and whether it could make housing less affordable, and supporters responded that the fees would be targeted at higher-value transactions and designed with local flexibility. For Somerville, the delegation and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne backed both a local home rule petition and statewide enabling legislation, saying the city has already used zoning reform, inclusionary zoning, and local housing funds but still needs a new revenue source to address displacement and investor-driven purchases. For Concord, Representative Carmine Gentile and Concord housing advocates supported a home rule petition and the statewide bill, arguing that a modest fee on sales above $1 million could generate predictable revenue for affordable housing production and preservation. One committee exchange focused on whether the fee would affect most Concord sales and whether it would be passed on to buyers; supporters said the policy was intended to shift costs toward higher-value properties and help leverage other funding sources. The committee also heard testimony on House 4105, which would redirect a casino-related revenue stream to the Healthy Incentives Program. Farmers, advocates, and residents said the current funding was originally intended to support horse racing but has not met that goal, and that the money would be better used to support Massachusetts farmers and food-insecure residents through HIP. In a separate bill, Senator Becca Rausch testified in support of Senate 268, which would create a state-level hostile learning environment complaint process for higher education institutions and potentially strip tax exemptions from colleges or universities found to have such environments; she cited anti-Semitic and transphobic incidents on campuses and argued that existing federal protections should be mirrored in state law. The hearing also included testimony on college tuition debt reduction legislation from Senator Michael Moore, who said the bill would allow a deduction for tuition and fees paid to Massachusetts public colleges and universities to ease student debt and support the state’s workforce. A major portion of the hearing focused on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket housing bank proposals. Hospital, school, housing, planning, and municipal officials from Martha’s Vineyard said the island’s year-round housing shortage is harming health care, schools, and the local workforce, and urged approval of a housing bank funded by a local-option transfer fee. Nantucket witnesses made similar arguments, pointing to a very high median home price, a large seasonal housing stock, and the need for a dedicated revenue stream to preserve and create year-round housing. Supporters repeatedly cited the long-running success of the islands’ land banks as evidence that transfer fees can work without harming real estate markets. Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Thomas Moakley Luddy also backed the Cape and Islands transfer-fee bills, saying the region needs bold action and a sustainable local funding source to address its housing crisis.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:19.120><c> and</c> the actual process and the hearings and the actual process and the hearings
• ,</c><00:19:20.400><c> as</c> finally at this last hearing, as finally at this last hearing, as represent
• Represent Pinto, how do recent hearing.
• I would just say because I hear, I think we hear that a lot, which is we're talking about private provider
• I would just say because I hear, I think we hear that a lot, which is we're talking about private provider

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the focus of the hearing.
• I'm glad to hear there will be a proposal, and I'm very, very glad to hear... ...we'll have a proposal
• I'm glad to hear there'll be a proposal, and I'm very, very glad to hear you must have heard somewhere
• We hope to hear back on all this come May revise, and again, if we must, we will have an additional hearing
• We hope to hear back on all this come May revise, and again, if we must, we will have an additional hearing

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held a hearing on the Governor’s proposal to convert the California Community Schools Partnership Program from a one-time grant model into an ongoing $1 billion Proposition 98 program. Finance and CDE described the expansion as a way to sustain existing community schools and add thousands more, with county offices, regional/state technical assistance centers, annual self-certification, and a future accreditation process intended to support fidelity to the state framework. The LAO opposed shifting to an ongoing categorical program and recommended continuing one-time grants, while suggesting longer-term funding for technical assistance and, if ongoing funding is adopted, stronger planning, reporting, phased expansion, and clearer accreditation timelines. Committee members pressed the administration on how the new proposal could fund far more schools with less money than the original $4.1 billion program, how much of the funding would go to existing cohorts versus new schools, and whether the proposal sufficiently requires planning and implementation before funds are received. Testimony from practitioners and advocates largely supported ongoing funding but emphasized that money alone is not enough. Speakers from LPI, CTA, San Diego Unified, Fresno County, the Partnership for the Future of Learning, and Sacramento County urged stronger requirements for shared governance, explicit commitment to the community schools framework, annual reporting beginning in year one, and continued or expanded support for coordinators and technical assistance. Several witnesses said the proposal should better protect county office coordination roles, maintain preferences for partnerships in the technical assistance structure, and ensure the system can support more than 6,000 schools. Others highlighted the need for specialized supports for middle and high schools, better integration with other state programs such as ELOP, universal meals, TK, and the LCFF equity multiplier, and more detailed accountability and accreditation processes. No formal vote was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript. The chair indicated that the committee wanted additional information on the funding breakdown, the use of reverted funds, and the proposed support structure before taking action, and administration witnesses said a more detailed proposal would be brought forward in the May Revise.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:51.440><c> before</c> hearing officer to hear appeals before hearing officer to hear appeals
• There was a hearing scheduled. The hearing lasted 4 days.
• There was a uh<00:29:11.600><c> a</c><00:29:11.680><c> pre-hearing</c> uh a pre-hearing uh a pre-hearing
• </c> hearing on SB 535. hearing on SB 535.
• What I didn't<03:08:05.520><c> hear</c> didn't hear didn't hear was<03:08:07.080><c> that</c><03:08:07.680

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Verbal outbursts, hearing room.
• Paul you'll hear from the mayor of St.
• At the same time, I hear those messages. I also hear messages of hope.
• At the same time, I hear those messages. I also hear messages of hope.
• I didn't hear Mr.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Vice Chair will open the public hearing.
• We'll get a staff report and hear from Senator Schoesler.
• Can you hear me, Chair? Can you hear you and see you? All right, great.
• The committee then opened public hearing.
• We have a tough time hearing you. Thank you. Yes.

Bills: SB5930 , SB6075 , SB6216 , SB6233

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: irrigation districts, director contracts, beneficial interests, transparency, governance, mitigation, habitat conservation, property rights, landowner compensation, fairness in mitigation, critical habitat, species preservation, riparian protection, salmon recovery, watershed planning, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Ecology, habitat conservation account, conservation easement, noxious weed control

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, that motion carries. Moving on to item four on our agenda, our revenue reports.
• Hearing no opposition, that motion carries and the temporary certificate is issued.
• If the board were to affirm the hearing officer's decision, the permit...
• Affirm the hearing officer's decision revoking Mr.
• Traylor, that the board affirm the hearing officer's decision.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and received a revenue report showing continued growth across several gaming sectors. State police reported December riverboat AGR of $167.8 million, Caesars New Orleans revenue of $283,602, racetrack slot AGR of $26.9 million, video gaming net device revenue of $67.1 million, retail and mobile sports wagering totals of $24.7 million and $373 million respectively, and daily fantasy sports gross revenue of about $4.8 million. The board noted increases in year-to-date revenues and fees in multiple categories, including the impact of Bally’s Baton Rouge landside opening and gains in the Shreveport-Bossier and Lake Charles markets. The board then approved a second temporary certificate of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel through February 28, 2026. AVS and the Attorney General’s office reported that most life-safety deficiencies had been corrected, including repair and successful testing of the emergency generator system, but a final verification blackout drill still needed to be completed. The extension was granted to allow AVS to complete that inspection. The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises, Inc. for late filing of annual forms and fees required for its Type 6 video draw poker license. In the final item, the board heard Thomas Rasko’s appeal of a revocation decision involving his non-key gaming employee permit. After argument from both Rasko and the Division, the board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking the permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will begin by hearing bills on file.
• Then at 2 o'clock, we will either adjourn or recess the hearing in order to begin our informational hearing
• And that adjourns the education hearing for bill hearings.
• And that adjourns the education hearing for bill hearings. Good afternoon.
• "I hear you.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee first heard two bills. AB 1665 by Assemblymember Pacheco would require school sports coaches to complete approved mental health training. Supporters said coaches are trusted adults who are often first to notice student-athlete distress, and a witness described personal experience with body image and disordered eating pressures in athletics. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved out of committee on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, ultimately passing 9-0 after add-on votes. AB 2316 by Assemblymember Hoover would allow charter schools to apply for the same financial hardship relief in the state school facilities program that traditional districts can seek. Supporters argued this would improve parity and help smaller and low-income charter schools access permanent facilities; some initially opposed agencies said their concerns were addressed by amendments. The bill also passed unanimously, 9-0, to Appropriations. The committee then took up a consent calendar containing 12 additional measures, including bills on education funding, facilities, and other school-related matters, plus a resolution. Those items were approved on a 7-0 vote, with the roll left open for add-on votes. After the bill hearing portion was recessed and later reconvened, additional members added votes to AB 1665, AB 2316, and the consent calendar, bringing each to 9-0. The committee then held an informational hearing on state-level education governance, centered on Governor Newsom’s proposal to restructure the California Department of Education and the role of the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction, with AB 2117 serving as a policy vehicle carrying the same language and no action to be taken. Testimony came from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Education Commission of the States, and former CDE chief deputy Richard Zager. Witnesses reviewed the history of California’s governance structure, compared it with other states, and discussed accountability, legislative oversight, and the role of the superintendent under the proposal. Committee members raised concerns about preserving checks and balances, the fiscal implementation plan, county-office relationships, and whether the superintendent’s role would be reduced too far; no vote was taken at the informational hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's hearing is an informational hearing on the subject matter of Assembly Bill 1923 by Assembly Member
• if it were a regular bill hearing.
• So this is an informational hearing.
• We're just hearing the voices and the issues around it.
• So again, with that, I thank you guys for hearing us out.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once again, this is a hearing on the Joint Committee on Revenue.
• Many of the proposals we'll be hearing about today...
• I think you may also be hearing testimony... members of the committee.
• I'm happy to answer any questions either here or after the hearing.
• I'm not hearing any. Because I'm a disabled veteran.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 32 bills related to veterans and service members, with opening remarks from Chair Madaro and Senator Eldridge emphasizing the committee’s work on tax credits and property tax relief, including follow-up to the HERO Act of 2024. The chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted the August 23 reporting deadline for House-filed matters, and explained that testimony would focus on issues including voluntary contributions, sales tax, property tax, and economic development. No votes were taken during the hearing. Several bills drew testimony in support of expanding or simplifying veterans’ property tax benefits. Rep. Sylvia supported H. 3255 to raise the veterans’ property tax workoff cap from $1,500 to $2,000, matching the senior workoff program. Rep. Soder and Sen. Moore advocated for stronger property tax relief for disabled veterans, including H. 3245 and S. 2046, with Moore proposing a disability-based exemption and state reimbursement to municipalities. Rep. McGregor supported H. 3175, which would eliminate the need for veterans to refile annually for exemptions unless their status changes, arguing it would reduce burdens on veterans and assessors. Testimony also addressed line-of-duty death benefits and local implementation concerns. Mary Ann Cardi supported H. 3188 to clarify that surviving spouses of police and fire personnel who died in the line of duty qualify for a full real estate exemption. Chris Clark, Senator Sear, and Counselor Ludke all backed the veterans’ workoff bill, describing it as an equity fix that would align the veterans’ program with the senior program and help municipalities like Barnstable use the benefit more effectively. After hearing from all scheduled speakers and confirming no additional in-person testimony, the chairs adjourned the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We just have a couple of public hearings today.
• And again, we'll hear back on that.
• And again, we'll hear back on that.
• We will suspend the hearing on Senate Bill 5938 and reopen the hearing on 6054, and we will bring up
• hearing on Senate Bill 5938.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on two housing-related bills. Senate Bill 6054 would prohibit common interest communities, including HOAs and condominiums, from banning fire-hardened building materials that meet health and safety standards, while still allowing reasonable rules on design, placement, and appearance. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help homeowners reduce wildfire risk without forcing any resident to make changes, and staff explained that it would apply retroactively to conflicting governing documents. Testimony was generally supportive, including from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Washington State Community Associations Institute, and HOA United, though the American Wood Council asked for narrower definitions so wood products could still qualify under other standards. Senate Bill 5938 would revise the $80 foreclosure prevention fee created last session. Staff said the bill expands exemptions to include reverse mortgages for borrowers age 60 and older, chattel loans and retail installment contracts for dwellings secured as personal property, and limits duplicate charges in certain state-supported homeownership programs. It also removes the option to pay the fee from borrower cash at closing, allows financing through loan proceeds, clarifies disclosure and Commerce’s rulemaking authority, and directs Commerce and the Housing Finance Commission to study creating a state homeowner assistance fund by July 1, 2027. The sponsor and supporters said the changes would stabilize foreclosure prevention funding, prevent multiple charges on the same transaction, and help homeowners stay in their homes. Testimony on SB 5938 was strongly supportive from the Washington Homeownership Resource Center, the Washington Build Back Black Alliance, HOA United, and the Northwest Justice Project, with speakers emphasizing foreclosure prevention, housing stability, and the need for assistance for seniors, first-time buyers, and HOA homeowners. At the end of the hearing, the chair announced that the committee would likely take executive action on the bills early the next week and asked members to submit amendments by the stated deadlines.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also removing any public access to a public trial or public hearing.
• We're also removing any public access to a public trial or public hearing.
• Because this is an internal matter, Access to a public trial or public hearing.
• We hear the facts and we judge the facts.
• We hear the facts and we judge the facts.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This hearing is required by law to hear an independent report from the California...
• This hearing is required by law to hear an independent report from the California Actuarial Advisory
• But we look forward to hearing... Mr.
• Well, that's good to hear. Yeah. Good to hear. For employers as well. Well, that's good to hear.
• Well, that's good to hear. Yeah. Good to hear. Mr. Cohen, last question for me.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement and the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement held a joint hearing required by law to receive an independent report from the California Actuarial Advisory Panel on CalPERS. Opening remarks emphasized CalPERS’ role in providing retirement security for roughly two million members and the importance of actuarial assumptions to state budgeting and long-term pension health. Scott Tarando, CalPERS chief actuary and a CAP member, presented the report with Michael Cohen of CalPERS’ investment office available for questions. Tarando explained the statutory disclosure requirements under Government Code Section 2029, including sensitivity analysis around CalPERS’ 6.8% discount rate, and discussed how investment return assumptions and the 20-year amortization period affect contribution rates, unfunded liabilities, and budget volatility. He said shorter amortization periods would raise near-term costs but reduce long-term interest costs, and noted that CalPERS’ current approach is intended to smooth contribution changes over time. He also described the timing of the annual valuation process, explaining that contribution rates for a given fiscal year are based on the most recently audited year-end data and are approved by the board before being used in the budget process. Members asked about the relationship between average employee service life and amortization, whether more current data could be used, the effect of AI and labor-market changes on future assumptions, whether retirees’ benefits change with annual valuations, and CalPERS’ funded status. Tarando said the average expected working lifetime is about 11 to 12 years, while CalPERS uses a 20-year amortization period; he also said retiree benefits are set at retirement and do not change based on later valuations. He estimated CalPERS’ funded status had risen from the mid-60% range about 10 years ago to around 79% at June 30 and above 80% more recently. Cohen said CalPERS had complied with federal information requests and that no formal federal review had been released. During public comment, a county association representative praised the improved funded status and PEPRA reforms. The chairs closed by reiterating fiduciary responsibility and the need to protect CalPERS’ long-term stability, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, guest introductions, and several ceremonial proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Joseph Torkelson for his service in pediatric oncology and military medicine. Members also introduced guests connected to Arizona Bleeding Disorders, charter schools, and a suicide-prevention effort tied to HB 2665 (“Cade’s Law”). The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions. On the first calendar, the House gave do pass recommendations, mostly as amended, to HB 2117, 2744, 2751, 2917, 2939, 2957, 2970, and HCR 2038. The amendments addressed topics such as natural resource conservation district boundaries, manufacturing and jobs, Real ID/non-Real ID data privacy, and Colorado River conservation and tribal/community representation. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole report and sent the measures for engrossing; a later motion to amend the report to include the defeated Villegas amendment on HB 2667 failed by roll call vote, 22-32 with 6 not voting. In the next calendars, the House advanced HB 2015, 2129, 2327, 2439, 2533, 2667, 2793, 2873, HCR 2044, and others, with several floor or committee amendments adopted. Debate focused on homelessness coordination in HB 2533, homebuyer assistance and corporate ownership concerns in HB 2667, annexation and local control in HB 2793, and a proposed constitutional referral in HCR 2044 aimed at closing loopholes for discrimination in public programs. The House also considered HB 2044 and HB 2076 in the Judiciary calendar, with debate over the scope of a homicide-disposal statute in HB 2044 and school safety/teacher firearms issues in HB 2076; both bills advanced as amended. The final calendar covered natural resources, energy, and water bills. The House advanced HB 2014, 2055, 2145, 2185, 2267, 2340, 2428, 2696, 2798, 2955, 2975, and 2986, with amendments on drought definitions, emissions permitting, mineral district mapping, and environmental enforcement authority. HB 2267 drew the sharpest debate, with opponents arguing it would hinder solar and wind development and supporters arguing for diversification toward coal, gas, and nuclear; after a division vote, the bill still received a do pass recommendation. The session concluded with the Committee of the Whole rising and reporting, and the House adopting the report and assigning the measures accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, hearing no negative debate, the debate is closed.
• Hearing none, good gentleman... Further debate on the motion. Hearing none, good gentleman, 15. Mr.
• Hearing none and hearing no negative debate, base closed.
• Hearing none. Hearing no negative debate, the base is closed.
• Hearing none, Clerk, read.

Summary: The House convened with 67 members present, approved the journal, and received committee reports referring a large slate of bills and resolutions to various committees or to second reading. Several new bills were introduced, including measures on cemetery maintenance districts, ICE agreements and immigration status reporting, milk testing, specialty license plates, driver licensing and vehicle registration deadlines for new residents, child custody interference, cloud seeding, urban renewal, and a sales tax rebate. House Concurrent Resolutions 21 and 22, concerning Transportation and Education rules, were sent for printing. On the floor, the House suspended the rules to take up House Bill 613 immediately. The bill, which addresses liability protections for private polling places, election workers, volunteers, and certain nonprofit locations used for Election Day, passed 68-0 and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also passed House Bill 587, providing continuous spending authority for the rangeland improvement account, after extended debate over legislative oversight versus the need to spend grant and account funds on time; it passed 44-25. House Bill 573, expanding flexibility for enhanced concealed carry instructor qualifications, passed 68-0, and House Bill 624, revising oversight and accountability requirements for the Idaho Home Learning Academy, also passed 68-0. The House returned House Bill 547 and House Bill 525 to committee at the request of sponsors, moved House Bill 530 to general orders, and held the remaining third-reading bills until Monday, February 16, 2026. Announcements noted upcoming committee meetings, a 4-H breakfast, a memorial committee event, and other caucus or lunch notices. The House then adjourned until 10 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there individuals that you would like to hear from?
• And we do have probably another 40 to hear. So 30 or 40 to hear.
• Can you hear me? Yes, I hear you now. Would you please raise your right hand, sir? I am here.
• Can you hear me? Yes, I hear you now. Would you please raise your right hand, sir?
• Next, we'll hear from tab 12, Mr.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's hear from Ann Boyington. Hello? Hello? We hear you. Go ahead. Thank you. Hi.
• Can you hear me and see me? We can hear you, but we cannot see you yet.
• Thank you for hearing my testimony.
• Thank you, Chair Robinson, for this hearing. Thank you, Chair Robinson, for this hearing.
• court costs for extended hearings.

Bills: SB6346 , SB6347 , SB6147 , SB6246 , SB5940 , SB5882 , SB6223 , SJR8206 , SB5762 , SB5828

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: millionaires tax, wealth tax, income tax, state revenue, tax reform, Washington estate tax, estate tax, inheritance tax, death tax, probate, decedent, gross estate, taxable estate, exclusion amount, tax rate, estate planning, heirs, beneficiaries, RCW 83.100, Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Um if you have temporary hearing.
• </c><01:25:07.360><c> Let</c> and didn't go to a hearing. Correct. Let and didn't go to a hearing.
• That could mean that they hearing.
• </c><01:26:32.719><c> Uh</c> hearing. So why would that be? Uh hearing. So why would that be?
• </c> hear about what some of the options are? hear about what some of the options are?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to continue its review of recommendations for New Hampshire’s family court, with the chair emphasizing a collaborative approach and noting that the group would focus on the origins of the family division, recurring problems identified in earlier reports, and comparisons with other states. Members discussed organizing testimony into three broad topics: the court hearing process and pro se litigant preparation, mediation/arbitration/counseling, and the interaction of domestic violence issues with family court and related criminal proceedings. The chair also noted that the subcommittee would not meet again for two weeks and encouraged members to review materials from Judge Michael Mace and NCSL research on other states’ family court systems. Attorney Heather Culp, senior administrator for the judicial branch’s circuit court, testified about New Hampshire’s ADR programs. She explained that the Office of Mediation and Arbitration, created by statute in 2007, oversees more than 12 statewide ADR programs across the Supreme, Superior, and Circuit Courts, including family division programs such as divorce-parenting mediation, neutral case evaluation, guardianship, termination of parental rights, and voluntary adoption mediation. She said the divorce-parenting mediation program is the largest family division ADR program, with about 3,400 mediation sessions in 2023 out of roughly 6,700 cases, and that most cases involving minor children are referred to mediation soon after the first appearance session. Culp described the family division process as beginning with a first appearance session led by a case manager, who provides information, helps with paperwork, and schedules mediation, usually within 30 to 45 days. She said mediation is strongly encouraged in parenting and divorce cases, but there is no requirement to reach agreement, and parties may settle some issues while leaving others for court. She also explained that mediation is prohibited or limited in certain domestic violence cases: cases with active civil protection orders may proceed only with both parties’ consent and possible safeguards, while cases involving criminal protective orders are not sent to mediation. Mediators in court-referred family cases are contracted with the court and must be certified by the executive branch’s mediator certification board; mediators do not communicate with judges, except through a brief ADR report noting whether the case settled or what the next procedural step is. Members asked about referrals, timing, and the meaning of “neutrals,” and Culp said the court uses in-house contracted neutrals for family division ADR and does not refer divorce-parenting cases to outside providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is good to hear.<00:46:44.040><c> Um,</c> hear. Um, hear.
• </c> the ability to conduct a fair hearing. the ability to conduct a fair hearing.
• </c><01:10:54.200><c> So,</c> to hear the cases. That's a problem. So, to hear the cases.
• </c> having hearing protection is crucial. having hearing protection is crucial.
• </c> hearing protection. hearing protection.

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Do not register until you hear the bell. The House will now proceed to register.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Do not vote until you hear the bell. The House will now vote.
• I, the opposed to vote in eight or not vote until hear the bell.

Summary: The House met, opened with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior journal, and first took up a motion to request Senate consent for an extended adjournment. Representative Volk opposed the motion, arguing members should keep working on unfinished business, while Speaker Montenegro said the House had completed its current budget work and was waiting on the governor to return to negotiations. The motion passed 31-20, and the House also agreed to a related Senate adjournment request and to return HB 2415 to the Senate for reconsideration. The chamber then went into Committee of the Whole and considered several Senate bills. SB 1199, concerning the Salt River wild horse herd, was amended to pause removals for a genetic diversity study and received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1399 on Medicaid spending transparency, SB 1496, SB 1497, SB 1582, SB 1713, and SB 1798 were also amended and advanced. SB 1713 drew the most debate, with supporters saying it would expand pharmacist access to basic care and improve rural and veteran access, while opponents warned it expanded scope of practice beyond pharmacists’ training. The House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report, ordered several bills engrossed, and sent SB 1399 to third reading. In a second Committee of the Whole, SB 1214 and SB 1670 were further amended and advanced. The House then moved to third reading and voted on multiple bills. SB 1006, SB 1037, SB 1171, SB 1242, SB 1270, SB 1419, SB 1429, SB 1445, SB 1452, SB 1478, and SB 1566 passed, while SB 1099 and SB 1635 failed on the initial vote. Members then used reconsideration motions to place SB 1006 and SB 1635 back on the third-reading calendar. The session ended with personal privilege remarks recognizing correctional officers, Cinco de Mayo guests, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day, and other tributes, followed by adjournment until June 1, 2026.