Transcript Highlights:

• And the state of New Hampshire in 2023 designated life sciences as one of four priority growth sectors
• <01:08:03.440> growth sciences as one of four priority growth sciences as one of four priority
• This is a priority for our sector, and we really feel that it is a policy that will help incentivize
• And Miss Hetchavaria, are there any other legislative priorities that we could be looking at besides
• there any other legislative priorities there any other legislative priorities that<01:44:42.480>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Infrastructure is our huge priority.
• Infrastructure is our huge priority.
• Infrastructure is our huge priority.
• Infrastructure is our huge priority.
• Infrastructure is our huge priority.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If it isn't realized, it is enough of a priority for Dakota County that we will look for other sources
• If it isn't realized, it is enough of a priority for Dakota County that we will look for other sources
• So, job one is that the realignment of the DHS grants will ... priority for Dakota County that we will
• priority for Dakota County that we will look<00:24:00.000> for<00:24:00.159> other<00:
• The fact was due to other priorities.

Bills: HF3738, HF2295, HF3520, HF3666

Keywords: pediatric care, hospital discharge, home care, healthcare accessibility, nursing services, family support, mental health, crisis services, Dakota County, mobile crisis response, public safety, treatment services, rehabilitation, behavioral health fund, client eligibility, home and community-based services, case management, waiver services, county services, disability advocacy

Transcript Highlights:

• This pricing model has been unsustainable for more than a decade and has been identified as a priority
• for the Minnesota Library a priority for the Minnesota Library Association.<00:55:32.240> Librarians
• Thank you for your time and your consideration. priorities.
• We anticipate applying for a priorities. We anticipate applying for a Mary<01:45:36.320> C.
• That language directs the commissioner to examine the applications and give priority on the following

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we have set some priorities that we think are the common priorities of the people in this committee
• But we have set some priorities<00:13:01.920> that<00:13:02.160> we<00:13:02.320> think
• <00:13:02.560> are<00:13:02.800> the<00:13:03.040> common priorities that we
• think are the common priorities that we think are the common priorities<00:13:03.760> of<00:13
• of the people in this priorities of the people in this committee<00:13:05.200> and<00:13:05.680

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So now let's get into some of the legislative fiscal priorities.
• So if you would turn to slide 10, excuse me, and it's just the 2026 educational priorities for the '27
• the uh legislative fiscal priorities. the uh legislative fiscal priorities.
• for the 27 budget educational priorities for the 27 budget year.<01:10:58.000> These<01:10:58.320
• So, slide 14, uh, is a continuation of educational priorities and these are classroom initiatives. some

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation from a charter-school authorizer agency. Witnesses explained that the agency no longer receives the federal CSP grant, that a one-time $499,000 equipment grant was not recurring, and that in FY25 they also had no general fund appropriation. They said their special-fund revenue has grown but is not enough to sustain operations alone, especially because the money arrives once a year and the agency needs a cash balance in advance. Their budget request sought a mix of general and special funds, but the legislative budget recommendation stayed near the FY26 appropriation level. Members asked about salary growth and contractual spending; the agency said higher salaries reflected doctorate-level staff and a planned sixth position, while contractual costs covered technical assistance, consultants, CPA reviews, and outside legal support. The agency also said a pending bill, identified as House Bill 2, could significantly affect its operations and revenue. Members asked about Republic, and the agency said a peer report had just been released, the school had made operational changes, and progress was being made though questions remained. The Library Commission then presented its budget request. The outgoing director announced retirement and introduced the incoming director, and praised the agency’s recent federal and state audits with no findings. The commission asked to restore two headcount reductions in the budget recommendation, saying the positions were hard to fill because they require specialized librarianship credentials and that losing them would cost about $130,000. It also asked to restore federal spending authority in case IMLS funding became uncertain, and requested about $173,000 for a 5% salary progression pool because turnover had reached 35% and many employees were near the start step. Senators asked about the open positions and turnover; the commission said one position had been open 10 months, another about eight months, and some turnover was due to retirements. Mississippi Public Broadcasting then presented its request for an $18.153 million appropriation. The agency said it wanted salary progressions to retain staff, four new vehicles for engineering and transmitter work, and $522,000 in reappropriated digitization funds to continue a project that has digitized more than half its library holdings for online access. The director also highlighted programming and outreach, including a new food-focused show, a music program, live coverage of the National Folk Festival, a Medgar Evers documentary now in national distribution, and expanded radio programming. He said MPB reaches nearly 1 million TV viewers annually, has strong radio and app usage, and continues to provide required weather, Silver Alert, and Amber Alert notifications. He also described a partnership with the Department of Education using e-glass technology to connect teachers to classrooms lacking instructors, saying the program is already serving multiple districts and drawing national interest.

Transcript Highlights:

• First priority are the folks who have the greatest needs, second have the second greatest needs, so on
• By far, we're serving folks who are in that top priority category right now.
• First priority are the folks who have the greatest needs, second have the second greatest needs, so on
• By far, we're serving folks who are in that top priority category right now.
• By far, we're serving folks who are in that top priority category right now.

Bills: HF1538, HF1965, HF2251, HF2838

Keywords: teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district, cooperative unit, teacher pipeline, alternative licensure, apprenticeship program, labor and industry, union representation

Transcript Highlights:

• I think most of these buildings that would be the high priority are at the end of their useful life and
• are at the end of their useful priority are at the end of their useful life<01:15:32.880> and
• First, HEAPER remains our top priority.
• She said it is greatly concerning what the priorities have been in the last two years in this session
• She said it is continuing to be built, but it is greatly concerning what the priorities have been in

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• on a limb for them, maybe give them $200,000 to $250,000 and make them apply to whatever their priorities
• are, and I'm not going to tell them what their priorities should be because they know better. um you
• are and I'm not going to tell priorities are and I'm not going to tell them<01:33:04.280> what
• ><01:33:04.440> their<01:33:04.600> priorities<01:33:05.080> should<01:33:05.280
• > be them what their priorities should be them what their priorities should be because<01:33:05.639

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process. The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management. A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• the work of the Department of Commerce and the energy space and present on our Governor's budget priorities
• We carry out our mission through five strategic priorities, which are to protect the public interest,
• c> um<00:02:18.480> which<00:02:18.599> are<00:02:18.760> to strategic priorities
• um which are to strategic priorities um which are to protect<00:02:19.239> the<00:02:19.400><
• Inspector General, closer oversight, whatever you want, but you have my pledge that that's a priority

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and just uh keep balance uh priorities and just uh keep in<01:01:14.720> mind<01:01:15.200>
• And Human Services work together to develop an amendment to achieve priority Alzheimer's and dementia
• And to become mainstream in our public health priority, supporting those living with the disease and
• dementias a top public health priority dementias a top public health priority in<01:26:12.080>
• over what town or city the priority over what town or city the treatment<02:35:30.479> program

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there is a priority point system on weatherization.
• Um, and there is a priority process for folks if they have children who may be removed from the home
• Um, there is a priority point system on weatherization.
• Um, and there is a priority process for folks if they have children who may be removed from the home
• system on there is a priority point system on weatherization.<00:08:46.640> They<00:08:46.800

Bills: SB8

Keywords: utilities, public service commission, energy regulation, appointment, emergency declaration, tax increases, consumer protection, Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:51 Approval of Minutes 00:02:07 Legislator Comments 00:02:18 LIHEAP Public Hearing 00:04:19 PSC Update on RS 26 SB 8 00:32:18 WaterStep Presentation 01:04:08, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The priority focus is shovel-ready projects ready for implementation that this will help move along a
• The priority focus is shovel-ready projects ready for implementation that this will help move along a
• The priority focus is shovel-ready projects ready for implementation that this will help move along a
• They also removed some language that we had included regarding priority housing projects remaining in
• that we had included regarding priority that we had included regarding priority housing<01:11:06.480

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• should lead this process and called on state and city agencies and community partners to identify priorities
• should lead this process and called on state and city agencies and community partners to identify priorities
• should lead this process and called on state and city agencies and community partners to identify priorities
• agree<00:14:29.079> to<00:14:29.200> a<00:14:29.280> plan identify priorities
• , to agree to a plan identify priorities, to agree to a plan and<00:14:29.760> to<00:14:29.880

Bills: SR185, HB2452, HB2329, HB2272, HB2273, HB2335, HB1656, HB2207, HB2289, HB1854, HB2581, HB20, HB2296, HB1707, HB2297, HB1890, HB2241, HB2474, HB1688, HB2546, HB1574, HB1546, HB2218, HB1163, HB1514, HB1749, HB2385, HB1576, HB1974, HB2022, HB1973, HB2005, HB1894, HB1515, HB1718, HB1591, HB2475, HB1721, HB1864, HB1946, HB1920

Keywords: Department of Education, capital improvement program, performance audit, infrastructure, transparency, state bonds, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, bond authorization, state debt limit, constitutional debt limit, Article VII Section 13, Hawaii bonds, state borrowing, public finance, capital improvement projects, supplemental appropriations, judiciary appropriations, refunding bonds, reimbursable bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• The Climate Change Commission cited the Clean Fuel Standard as one of the top priorities and approaches
• This is our number one priority, not just for me as the Maui Police Department, but for all the chiefs
• This is our number one priority, not just for me is the Maui Police Department, but for all the chiefs
• This is a top priority.
• The state has identified electronics recycling as a policy priority, and we want to see funding remain

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• clearly articulated well, that when they hit that 10%, the town meeting decides to start changing priorities
• ,<00:11:07.960> lowering<00:11:08.400> and start changing priorities, lowering and
• start changing priorities, lowering and reconsidering<00:11:09.080> other<00:11:09.320> warrant
• towns with tax caps that operate under a traditional annual meeting to ensure that they're setting priorities
• Which may not be the necessary priority, but it's a matter of having voters.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We think that this is of paramount priority. Affordability in health care is top of mind.
• We think that this is a of paramount<01:16:27.640> priority.
• Uh affordability in paramount priority.
• So, as we are looking at health care affordability, it is a paramount priority that affordability is
• So, as we are looking at health care affordability, it is a paramount priority that affordability is

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining it would work through a long list of interim topics one at a time and asked members to complete a selection form at the end. The first topic, long-term care, drew testimony from AARP Wyoming and the Wyoming Long-Term Care Association. AARP emphasized Wyoming’s aging population, the state’s roughly $200 million annual Medicaid spending on long-term care, and the need to examine whether more support for home-based care could reduce nursing home use and costs. The association agreed with supporting people at home as long as possible, but asked that any study also consider increased support for nursing homes and assisted living when home care is no longer feasible. Committee discussion also touched on adult day care and PACE-like services, with Mr. Laycock noting prior Department of Health discussion and limited adult day availability due to reimbursement concerns. The committee then heard proposals for neonatal intensive care unit family leave, expanded midwifery scope, and a modification to workers’ compensation law. The NICU leave idea, presented by the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, would explore leave options for families with premature infants in intensive care, potentially paid or unpaid, while considering business size and the burden on families who may need out-of-state care. The midwifery topic was framed as a way to address rural maternity and women’s health gaps by allowing midwives to practice to the full extent of their training. On workers’ compensation, the Wyoming Association of Municipalities sought to classify dispatch personnel as first responders so they could receive mental health coverage under workers’ compensation; the Department of Workforce Services explained that current law covers dispatchers under workers’ compensation generally, but the first responder mental health provision added in 2018 applies to law enforcement and firefighters and does not currently include dispatchers. Other topics included problematic gaming and program funding, breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental exams, prescription drug coverage for advanced metastatic cancer, SNAP education, behavioral health workforce clinical training site shortages, CPR in schools, and broader midwifery oversight. The behavioral health workforce proposal, brought by a WICHE commissioner, focused on increasing psychology internship slots in Wyoming, noting that the state currently has only three and that expanding placements could improve recruitment and retention. The CPR in schools topic drew strong support from the American Heart Association, which argued that CPR training in high school could improve bystander response in a rural state with long EMS response times; committee members asked about cost and curriculum fit, and the witnesses said hands-only CPR could be taught by school staff rather than requiring expensive certification. The midwifery discussion later broadened into concerns about oversight and standards after a representative described a constituent’s pregnancy loss and said complaints involving midwifery practice and staffing delays in investigations warranted a deeper review. No votes were taken during the portion provided, and most topics were simply introduced, discussed, and left open for further testimony or later committee selection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I employ 25 people and my staff are my absolute top priority. Um, I really care about my staff.
• <00:04:40.000> my<00:04:40.160> absolute<00:04:40.800> top<00:04:41.120> priority
• <00:04:42.000> Um, staff are my absolute top priority.
• Um, staff are my absolute top priority.
• state's ability to adequately fund vital public investments in health care, education, and other priorities

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3524 and House File 3525 and laid both over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill, with no amendments adopted and no vote taken at this stage. HF 3524 would conform Minnesota law to the federal overtime tax deduction, and HF 3525 would conform to the federal tip-income deduction. The author argued both bills would help workers keep more of their earnings, simplify tax filing, support labor-force participation, and provide relief to workers in hospitality, trades, health care, and other industries. The committee heard testimony in support from a restaurant owner, Sandra Weiss of the Finnish Beastro in St. Paul, who said the bills would help tipped workers keep more of their income and would support hospitality businesses. She described her staff as roughly half men and half women, including students and long-term employees, and said front-of-house tipped workers and back-of-house workers face different pay levels. She also said Minnesota’s tip rules and lack of a tip credit create challenges for the industry. During questioning, members discussed wage disparities, the makeup of her workforce, and the practical effects of the proposals. Opposition testimony came from Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota, both of whom argued the bills are regressive, poorly targeted, and costly. They said the deductions would mainly benefit higher earners, violate horizontal equity by treating similar incomes differently, and could encourage compensation restructuring. They also warned the combined cost would exceed $500 million over the 2028-29 biennium and could pressure funding for health care, education, and other public services. Mark Havenman of the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence similarly criticized the bills on tax fairness and administrative grounds, noting the federal tip deduction framework is still under development and could create enforcement issues. Nonpartisan staff provided revenue estimates showing HF 3524 would reduce general fund revenue by about $365.9 million in fiscal 2027 and HF 3525 by about $126 million in fiscal 2027, with smaller ongoing impacts in later years. Members also raised questions about how the bills would be paid for and what income would qualify under the overtime deduction.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Uh, well, for what we're presenting, or what was included in this is the priority projects that
• These are some of the top priority projects.
• um projects that would fund to priority um projects that would fund to you<00:28:42.320> know
• <00:28:48.240> So the the the top priority projects.
• So the the the top priority projects.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures. SB 2723, which would designate April 27 as State Sheriff’s Day, was supported by the Department of Law Enforcement and a long-serving sheriff, who described the historical roots of Hawaii’s sheriffs in the Kingdom of Hawaii and said the bill would recognize that legacy. HGA submitted written comments, and there was no opposition or vote taken on the measure during the excerpt. The committees then heard SB 17 on wildfire mitigation. The Public Utilities Commission, DLNR, the State Fire Council, OPSD, the Attorney General’s office, and Kamehameha Schools all testified, mostly in support of the bill’s intent but with suggested amendments. Several witnesses said the bill should better define the working group’s structure, staffing, and funding, and the Attorney General noted constitutional concerns about placing the group outside a principal department and pointed out possible overlap with Acts 302 and 303 from the prior year. Committee members questioned whether SB 17 duplicated earlier wildfire legislation, and witnesses generally said it did not directly conflict but overlapped with existing efforts. On SB 2358, which would require reimbursement for search-and-rescue costs when people leave trails and enter closed areas, the State Fire Council and the Hawaii SAR Alliance testified in opposition or caution, arguing that reimbursement could deter people from calling for help and that Hawaii’s SAR system still has structural and administrative gaps. A committee member asked whether other jurisdictions had used similar measures without discouraging rescues; the Fire Council said Kauai has a similar law but it has not resulted in invoices being sent. No action was taken in the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 2475 on Red Hill remediation funding and reimbursement from the Department of Defense. The Board of Water Supply, DLNR, and other testifiers supported the bill, emphasizing the need for long-term research, monitoring, and cleanup, while also noting the unique groundwater conditions and the importance of keeping the funds focused on Red Hill contamination response. Committee members asked about existing federal and state funding, whether the state had received any direct federal money, and what would happen if reimbursement is not obtained. DLNR said it was still working through the reimbursement mechanism and that some federal funding had gone to the Red Hill registry, but not directly to the state for this purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully request that any appropriation not reduce or rephase priorities in the executive budget
• priorities in the executive budget. priorities in the executive budget.
• It's one of our highest priorities this session.
• And ETS focuses its priority on state IT, statewide IT strategic planning, and operations.
• ><01:38:29.840> um<01:38:30.320> focuses<01:38:30.960> its<01:38:31.280> priority

Bills: HB1518, HB1699, HB1747, HB1705, HB1565, HB1801, HB1645, HB2115, HB2114

Keywords: HB1518, Hawaii SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamps, Department of Human Services, DHS, pre-release SNAP, pre-release application process, incarcerated individuals, prisoner reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, jail release, prison release, recidivism, food security, benefits eligibility, controlled substance felony, drug felony, drug conviction

Summary: The committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session and heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 1518, which would allow people incarcerated and nearing release to apply for SNAP benefits before release. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services said they support the bill and are already piloting a pre-release application process at two facilities, with plans to expand it. The Attorney General’s Office supported the intent but noted a technical issue: one section of the bill appears to affect TANF as well as SNAP, while the title refers only to SNAP. A wide range of advocates, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, ACLU of Hawaii, and others, testified in strong support, emphasizing food insecurity after release, reentry stability, and reduced recidivism. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1747, which would direct the Department of Human Services to seek federal waivers or extensions related to restricting certain SNAP purchases, including sugary drinks. DHS said it had already been approved for a narrow demonstration waiver and was working with retailers on implementation, with a target date of August 1. Supporters of the measure argued it would promote healthier choices, while opponents, including Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said such restrictions are ineffective, stigmatize low-income residents, create burdens for retailers and DHS, and may be difficult to implement. Members asked DHS to clarify the scope of the waiver and confirmed it applies to sugary drinks and beverages containing more than 10 grams of sugar. Finally, the committee took up HB 1705, which would allow licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, but there was no testimony from the relevant agencies and the item was quickly set aside. The committee also heard HB 1565, which would establish a judiciary working group to improve family court processes and legal representation for youth in the child welfare system. The Attorney General’s Office offered minor technical amendments, and supporters from the Office of Wellness and Resilience, High Hopes Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and a social work student described the need for legal representation, citing better reunification and stability outcomes and the importance of youth voice in court proceedings. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.