Transcript Highlights:

• But the fiscal note on this bill is 0.
• Right, and we've seen a lot of fiscal notes that are 0 that end up having a lot of money spent on them
• So are you aware of why this fiscal note would be zero?
• They put $2 million into the district, and that's why you see no fiscal note.
• I've got a note that he's left. OK, is there anyone like to testify for against the bill?

Bills: HCR 114, HB 137, HB 283, HB 1398, HB 1960, HB 2153, HB 2431, HB 2638, HB 2699, HB 2999, HB 3208, HB 3389, HB 3413, HB 3510, HB 3642, HB 3859, HB 3974, HB 3986, HB 4142, HB 4173, HB 4174, HB 4542, HB 4605, HB 4663, HB 4731, HB 5064, HB 5216, HB 5218, HB 5332, HB 5453, HB 5577

Keywords: memorial, pedestrian bridge, Houston, Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, city council, oversize vehicles, transportation permits, Hidalgo County, port authority, highway routes, healthcare, insurance, mental health, treatment access, state funding, transportation, axle weight, aggregates, regulations, Texas law

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair notes that a quorum is present. Thank you all for coming.
• I also want to note for the record, folks, that we have Senator McEwen attending the committee hearing
• Um, our committee administrator tells me that a fiscal note's been requested.
• Just want to note that for members. Um, with that, Mr.
• note's been requested thought we fiscal note's been requested thought we might<00:04:13.079> have

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative, um, just want to quickly note for members regarding the two bills: these bills are uh
• just want to quickly note for members regarding<00:02:06.240> the<00:02:06.360> two<00
• I'll note for the committee we are I'll note for the committee we are working<00:26:02.799> on
• So just to note, that piece is, of course, cleaning up contaminated properties.
• She noted that DEED is there as well as a couple of other agencies that have overflow.

Bills: HF276, HF413, HF411

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not a fiscal bill.
• It's got to be a two-thirds vote to pass a new bill during the fiscal session.
• On the fiscal session constitutional amendment when it came through, probably before my time.
• Seeing no other discussion, I want to note that there are a lot of non-members present here.
• As a general rule, I am not a fan of running non-appropriation bills in fiscal session.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But Medicaid enrollment is going to decline over the coming fiscal year.
• Moving on to slide 15, just a last note about Medicaid.
• And that would begin in fiscal year twenty-eight.
• And members, just a quick note: we're going to wrap at noon.
• It is my job to ask these questions, particularly those that have a fiscal impact.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to note that my Commission co-chair, Representative Cotaldo, is not with us today.
• I also just want to note that Commissioner Kaufman is now with us online.
• And I would note the severity of them.
• And I would note the severity of them.
• I'm just looking at some of my notes right here, too. They have bollards.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Anti-Semitism met to focus on the role of law enforcement in responding to anti-Semitic incidents. After approving amended minutes, the chair opened with remarks emphasizing that the Commission would confront anti-Semitism from any political direction and outlined the day’s agenda: extremist activity trends, hate-crime statutes, intergovernmental coordination, and security funding. The first presentation came from Ben Pott of the ADL Center on Extremism, who described rising extremist propaganda and anti-Semitic incidents nationally and in Massachusetts, highlighting groups such as NSC-131, GDL, and Patriot Front. He said these groups increasingly use anti-Zionist language, public disruptions, and online platforms to spread hate, and recommended prosecution where possible, civil litigation, education about symbols and tactics, and community reporting to law enforcement and ADL. Assistant District Attorney David Solvin then reviewed federal and Massachusetts hate-crime laws, including federal civil-rights and hate-crime statutes and state provisions for civil-rights violations, assault and battery to intimidate, religious vandalism, terroristic threats, and criminal harassment. He explained that many of these laws enhance penalties based on bias motivation, but some do not create standalone offenses or qualify as dangerousness predicates under current law. Commissioners pressed him on hypothetical fact patterns involving anti-Semitic slurs, symbols, and attacks, as well as on the limits of existing law for pretrial detention and the need for better data collection. Solvin said more training, better reporting, and possible legislative updates could improve enforcement, and he noted pending bills that would require more regular hate-crime reporting and expand protected classes. Detective Lieutenant Ryan Cepiel of the State Police Anti-Terrorism Unit and HART described the unit’s creation in 2023, its role in implementing prior hate-crime task force recommendations, and its work with local, state, federal, and community partners. He said HART has trained civil-rights officers, developed recruit and in-service curricula, created resource pamphlets and a Teams page, and is building a GIS-based reporting portal to improve tracking and victim support. Cepiel reported a year-over-year rise in reported anti-Semitic hate crimes in Massachusetts, while noting that current numbers are incomplete because reporting is inconsistent and there is no mandate for local departments to notify HART. Commissioners discussed underreporting, rural versus eastern Massachusetts coverage, the need for more officers and training, and the importance of making victims feel safe coming forward. The meeting ended with agreement that better data, training, and coordination are needed to address the rise in anti-Semitic hate and bias incidents.

Transcript Highlights:

• I assume if there is, we'll kind of get with a fiscal note and get with appropriations.
• I assume if there is, we'll kind of get with a fiscal note and get with appropriations.
• I assume if there is, we'll kind of get with a fiscal note and get with appropriations.
• I assume if there is, we'll kind of get with a fiscal note and get with appropriations.
• fiscal note and get with appropriations. fiscal note and get with appropriations.

Keywords: Government Structure - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up an Irish trade commission bill, described as a recurring measure that had previously stalled in the other chamber. Members said prior concerns had been reconciled, no questions were raised, and the committee moved it out by voice vote. The next major item was Senator Boyd’s “People’s Access Act” (SB 2259), which would require public bodies to livestream meetings and provide a central listing of those streams. Boyd said the bill was intended to improve public access, especially for people who cannot attend in person, and noted it had passed the Senate before. Members asked whether the bill would cover subcommittees and subboards; Boyd said those meetings were not contemplated in the bill. Senator Blunt supported the transparency goal but raised concerns about small municipalities lacking staff or equipment to comply, and suggested the notice links be housed on a Department of Finance and Administration page rather than with the Secretary of State. The committee adopted that amendment. After further discussion, members added population-based implementation dates for municipalities and discussed a possible due-diligence exception for technology failures, with several senators emphasizing the need to balance transparency with practical limits for small towns. The bill was then reported out as amended. The committee then began Senator Boyd’s task force bill (SB 2260), which would direct several health and human services agencies—including Medicaid, Human Services, Child Protective Services, Health, and Mental Health—to recommend ways to reduce duplication and improve coordination in licensing and certification processes. Boyd said the bill grew out of testimony about inefficiencies in child care and mental health regulation and was intended to create a more streamlined process. Discussion began, and Senator Sparks suggested considering whether the Department of Rehabilitation Services should also be included, but no action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's no fiscal note or any due hardship on our fine government officials at all.
• Is this a fiscal note? Just trying to trust but verify. >> Okay.
• Is this a fiscal note? Just report. Is this a fiscal note?
• So, is without a fiscal note, it >> Okay.
• <01:16:25.040> note<01:16:25.199> over because it has a fiscal note over because it

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• note.
• note.
• note.
• note.
• It's in the notes that I handed in. It's in the notes that I handed in.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They'll provide us with a fiscal report for 2025 as we close out and then an outlook for fiscal year
• close out and then an outlook for fiscal close out and then an outlook for fiscal year<00:40:44.240
• quarter's worth in the fiscal year 25. quarter's worth in the fiscal year 25.
• state directed payments through fiscal state directed payments through fiscal year<00:52:13.839>
• <00:52:31.520> year directed payments alone in fiscal year directed payments alone in fiscal

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services heard a presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults with serious mental illness who do not qualify for nursing home care but need structured support, medication assistance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and supervision. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and rely on a state supplementation rate of about $50.70 per day, which they argued no longer covers operating costs because of rising food, labor, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The presenters said the sector has shrunk significantly over time, citing a drop from 64 homes in 2002 to 34 today among the homes serving this population, with 30 closures over 23 years and two more closures since August. They argued that the closures have contributed to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer stays in psychiatric hospitals, and they gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before stabilizing in a personal care home. One provider also described spending more than $800,000 on capital improvements after acquiring Kentucky facilities and said reimbursement is too low to sustain safe operations. They asked for an incremental reimbursement increase over two years and said they have also proposed an assisted-living model for people with mental illness. Members asked about staffing, reimbursement, and the number of people still needing placement. The presenters said there is no requirement for licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use medication technicians and occasional LPNs. They estimated they are currently serving about 2,000 residents and said they receive roughly 30 referrals for every one person admitted, with many referrals involving people whose needs exceed the personal care home level. Senator Meredith and Representative Fleming said any funding request would need documentation of savings and corresponding budget offsets, while Representative Duval expressed support and asked about possible staffing and program improvements. The witnesses also compared Kentucky’s flat-rate reimbursement to a more individualized reimbursement model in Minnesota, saying a needs-based system would better match staffing and reduce hospitalizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will note, Madam Secretary, that Representative Vice Chair Eleanor Chavez is excused.
• It is important to note at the onset that this bill is expected to have no fiscal...
• It is important to note at the onset that this bill is expected to have no fiscal impact on state revenues
• On a quick note, I'd like to take a moment, just for your attention, to listen to this particular email
• The reason for that is we don't know what the full fiscal impact will be.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee began by rolling House Bill 132 at the sponsor’s request because amendment language was still being worked on. The committee then proceeded without quorum as a subcommittee until additional members arrived. House Bill 285, as amended, was heard first. The bill was described as a cleanup measure to clarify New Mexico’s disabled veterans property tax exemption, including that it applies to a veteran’s primary residence and how it works for properties with multiple owners. Testimony from New Mexico counties, the Tax and Revenue Department, and the Department of Veterans Services supported the bill, saying it would reduce confusion for assessors and help veterans access the exemption. One member raised broader concerns about housing insecurity among unhoused and renting veterans and asked for interim data on how many veterans would actually benefit, but the committee noted those issues were outside the bill’s scope. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 285 as amended with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 128, which updates the state’s occupational disease and disablement law for firefighters by expanding the list of covered cancers and related conditions, aligning the state law with newer research and recent federal changes, and standardizing the employment period to five years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill reflects current science, removes outdated age limits for some cancers, and makes it easier for firefighters to receive workers’ compensation without having to prove causation case by case. Firefighters and union representatives gave emotional testimony about personal cancer diagnoses and the burden of fighting insurers while undergoing treatment. The Workers’ Compensation Administration, labor groups, and trial lawyers all supported the measure. Committee members asked about the federal model, the five-year threshold, the impact on rural jurisdictions, and why women’s cancers were not previously included; witnesses explained that the changes reflect updated data and the underrepresentation of women in the fire service. Dr. Dan Wu, speaking online, said firefighter cancer is an epidemic and argued the science supports the bill. The committee then adopted the motion and passed HB 128 with a do pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, that's where we determined based upon the staff that we have for the first fiscal note that we
• <00:07:35.520> note we have for the first first fiscal note we have for the first first fiscal
• In the fiscal note, it’s all asterisk and blank.
• <00:40:02.880> better to a fiscal note of zero, that's better to a fiscal note of zero, that's
• c><03:45:02.160> the<03:45:02.319> as fiscal note is still from the as fiscal note is still

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 185, which would amend RSA 3109 to add timelines for OPLC’s complaint review and investigation process. Members reviewed the existing five-year limitation period for misconduct complaints and noted that the bill would add a 30-day deadline for the office to make a recommendation to the board and a 90-day deadline to complete investigations. Some members raised concerns that the new deadlines could conflict with the existing statute of limitations, create pressure to dismiss cases too quickly, and potentially undermine the separation between OPLC’s investigative role and the boards’ adjudicatory role established by House Bill 655. Nicholas Fry, OPLC general counsel, testified that the agency’s fiscal note originally assumed it would need roughly double its staff to meet the proposed deadlines, though a later amendment reduced that estimate somewhat. He said OPLC would still need additional personnel, including investigatory paralegals and a physician investigator for the Board of Medicine, to meet the timeframes. He also explained OPLC’s current complaint and hearing procedures, including new consumer-friendly correspondence, website guidance, and efforts by the enforcement division to improve transparency and communication with complainants and licensees. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors testified in support of the bill’s basic goal of speeding up intake and investigation, saying the 30-day intake/review period was reasonable and that the bill would not change OPLC’s role in that first step. He argued, however, that the investigation step is where delays occur, especially for lower-priority complaints, and that some cases have remained unresolved for years. Committee members also questioned how the added staffing costs would be paid, with discussion of whether they would come from license fees or the general fund. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a fiscal note we've discovered on that bill, so we're going to back up and call that bill back
• This bill has no fiscal note, as the program is already fully funded.
• This bill would also add some stipends for needs that are of special note within the mental health workforce
• feel like it's... ...prudent to still add more money to that portion of it or wait until another fiscal
• Yes, there is a fiscal note that you're referring to.

Bills: SB1998, SB646, SB2786, SB2076, SB2615, SB1961, SB1418, SB2647, SB1322, SB2788

Keywords: pediatrics, medical education, subsidiary, preceptorship, medical training, student programs, mental health, loan repayment, education funding, mental health professionals, healthcare access, Texas Success Initiative, exemption, public officers, employees, higher education, Capitol view, Austin, urban planning, construction

Transcript Highlights:

• and another 550,000 in fiscal year 2027, both one-time appropriations from the Workforce Development
• In the past, in fiscal year 2022-23, the International Institute received 700,000 from the Workforce
• fiscal year 2027, both one-time appropriations from the Workforce Development Fund.
• The bill appropriates $627,000 in one-time money in fiscal year 2026.
• year 2026 and $1 million in fiscal year 2027.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not repeating the layout, but can you explain the fiscal note? And do we know what it is?
• Is this one that would benefit from having the, like, the financial, the fiscal?
• it's the same thing okay thank you no I appreciate it I just wanted a little more clarity around the fiscal
• note thank you all right Is there any other questions for senator cook on the committee substituted

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Limmer: What is the fiscal implications?
• Senator Latz: Um, Madam Chair, Senator Limmer, I'm not aware of any fiscal implications.
• What is the fiscal thank you. What is the fiscal implications?
• not aware of any fiscal implications. not aware of any fiscal implications.
• from fiscal would have more information. from fiscal would have more information.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason why there’s no, a very minimal fiscal note—I think it’s $86,000, I can’t remember the
• You can’t believe how many notes I had slid under my door.
• note because it isn't a mandate, and so I don't think...
• There isn't much of a fiscal note because it isn't a mandate, so I don't think there's a conflict there
• It has a zero fiscal note. At their industry request. It has a zero fiscal note.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the prior day by a 123-0 roll call vote. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize National Police Week and honor fallen law enforcement officers with a moment of silence, and several members gave farewell remarks for departing colleagues and interns. The chamber also introduced a number of special guests, including student groups, interns, a former representative, and the University of Missouri wheelchair basketball team. The House then took up Senate messages and committee reports before acting on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3015. The sponsor explained the Senate amendment was a technical correction to an online age-verification provision related to pornography; the House concurred 104-30 and then finally passed the package 112-25. The chamber also considered the conference committee report on House Bill 2596, which was described as a small-business health plan measure that modernizes pooled-plan language and adds a 12-month contraception coverage provision while removing a Senate-added blood pressure cuff requirement. After debate on the conference report and a severability clause, the House adopted the report 120-26 and then third-read and passed the bill 119-27. Finally, the House debated Senate Bill 905, which would create the Missouri Ranger training program allowing schools to optionally place specially trained personnel with narrow law-enforcement authority on campus. Debate focused heavily on school safety, local control, training standards, liability, funding, and whether the proposal would improve protection or instead increase the presence of guns in schools. Supporters argued it would give districts another optional safety tool, especially where school resource officers are unavailable, while opponents said schools need more mental health and educational resources rather than armed personnel and raised concerns about training, child development, and unintended harm. The House adopted an amendment clarifying the program after a 96-46 vote, but the transcript cuts off before final passage of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Board of Trustees has policy responsibility for system planning, academic programs, fiscal management
• planning responsibility for system planning academic<00:03:03.599> programs<00:03:04.280> fiscal
• <00:03:04.680> management academic programs fiscal management academic programs fiscal management
• When fiscal year 2025 ends, we foresee another increase in on-campus student headcount and FYE.
• Duckworth and I dip out for a second, we're just stealing Post-it notes, that's all we're doing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Baby bonds does not have an attached fiscal note, but it does, however, create a structure for a program
• Baby bonds does not have an attached fiscal note, but it does, however, create a structure for a program
• Baby bonds does not have an attached fiscal note, but it does, however, create a structure for a program
• It is important to note that poverty is not naturally occurring but rather the result of policy choices
• However, the fiscal year 24 grant application contained the conservation restriction requirement.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on a proposed Massachusetts baby bonds program, including H. 3429, S. 2146, and the Treasurer’s related bill H. 48. Treasurer Goldberg and a broad coalition of advocates, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived experience said the program would create trust accounts for children born into low-income families or in DCF custody, with funds available at age 18 for education, homeownership, business startup, or other long-term asset-building uses. Supporters argued the program would help close the racial wealth gap, improve economic mobility, and not affect eligibility for financial aid or public benefits. Committee members asked about administration, investment returns, eligibility, and withdrawal rules; the Treasurer said the accounts would be held in trust and managed by her office with an advisory board, with funds accessible at 18 and usable through age 35 if the beneficiary remains a Massachusetts resident. No vote was taken during the testimony shown. The committee also heard testimony on legislation establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, including S. 2666 and H. 4625. Senator Ross, Representative Badger, physicians, survivors, and advocates described invasive lobular carcinoma as difficult to detect because it often grows in lines rather than forming a lump, can be missed on mammography, and is underfunded and underrepresented in research and clinical trials. Witnesses said the bill would codify an annual October 15 proclamation to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and encourage more targeted research and treatment. Committee members asked why the disease is so hard to detect, and medical witnesses explained the imaging challenges and the lack of lobular-specific protocols. The witnesses urged favorable reports. The committee then took testimony on H. 4648, a bill concerning the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge by the Stockbridge-Munsee community. Representative Davis, the Stockbridge Land Trust president, and the tribal president testified that the bill would remove a conservation restriction tied to a state MVP grant so the tribe could manage the land without a restriction that they said would conflict with tribal sovereignty and Indigenous stewardship practices. They said the parcel is a sacred site connected to Monument Mountain and that the restriction is unnecessary because the land is already surrounded by conserved property. The witnesses asked for favorable action on the bill. Finally, the committee heard testimony on H. 3416, a resolution urging Congress to create a national infrastructure bank. Representative Senna and several advocates argued that an off-budget infrastructure bank could finance major repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, rail, water systems, broadband, and housing without adding to the state budget, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Witnesses cited historical precedents for national infrastructure banks and said Massachusetts could benefit substantially from such a program. The transcript shown does not include a committee vote or final action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a fiscal note that would be required in this that is being worked on but is not yet finalized
• There is a fiscal note that would be required in this that is being worked on but is not yet finalized
• Uh there is a fiscal note that would be Uh there is a fiscal note that would be required<00:36:16.000
• Madam Chair, members, um, this is from the fiscal note, uh, preliminary fiscal note on the House Companion
• Madam Chair, members, um, this is from the fiscal note, uh, preliminary fiscal note on the House Companion

Keywords: 1187, senate, all