Transcript Highlights:

• Wednesday in memory of Mary Carter of Waco. Is there objection? Chair hears none.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hopefully it leads us to saying goodbye to each other and hugging each other on Memorial Day.

Bills: SCR7

Keywords: legislature, adjournment, permissions, Texas Constitution, session, legislative authority, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Refresh my memory is 6.75%? I think you've transposed the digits.
• Refresh my memory is 6.75%? I think you've transposed the digits.
• Refresh my memory is 6.75%? I think you've transposed the digits.
• Refresh my memory is 6.75%? I think you've transposed the digits.
• Refresh my memory is 6.75%? I think you've transposed the digits.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held an orientation for new and returning members of the House committee on agencies and administration, with introductions from members and staff. Chair Carol Maguire outlined her expectations for hearings: keep questions focused on the bill, be respectful to witnesses, and use the committee’s orientation opportunities to learn about the jail staff, retirement system, and Office of Professional Licensure. Members also discussed related assignments on other bodies, including the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules and the Joint Committee on Employee Classification, and noted that some members already serve on those panels. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Building Code and the committee’s upcoming workload. Members explained how the state code is intended to provide a common baseline while allowing limited local options, and why municipalities must formally adopt and publish any local amendments. They reviewed several anticipated bills: a consolidation bill to gather building-code enforcement materials in one place, a bill to update the state energy code, a bill to restrict municipal adoption of building-code changes, and a bill to update the electrical code. Members also discussed how building codes apply to older homes and commercial buildings, and why code updates are important for safety and clarity. The chair said the committee had 36 bills currently scheduled, including many early bills that must move by March 6 because they will be heard by two committees. She said the committee would use subcommittees for harder bills, with three subcommittees this year: pensions, licensing, and likely state building code. She also outlined the hearing schedule, including lighter bills on February 12 and the expectation of executive sessions later in the month. No votes were taken during the orientation, but members were told that public hearings do not require a quorum and that hard copies of bills would be distributed by committee staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Judiciary Committee and Senator Kunes is on the Judiciary Committee, I can tell you I have no memory
• It just means I don't have a memory of that. Maybe Mr.
• It just means I don't have<00:26:37.679> a<00:26:37.720> memory<00:26:38.080> of
• <00:26:38.400> Maybe have a memory of that. Maybe have a memory of that.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it is a really great way that we can honor her memory and move forward in such an impactful way
• /c><00:15:50.920> can<00:15:51.400> honor<00:15:51.640> her<00:15:51.760> memory
• way with that we can honor her memory way with that we can honor her memory and<00:15:52.440>
• discussion already with, uh, you know, the my friend Representative Hortman's, uh, you know, a little memory

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, additionally, this project, we've spent $50 million by North Memorial Hospital to improve the roadway
• Uh, additionally, this project, we've spent $50 million by North Memorial Hospital to improve the roadway
• > project, we've spent $50 million by project, we've spent $50 million by North<01:09:37.679> Memorial
• Hospital<01:09:38.640> to<01:09:39.679> um<01:09:39.920> improve North Memorial
• Hospital to um improve North Memorial Hospital to um improve the<01:09:41.359> the<01:09:41.679

Bills: HF3694, HF3844, HF4006, HF3785, HF3849, HF4102, HF3441, HF3507, HF3562

Keywords: transportation, tow trucks, variable message signs, road safety, emergency service, optometrist, window glazing, motor vehicle regulations, medical prescriptions, transportation safety, infrastructure, construction, appropriation, state project, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, transportation regulations, safety standards, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• The first report indicated, and I'm saying this from memory, but it's approximately 20,500 people, something
• The first report indicated, and I'm saying this from memory, but it's approximately 20,500 people, something
• 01:07:42.640> from indicated, and I'm saying this from indicated, and I'm saying this from memory
• but<01:07:43.359> it's<01:07:43.800> approximately<01:07:44.520> 20,500 memory
• , but it's approximately 20,500 memory, but it's approximately 20,500 people,<01:07:46.200> something

Bills: HF4110, HF4101, HF4144, HF3546

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, medical assistance, data matching, eligibility, reporting, human services, assisted living, health regulations, inspection authority, vulnerable adults, local government, program integrity, high-risk providers, enrollment requirements, fraud prevention, compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, my memory is coming back to me from the debate we had on the floor.
• <00:32:27.760> Yeah,<00:32:28.159> my<00:32:28.399> memory<00:32:28.640>
• Yeah, my memory is coming >> Thank you.
• Yeah, my memory is coming back<00:32:29.279> to<00:32:29.440> me<00:32:29.600> from<
• Yeah, my memory is coming back to me from the debate we had on the floor.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern. The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee. Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So on the left you'll see Tennessee and on the right that is Olsen Memorial Highway in Minneapolis.
• One local example is our work along Olsen Memorial Highway, where six years of community organizing,
• 00:09:29.360> work<00:09:29.519> along<00:09:29.839> Olsen<00:09:30.240> Memorial
• example is our work along Olsen Memorial example is our work along Olsen Memorial Highway,<00:09

Bills: HF3429, HF3418, HF3431, HF1597

Keywords: intelligent speed assistance, transportation, speeding offenses, public safety, license restrictions, speed control, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:58.480> as<00:22:58.720> burial Home loan guarantees, as well as burial and memorial
• Let us honor the memories of Staff Sergeant Jesse Cheryl, Brigadier General John Pogo Porc, and all those
• /c><00:45:01.599> us<00:45:01.680> honor<00:45:01.920> the<00:45:02.160> memories
• Let us honor the memories legislation.
• Let us honor the memories of<00:45:02.480> Staff<00:45:02.800> Sergeant<00:45:03.200>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three transportation bills. SB 154 would add the Snow Traveler Foundation to the list of charitable organizations authorized to offer multi-use decal plates through the existing Department of Safety program. Senator David Roford said the bill would create a non-tax funding source for snowmobile trail maintenance, especially after flood damage, and Dan Gold of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association said the foundation would accept tax-deductible donations for projects such as upgraded trail signage. He explained that the association’s 96 volunteer clubs maintain about 7,000 miles of trails and that the sign program is costly. No opposition was presented, and the hearing was closed after questions from members about the foundation’s status and fundraising goals. SB 271 would expand eligibility for veteran license plates to include veterans with a general discharge under honorable conditions. The sponsor’s representative said the change would recognize service members who are already eligible for many veterans benefits but are excluded from plates under current law. Supporters included Phil Grizzo, who argued that general discharges often reflect service that was otherwise honorable, and Kevin Grady of the State Veterans Advisory Committee, which said it strongly supported the bill and was also considering broader statutory cleanup to standardize the definition of veteran across state law. Committee members asked whether the change should be limited to plates or applied more broadly, but the sponsor said broader changes would be a separate policy question. The public hearing was then closed. SB 273, titled “Cheryl’s Law,” would update New Hampshire’s move-over requirements for motorists approaching stopped or standing vehicles on the roadside, including stranded vehicles and those with warning signals. Senator Donovan Fenton said the bill was intended to save lives and honor Staff Sergeant Jesse Cheryl and Brigadier General John Pogo, both of whom died in roadside incidents. He said the measure would require drivers to slow down, change lanes if safe, and move over for roadside vehicles, with the intent of education rather than punishment. Committee members asked about enforcement, the lack of a fiscal note, whether the bill applied statewide, and whether the language could be read as weakening the move-over requirement; the sponsor said it applied to all roads, did not change fines, and was meant to clarify and broaden safety obligations. The hearing continued with additional questions, and the sponsor said state police and other safety stakeholders supported the approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• My memory serves that there was not a local impact note for this, and I could be wrong on that.
• I my memory serves that there was not a local impact note for this, and I could be wrong on that.
• <01:04:00.640> I<01:04:01.039> my<01:04:01.280> memory Thank you, Senator Kun
• I my memory Thank you, Senator Kun.
• I my memory serves<01:04:02.160> that<01:04:02.480> there<01:04:02.720> was<01:04

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Limmer, Madam Chair, I know that my memory was that it was a more severe penalty, but it also
• Senator Limmer, Madam Chair, I know that my memory was that it was a more severe penalty, but it also
• Madam chair uh I know Limer uh Madam chair uh I know that<00:20:16.799> my<00:20:17.000> memory
• 17.720> it<00:20:17.840> was<00:20:17.960> a<00:20:18.120> more that my memory
• was that it was a more that my memory was that it was a more severe<00:20:19.520> penalty<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I cherish the years and memories in FFA, and I want generations to come to have the opportunity to be
• I cherish the years and memories in FFA, and I want generations to come to have the opportunity to be
• I cherish the years and memories in FFA, and I want generations to come to have the opportunity to be
• I cherish the years and memories in FFA, and I want generations to come to have the opportunity to be
• I have created countless cherished memories, and I know that there are many more to come.

Bills: HF711, HF653

Keywords: agriculture, agricultural education, leadership development, Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council, MAELC, chapter 41D, grant funding, general fund appropriation, commissioner of agriculture, farm education, youth agriculture programs, ag literacy, workforce development, extension education, research funding, extension services, technology transfer, grant programs, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• really like how they're doing this, knowing some people have been here most of their lives, creating memories
• really like how they're doing this, knowing some people have been here most of their lives, creating memories
• 14:09.040> their<01:14:09.280> lives<01:14:10.040> creating<01:14:10.639> memories
• <01:14:11.239> for of their lives creating memories for of their lives creating memories for

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure. HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices. HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes it wasn't even intentional, just muscle memory.
• I didn't have the act of working memory or ...state for two years after my abuse occurred.
• I didn't have the act of working memory or the maturity to even understand why my brain and body were

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In July 2020, JCAM erected and dedicated the first community COVID memorial in the state as a place for
• families and loved ones to come and honor the memory of those lost during COVID-19.
• , 2024, the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, Israeli and Jewish students held memorial

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of my earliest memories is being beaten up by one of my bullies in the school playground, knowing
• One of my earnliest memories is being beat up by one of my boldlyly.
• One of my earliest memories is being beat up by one of my bullies in the school playground, knowing that

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with the chairs emphasizing time limits, written testimony, and grouping similar measures together. Early testimony focused on opioid use disorder education in schools (S.382), with Senator Keenan arguing that students should be taught about the risks of substance use disorder and naloxone use as part of health curricula. Representative DeCost also briefly introduced H.551, a narrow bill concerning parent rights for children in third grade and younger. Several bills were then closed without testimony, including measures on type 1 diabetes informational materials and other diabetes-related proposals. A major portion of the hearing centered on school health and emergency response bills. Supporters of H.652/S.342 on diabetes management in schools described inconsistent district practices and urged clearer standards so students can receive care in classrooms rather than being sent out of instruction. Bills on epinephrine access and seizure disorders drew extensive testimony: advocates for stock epinephrine in schools argued that unassigned epinephrine can save lives and should be funded in a cost-neutral way, while a pediatrician opposed one version as an unfunded mandate. For seizure-safe schools (S.422/H.635), students, parents, educators, and advocates described missed or delayed responses to seizures, stigma, and the need for staff training, seizure action plans, and emergency medication protocols. A separate bill, H.645, allowing anti-seizure medication on school buses, was supported by a parent and student who said current law forces costly and restrictive transportation arrangements. The committee also heard testimony on youth skin health bills (S.334/H.600/H.619), which would let students carry and apply sunscreen at school and camp without a physician’s note. Supporters from melanoma prevention, dermatology, and industry groups said the bills would remove unnecessary barriers and promote sun-safe habits, while one witness cautioned about drafting details and unintended consequences. The hearing then moved to CPR/AED education for graduation (S.456), where Senator Tarr, a student advocate, and the Red Cross all supported requiring hands-on CPR certification for high school students. Finally, the committee took testimony on healthy school lunches (H.539/S.401): supporters from the Healthy School Lunch Coalition and school food directors backed stronger nutrition standards and a standing advisory council, while Consumer Brands Association witnesses opposed the bill as too vague and potentially disruptive. A nutrition scientist also warned about unintended restrictions on medically necessary or innovative foods. The chairs closed the hearing on the healthy lunch bills and then opened testimony on universal school meals for virtual schools (H.700), with Superintendent Patrick Latuka supporting access for students in Commonwealth virtual schools who currently receive no meal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Willis-Knighton, Ryan Cross, FMOL, Matthew Wallace, Christus Health, Nick Hunter, Lake Charles Memorial
• K., Willis Knighton, Ryan Cross, FMOL, Matthew Wallace, Christus Helt, Nick Hunter, Lake Charles Memorial
• It is to memorialize the United States Congress and to urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Bills: SB57, SB405, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB222, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB815, HB949, HB1092, HB1214

Keywords: SB 57, Act 735, Act 463, nutrition, public health, food additives, artificial colors, banned chemicals, ingredient labeling, food labeling, FDA, food and beverage regulation, consumer disclosure, school nutrition, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 17, food manufacturers, food retailers, compliance, effective date delay

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, just to refresh everybody's memory, this is about the what I think was a very silly exercise we had
• Uh just to refresh everybody's<00:37:58.800> memory,<00:37:59.200> this<00:37:59.359>
• > is<00:37:59.440> about<00:37:59.760> the Everybody's memory, this is about the what

Bills: HB541, SB194

Keywords: PFAS, drinking water, public health, environmental management, liability, agriculture authority, eminent domain, property rights, tax exemption, agriculture center, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 143, a resolution adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Michael Mingie
• you would see almost every statewide congressional officer who had a picture with him, who shared a memory
• you would see almost every statewide congressional officer who had a picture with him, who shared a memory

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received a message from the House announcing passage of House Bills 364, 534, 600, and 662 and requesting concurrence. The chamber then took up second-reading reports, placing several bills on the Rules Committee calendar, and briefly recessed for caucus meetings before returning to floor business. The first major floor action was Senate Bill 11, a residential safe room rebate program aimed at rural tornado preparedness. Supporters described it as a way to use FEMA or private funds to help homeowners build personal storm shelters that could also serve neighbors; one senator opposed it over a fiscal note and concerns about unintended consequences in rural areas. The Senate adopted a committee substitute and passed SB 11 by a vote of 33–3. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 8 on public utilities and PSC intervention procedures. A committee substitute and floor amendment were adopted to clarify intervention standards, limit delay tactics, allow written comments from non-intervenors, and revise transmission-line approval thresholds; supporters said the changes would improve PSC efficiency and protect ratepayers, while some senators objected to a provision moving records from the Energy and Environment Cabinet to the state auditor as politically motivated. SB 8 passed 30–5. Senate Bill 94, dealing with dealer compensation for warranty and recall work, was also amended and passed unanimously after supporters said it reflected agreement between auto dealers and manufacturers. Finally, Senate Bill 197 on economic development incentives was amended to create county tiers, expand incentives for distressed areas, allow cross-border projects near state lines, and correct clerical errors; it passed 36–0.