Transcript Highlights:

• chair Vice chair committee collaborative chair Vice chair committee members<02:35:53.520><c> thanks<
• Oh, and I'd also like to thank HMSA and the Hawaii Medical Association for actually collaborating and
• Oh, and I'd also like to thank HMSA and the Hawaii Medical Association for actually collaborating and
• Oh, and I'd also like to thank HMSA and the Hawaii Medical Association for actually collaborating and
• Oh, and I'd also like to thank HMSA and the Hawaii Medical Association for actually collaborating and

Committee: House Health

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1494 on hearing aids. Testimony was generally supportive of expanding hearing-aid coverage, with the Insurance Division raising concern about possible federal defrayment issues, SHPDA supporting the goal of hearing augmentation, DCAB strongly supporting the bill as an important access issue, and health plans and insurers asking for amendments. Kaiser Permanente and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans requested changes to add a medical-necessity standard and clarify annual notice language, while HMSA suggested the proposal should be studied by the auditor. The chair noted concerns about federal preemption and the lack of an audit, and deferred the bill in favor of a related resolution calling for a study. The committee then heard SB 1448, an emergency appropriation for the Hawaii State Hospital. DAGS and the Department of Health supported the measure, with the hospital administrator saying the funding would improve the environment of care, support cleaning, and allow a third-party review of the building. Committee members questioned the size of the request and the status of litigation against the design-builder. Administration witnesses said they were pursuing a comprehensive study involving destructive testing, had made a demand on the design-builder to fund the study, and were using different processes than before. They also said the roof work would be handled through a separate CIP request. No final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 1432, relating to the future responsibilities of the Department of Health and land issues at Kalaupapa after the last patient dies. DOH supported the bill in part but said its long-term role would be limited mainly to environmental cleanup, with operations expected to continue under the National Park Service and land-use decisions left to DHHL and beneficiary consultation. DHHL asked that the measure reflect that any land-use or zoning changes on homeland lands require commission approval and beneficiary consultation. Testifiers from Kalaupapa and Maui County, including Degra Vanderbilt-Papa and Council Member Keani Rollins-Fernandez, supported deferring the bill, saying there had been no meaningful community discussion about provisions affecting Kalaupapa’s future management and possible transfer of responsibilities to Maui County. The committee also read into the record written testimony from Gloria Marks emphasizing that Kalaupapa stakeholders must be included in future discussions. Finally, the committee heard SB 955 on fitness-to-proceed examinations. The Judiciary and the Public Defender’s Office both supported raising pay and standardizing expectations for private examiners, but opposed reducing felony fitness evaluations from three examiners to one and opposed expanding use of expedited reports. They argued that a single examiner would reduce reliability, create a more adversarial process, and likely increase costs and contested hearings, while expedited reports do not contain enough information for a proper fitness determination. The Department of Health also supported the bill’s intent but asked to preserve a three-examiner framework and said the goal was to reduce the number of people sent to the State Hospital, where admissions have reportedly risen about 20% year over year since Act 26. The bill remained under discussion in the excerpt, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want this to be a collaborative effort by the state governments to ultimately make this bill as good
• I want this to be a collaborative effort by the state governments to ultimately make this bill as good
• I want this to be a collaborative effort by the state governments to ultimately make this bill as good
• who want to collaborate alongside others with<02:05:34.480><c> similar</c><02:05:34.800><c> goals</c
• ,<03:20:27.080><c> inter-</c><03:20:27.520><c> and</c> collaboration, inter- and collaboration, inter

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We collaborate drug-free school zones.
• </c><01:57:49.679><c> on</c> NSHA PD, NSHA uh fire all collaborate on NSHA PD, NSHA uh fire all collaborate
• <02:12:55.040><c> police</c> collaborating with Dover um, police collaborating with Dover um, police
• We have repeatedly tried to collaborate with ophthalmology, and they have refused.
• </c> We have repeatedly tried to collaborate We have repeatedly tried to collaborate with<02:51:39.600

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think in a world where we would like there to be better collaboration and cooperation among state
• Collaboration, cooperation among state, local, and federal governments. I mean, I don't know.

Summary: The board opened its public meeting with a quorum, approved the prior minutes by motion and voice vote, and noted there were no employment disclosure forms. The main substantive item was an advisory opinion request from the chief clerk about whether legislators may include information about other governmental agencies or events in constituent newsletters, especially when the same material can be posted on official legislative websites or social media under a statutory safe harbor. Board members discussed the scope of the statute and whether the safe harbor for official websites and social media should be read to extend to printed newsletters. Some members argued the newsletter context is different because it is distributed directly to constituents and has limited space, while others said the same principle should apply and that the statute is not an exclusive list of permissible content. The discussion also touched on examples such as public health notices, bike safety events, and other government-published information, with concern expressed that a broader reading could allow too much unrelated content. No final advisory opinion was adopted during the meeting. Instead, the board directed staff to rewrite the draft opinion to reflect the discussion and bring it back later. The meeting then moved toward public testimony, but no testimony was taken before the public portion was adjourned and the board proceeded into executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm representing the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, where I'm the policy director.
• I'm representing the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, where I'm the policy director.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held its first hearing of the session, led by House Chair Adrian Madaro and Senate Chair James Eldridge. The committee explained the constitutional amendment process and the hearing procedures, then took testimony on four bills concerning proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, with the main focus on S. 11 and H. 71, which would amend Article 99 relating to agricultural and horticultural land taxation. Senator Jo Comerford, Rebecca Miller of the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, and Representative Natalie Blay all testified in support of the bills. They argued that the current five-acre minimum for farmland tax treatment is outdated and harms farmers, especially new, urban, and smaller-scale farmers, by forcing some land to be taxed at higher commercial rates. Supporters said the change would help preserve farmland, strengthen the local food system, and address economic pressures on farms, including high land values, climate impacts, and an aging farm workforce. In response to a question about abuse or false claims, Comerford and Miller said existing certification processes under Chapter 61A and municipal review help verify active farming, and Miller noted the bill requires land to be in production for two years before receiving the rate. Committee members asked about the status of the 21st Century Farm Commission, and Comerford said a report was expected in the spring. After testimony concluded, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then entertained a motion to adjourn, which was made and accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know for a fact that, by collaborating with other commissioners, if I'm confirmed, I can bring
• And I'm pretty sure if I collaborate with some of the commissioners, that we can fill it in and stuff

Committee: Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met to consider the nomination of Alexander Dockery to serve as a part-time commissioner on the State Commission of Correction (SCOC). Chair Julia Salazar introduced the nomination, noting that the role was created under recent prison reform legislation and that one commissioner must be a formerly incarcerated person. Dockery described his background as a justice-impacted individual who spent years incarcerated in New York, earned a master’s degree, and now works with justice-impacted people on reentry, housing, employment, and education. He said his lived experience and work in a youth detention setting would help him bring both an incarcerated-person and staff perspective to the commission. Senators asked Dockery about why he wanted the position, how his experience would inform oversight, how to improve correctional conditions, how to reach young people before they enter the system, and how to support the Correctional Medical Review Board in investigating deaths in DOCS custody. Dockery emphasized rehabilitation, education, humane conditions, and collaboration with other commissioners and community networks. He said people with direct experience, including formerly incarcerated individuals and former gang members who have turned their lives around, should be brought back into facilities to speak with youth. On deaths in custody, he said existing reporting laws should be enforced and that timely information to families is important. Several senators offered supportive comments, calling the nomination historic and stressing the importance of lived experience, credibility, and the responsibility of being the first formerly incarcerated commissioner. After discussion, the committee moved the nomination, with Senator Harckham making the motion and Senator Bailey and Senator Bullitt seconding. The committee voted to report the nomination to Finance, and the motion carried without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• look forward to continuing conversations with the administration, the LAO, and the Assembly in a collaborative
• There's been a lot of collaboration, and it's noticed even though it's not always said.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those ties between our two states represent a shared past and a collaborative future together in policies
• This resolution emphasizes diplomacy independent of federal policy shifts, highlighting collaboration

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact heard AB 2516 by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris, which would create the California Grid Manufacturing Initiative within GO-Biz. The author and supporters said the bill is intended to address supply chain delays and rising costs for critical grid equipment, speed clean energy deployment, improve reliability, and encourage in-state manufacturing and high-road jobs. Support came from labor and industry representatives including UAW, IBEW, the California Labor Federation, CWA District 9, BlueGreen Alliance, California Labor for Climate Jobs, TURN, and Ingersoll Rand; no opposition was registered. Committee members raised affordability concerns, and the bill was moved to Appropriations and passed 7-1. The committee also heard ACR 173 by Assemblymember Carrillo, which would formalize a sister-state relationship between California and Jalisco, Mexico. Carrillo emphasized cultural, economic, and demographic ties, cooperation on issues such as agriculture, labor, technology, and education, and immigrant protections. There were no witnesses in opposition, and the resolution was adopted. The consent calendar included AB 2163 by Gonzalez and ACR 164 by Bains and ACR 166 by Avila Farías, all of which were approved. After quorum was established, the committee took roll, recorded multiple aye votes from absent members, and then adjourned after reporting all items out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those ties between our two states represent a shared past and a collaborative future together in policies
• This resolution emphasizes diplomacy independent of federal policy shifts, highlighting collaboration

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Transcript Highlights:

• California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Community Resource Project, Inland Empire Community Collaborative
• with some additional support from some of our members: San Diego Humane Society, Micro Enterprise Collaborative

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met for its first hearing under the new chair and opened with remarks about California’s ongoing fiscal challenges and the need to balance policy goals with budget constraints. The Department of Finance gave general comments on the state’s financial condition, noting risks such as market volatility, revenue uncertainty, and projected out-year shortfalls driven by spending growth outpacing revenues. The chair also reminded witnesses to focus on fiscal impacts rather than policy arguments. The committee then considered 26 Senate bills on the suspense file agenda, with authors waiving presentation on each measure. Public testimony was limited but included support for SB 1240 from California Association of Nonprofits and several related organizations, and support for SB 943 from the State Water Contractors, SB 1056 from a representative of Valerre, and SB 881, SB 886, SB 891, SB 920, SB 937, SB 944, SB 946, SB 948, SB 959, SB 964, SB 987, SB 1006, SB 1009, SB 1044, SB 1047, SB 1049, SB 1053, SB 1054, SB 1108, SB 1132, SB 1140, SB 1198, and others received no testimony or no opposition. The Department of Finance had no file or specific comments on the measures before the committee. With no questions or objections from members on any item, each bill was moved to the suspense file. After a brief recess and the arrival of Senator Wahab, the committee recorded her presence and then concluded the agenda and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Community Resource Project, Inland Empire Community Collaborative
• with some additional support from some of our members: San Diego Humane Society, Micro Enterprise Collaborative

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• relates to behavioral health and schools and directs OSPI and the educational service districts to collaborate
• and coordinate with state, OSPI and the educational service districts to collaborate and coordinate

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Transcript Highlights:

• well informed and equipped to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities through ongoing education, collaboration
• His career has been marked by integrity, institutional knowledge, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication

Transcript Highlights:

• well informed and equipped to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities through ongoing education, collaboration
• Nelson's career has been marked by integrity, institutional knowledge, collaboration, and an unwavering

Summary: The Senate met on Monday, February 23, 2006, approved the previous day’s Journal, and handled routine committee and House message referrals. Among the referral actions, Substitute House Bill 2140, concerning land classified under current use sold or transferred to a governmental entity, was sent to the Committee on Ways and Means. Senate Bill 6355, concerning the electric transmission system, was introduced and held at the desk. The chamber then took up several resolutions honoring individuals and community traditions. Senate Resolution 8685 recognized Steve Nelson for 34 years of public service, including his leadership of the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Plan Retirement Board; Senator Holy spoke in support, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. Senate Resolution 8695 honored the Daffodil Festival and its Royal Court in Pierce County; Senators Gildon, Peterson, and Conway spoke in support, and it too was adopted by voice vote. During personal privilege remarks, a senator paid tribute to Paul Brainerd, founder of Aldus and a major figure in desktop publishing and philanthropy, noting his contributions to technology, nonprofit work, and environmental education. The Senate also announced a Rules Committee meeting after adjournment and then adjourned until Wednesday, February 25, 2006.

Transcript Highlights:

• just, if you go back to the slide about BQA training, would you just comment briefly about the collaboration
• This is truly a collaborative effort.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The program functioned as a collaborative effort among UALR, Philander Smith, and Pulaski Technical College
• The program functioned as a collaborative effort among UALR, Philander Smith, and Pulaski Technical College

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes. It then received and adopted reports from the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and the Medicaid Subcommittee. Those reports covered audit follow-up items, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, state agency audit findings, and a Medicaid oversight presentation. Several reports were filed after discussion, and in multiple cases agencies or local officials were present to answer questions about repeat findings or compliance concerns. Among the notable audit matters, the committee reviewed a Cleburne County library audit that found more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases that appeared personal in nature and improper fuel expenses. The library director had been placed on leave, later charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, and the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General. The committee also heard a special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which found scholarship ineligibility issues and numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, while noting that the program had ended in 2024 and remaining funds were returned to the school districts. During the state agency report, Legislative Audit described findings at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs, including improper benefit payments, a cashed warrant by someone other than the intended payee, missing receipts, unauthorized fuel card purchases, and payroll and overtime issues. The committee filed that report after agency representatives responded to questions. The meeting ended with the filing of the Cleburne County and Donaldson Scholars Academy reports, and the next committee meeting was announced for March 12-13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• struck in the underlying bill, specifically the current law expiration date for the Dementia Action Collaborative
• struck in the underlying bill, specifically the current law expiration date for the Dementia Action Collaborative

Bills: HB2200 , HB2468 , HB2660

Committee: House Early Learning & Human Services

Keywords: developmental disabilities, residential settings, data access, safety, stability, terminology correction, social services, healthcare, regulatory compliance, department reorganization, child welfare, court authority, shelter care, family law, court conditions

Transcript Highlights:

• struck in the underlying bill, specifically the current law expiration date for the Dementia Action Collaborative
• struck in the underlying bill, specifically the current law expiration date for the Dementia Action Collaborative

Summary: The House Early Learning & Human Services Committee met in executive session on three bills. House Bill 2200, concerning JLARC review of safety and stability outcomes for DSHS developmental disabilities clients and a DSHS public reporting requirement, was amended with a technical correction (House Amendment 799) and then reported out with a do pass recommendation. Supporters said the substitute shifts from a dashboard to an annual downloadable report, delays the timeline, and asks JLARC to recommend a methodology for future data collection; one member raised concerns about possible stigma and impacts on providers, but the bill passed 9-2. House Bill 2468, which updates DSHS statutory references to reflect agency restructuring and makes related technical changes, was advanced without amendment after the substitute reinstated the Dementia Action Collaborative expiration date and the requirement for two permanent employees to review the no-paid-services caseload. Members described it as a non-substantive cleanup bill to streamline and harmonize agency law. It was reported out unanimously, 11-0. House Bill 2660, authorizing courts to order conditions to keep a child under age five safe in the home after a shelter care hearing, had several proposed amendments withdrawn before action. The remaining amendment, Wickham 848, was adopted; it adds that the conditions must be the least restrictive necessary, reviewed every 30 days, and consistent with state and federal Indian Child Welfare Act requirements. The substitute bill then passed 9-2, with supporters saying it responds to recent critical incidents and opponents noting concerns but acknowledging shared commitment to child safety. The committee then adjourned and noted there would be no meeting the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody is so good about collaborating.
• I know you have your hands full too, but this may—we're just inviting collaboration going forward to

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• So, again, thank you for your collaboration when we do these things.
• Navigating what comes next will require discipline, collaboration, and resolve.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and briefly closed out the 2025 legislative session by adopting a concurrent resolution on adjournment. The chamber then reopened for the 2026 session with a quorum present, a prayer by Bishop Mark O’Connell, and opening remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, Minority Leader Rob Ortt, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The remarks focused on the responsibilities of the new session, the need to listen to constituents, and broad priorities such as affordability, public safety, rights protections, and working across party lines. Governor Kathy Hochul’s message requesting the Senate’s presence for the 2026 State of the State address was read and filed. In their remarks, Ortt emphasized affordability, keeping more money in New Yorkers’ pockets, energy choices, and public safety, while Stewart-Cousins highlighted rising costs for housing, groceries, utilities, health care, and child care, along with defending voting rights, equal rights, and immigrant communities. Both leaders said their conferences were prepared to work with each other and with the Governor. The Senate then adopted two organizational resolutions: one appointing Senators Bynoe and Chan to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to proceed, and another appointing Senators Ryan and Wildcat to inform the Assembly that the Senate was assembled and ready to proceed. No substantive legislation was debated, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, January 12, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.