Transcript Highlights:

• It is cost effective down the line. Unfortunately, we're not down the line.
• cost effective down the line. cost effective down the line.
• , well, lines 9 through 12 where it line, well, lines 9 through 12 where it is,<03:09:54.160> um,<
• looking at page nine, line 12. There looking at page nine, line 12.
• line 27, well it's lines 25 page three, line 27, well it's lines 25 through<03:43:38.720> 27,<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1. Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time. The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have two questions.
• If you get down to line 26.
• But there's a line on line three that says and other waste.
• <00:46:07.680> three a line on there's a words on line three a line on there's a words on line
• House Bill two eliminated the fee. House Bill two eliminated the fee.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have uh, two questions. one Senator.
• 24 on page one and line 23 on page two, where it says that they're providing copies of the applicable
• put on there in line put on there in line 24<00:23:45.760> on<00:23:46.080> page<00
• and line 23 and line 23 on<00:23:52.080> page<00:23:52.559> two on page two on page
• <00:29:01.919> to you know the the Senate in a two to you know the the Senate in a two to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference first met on Senate Bill 221, which concerned annual voter roll verification and the lookback period for checking voter registration lists. The Senate favored looking back to presidential elections to reduce the number of voters removed, while the House argued for annual verification with a one-year lookback because the voter roll database now makes the process easier and because of population mobility and student turnover. Members discussed possible refinements to the 30-day letter process and agreed to recess and return Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. to continue negotiations. The committee then took up Senate Bill 213 and Senate Bill 218, both involving absentee voting and public employee electioneering restrictions. On SB 213, the discussion focused on clarifying identification/documentation requirements for absentee ballot-related applications and on a House amendment to preserve the ability of certain public employees to provide factual information to the public about official matters without violating the bill. On SB 218, the Senate wanted to remove outer envelopes from absentee voting materials, while the House supported keeping the bill but clarifying that only applicable documentation is required. Members raised concerns about voter access, clerks’ procedures, and whether the electioneering language was too broad; both bills were held over and recessed for further work. The committee also considered Senate Bill 287, which dealt with public employee electioneering and a related carve-out for factual responses by appointed public employees. The House and Senate discussed combining amendments, but the House member said the underlying bill was needed to curb partisan electioneering while still allowing factual public information. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 118, which would adjust a personal needs allowance for nursing home residents, address Hampstead Hospital employee bonuses, and create a maintenance fund for the hospital. The Senate objected to a House-added cannabis cultivation provision, saying it was unrelated to the bill and could jeopardize the measure because of the Senate’s and governor’s opposition to cannabis language; the committee recessed to revisit the issue later, with the House noting the base bill’s importance to nursing home residents and Hampstead Hospital.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to try to do it in two hours.
• It used to be more split between the two regions.
• But my question after that long statement is two things.
• And that causes a flat line, as you see with that pink line.
• But the way that this works is they add those two dotted lines together, and that gives them a line.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Massachusetts sea scallop fishery, especially the economic importance of the industry, federal scallop management, and two policy questions: reopening the Northern Edge area on Georges Bank and allowing permit stacking/permit consolidation. Chairing senators emphasized their interest in hearing both sides, their frustration with federal bureaucracy, and their view that the issue should be guided by science while protecting the long-term resource and local communities. Dr. Kate O’Keefe of the New England Fishery Management Council and Kevin Stokesbury of UMass Dartmouth described the Magnuson-Stevens framework, annual catch limits, rotational area management, and the role of industry-funded surveys and the research set-aside program. They said scallops remain the most lucrative council-managed commercial fishery on the East Coast, but recent changes include more small scallops, lower biomass in some areas, higher natural mortality, and shifting abundance toward Georges Bank. On the Northern Edge, they explained that the council previously considered opening the area through a framework/joint action with habitat management, but discontinued the action in 2024 because of conflicting objectives involving scallop yield, habitat protection, and other species. They said the issue could be revisited through future council priority-setting. Representatives of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund argued that the fishery needs modernization to remain economically viable. They supported reopening the Northern Edge and strongly backed permit stacking, saying it would allow two permits on one vessel while keeping ownership caps in place, reducing costs, improving safety, and helping family-owned fleets avoid financial distress and outside investment. Port of New Bedford representative John Regan stressed the port’s central role in the state economy, the need to protect working waterfront infrastructure, and the importance of any permit changes preserving local ownership and participation. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members asked that the witnesses keep the committee informed as the council and federal agencies consider next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• What does it mean to our power lines and wires, mean to our poles?
• feet removed from the high transit lines.
• On lines 18 and 19, she said the bill addresses the noise study.
• Um and then uh in on page two landscape.
• Um and then uh in on page two lines<01:07:28.319> 7<01:07:28.640> through<01:07:28.960>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure I've said this twice in two weeks.
• Lo, se the roll, having received 46 votes and two nay votes.
• Page 10, and it says, I guess, line 11.
• Same NIL portion of page 10 and the area of number B on line seven.
• House Bill 3996 has a simple amendment on page two.

Bills: HB3834, HB3940, HB4346, HB2947, HB3257, HB3264, HB4326, HB4421, HB3944, HB3979, HB4118, SCR22, SB169, HB1047, HB2123, HB2650, HB3260, HB3403, SR41, HB3649, HB3742, HB3831, HB3996, HB4321, HB4339

Keywords: HB3834, Oklahoma Breakthrough Therapy Act, ibogaine, ibogaine-based therapeutics, ibogaine analogs, clinical trials, FDA approval, breakthrough therapy designation, opioid use disorder, substance use disorder, traumatic brain injury, mental health, neurological disorders, drug development, public-private partnership, State Department of Health, intellectual property, revolving fund, research funding, medical licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• We also are adding cyber finish line.
• c> single<00:03:57.480> appropriation single line, every single appropriation single line,
• c> proactive The last two ambitious, proactive The last two ambitious, proactive immigration<00:20
• The most recent data shows that line."
• I come from a long line of poverty.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was divided into two counties, St. John's and Escambia.
• So seven, you've got five single-member, two at-large.
• So seven, you've got five single member, two at large.
• Member, two at-large.
• Have those two studies been done with FAC? Mr.

Summary: The subcommittee met to discuss Florida county commission districting options, with an overview from Ginger Delagall of the Florida Association of Counties. She explained the constitutional, statutory, local charter, and federal Voting Rights Act framework governing county commissions, including the default five-member at-large model for non-charter counties, the option for seven-member mixed boards with a referendum, and the broader flexibility available to charter counties, which can choose different board sizes, election methods, and term limits. She also described the current distribution of county structures across the state and noted a few counties in transition or litigation, including Orange, Lee, and Alachua. County commissioners from Bay, Madison, Pinellas, Polk, and Bradford counties testified about how their current systems work in practice. Commissioners from Bay and Polk defended at-large systems as promoting countywide accountability, broader perspective, and collaboration, especially in large or diverse counties. Commissioners from Madison and Bradford supported single-member districts as improving local access, clarity, and responsiveness, particularly in smaller rural counties. Pinellas Commissioner Dave Eggers described a mixed system in a large charter county and said it balances district-level responsiveness with countywide accountability. Several members asked about Orange County’s mayor-chair structure, the effects of single-member versus at-large representation, and whether counties had considered changing their systems. In questions and discussion, members raised concerns about accountability, representation, gerrymandering, countywide versus district-specific interests, and whether certain structures better serve rural or urban counties. Delagall said the association had not done cost or equity studies comparing systems. The panel repeatedly emphasized home rule and local choice, with commissioners and Delagall urging the Legislature to let counties and their voters decide their own form of government. No votes were taken on any bill or proposal, and the meeting ended with adjournment after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, so I think we have two options.
• On page two, they took out that line. Okay, yes, I see it crossed over, right?
• Is that something that we should be adding to the end of line 19 in our bill?
• So to be more precise, your proposed amendment is on line 16 after the word face.
• Through line 17, I think Reagan can do that. After the word face? Yes.

Bills: HCR3028

Keywords: human trafficking, victim services, re-entry programs, legislative study, public safety, mental health, law enforcement, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several measures related to human trafficking, criminal procedure, and child protection. It first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3028, which would direct a legislative study of human trafficking victim services and re-entry programs. The sponsor and supporters emphasized helping victims rebuild basic life and workforce skills and better understanding existing services; YouthWorks and the North Dakota Catholic Conference described current programs and the trauma victims face. The committee discussed overlap with other interim studies, then voted unanimously to give the resolution a due pass, with Senator Braunberger designated to carry it. The committee then considered House Bill 1263, concerning sealing criminal records, and moved it forward without changing the House version after members noted the House had removed presumption language and reduced the waiting period. That bill also received a due pass recommendation. Next, House Bill 1226, which revises the state’s mask law for public places, drew testimony from the sponsor and an expert witness who argued that masking to conceal identity during group criminal conduct undermines public safety and law enforcement. Members debated the House-added requirement that law enforcement request unmasking; the committee adopted an amendment to remove that language, then passed the bill as amended, with Senator Luick to carry it. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1410, a study resolution on criminal conduct against children, including child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and the use of artificial intelligence in exploitation crimes. Supporters from the Child Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force, YouthWorks, and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota said the study would help update outdated terminology, review AI-related issues, and improve investigation and prosecution tools. The committee approved the resolution with a due pass recommendation, and Senator Cory was assigned to carry it. The committee also received a brief report that, in a quick review, there were 82 active studies introduced, including 10 shall studies and 35 shall-consider studies, with limited overlap identified beyond the trafficking-related measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We go through, you know, multiple silos, and we go essentially line item by line item, and we look at
• Yet, we are being asked to do it in two days. Two days.
• The speaker's been saying it for the last two days.
• We are going to start two years ago right-sizing our...
• So, I have learned a lot the last two days.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , but eligible as surplus lines carriers.
• However, TDI does license and regulate the surplus lines agents.
• Except for certain commercial lines that have been exempted by statute, a surplus lines agent must make
• These two policy goals, availability and price, often conflict.
• Of two hospital chains in rural Texas in Abilene and San Angelo.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, about two miles north to sea.
• . appropriation over a two-year span.
• We had that two, was it two billion? That settlement is a huge settlement.
• To us, to the expansion, so there's an existing line, and this is an expansion of that line.
• that line and Pueblo de San Ildefonso on the south side of that line.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Number two, I myself successful.
• <00:43:05.680> of and seven as indicated on page two of and seven as indicated on page two
• We'll make it a two-year what? We'll make it a two-year implementation<00:53:50.160> date.
• three, subsection B, line 17. three, subsection B, line 17.
• c><01:39:44.800> as subsection B, lines 1 to two, to read as subsection B, lines 1 to two, to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And on page two, delete the enactment date. So that's the amendment. Any discussion?
• Um, to the bill itself... uh and uh line uh on page two uh Delete uh and uh line uh on page two uh Delete
• A typical commercial turkey barn will have two of them, one on each end.
• some places so that's why you need two some places so that's why you need two in<00:03:31.560>
• c> then when we get to line uh page two um then when we get to line uh page two um these<00:16:03.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We already have monies that are in the line fund, and we are proposing to add more monies to the line
• So now we have two more bills up. They're both by Senator Harrell.
• Okay, there are two amendments. Let's take up the delete-all barcode 6568.
• And it only deletes lines 30 and 31, airports as defined in chapter 330.27. Okay.
• It's on page two, Senator. He's on page two, Senator. Thank you, Chairman.

Summary: The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first adopted a late-filed amendment to SB 774, which expands enhanced workers’ compensation coverage to 911 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher and others, and was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 770 on forensic services for certain defendants, which would allow the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to consolidate secure forensic services for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed after incompetency findings. Members then considered several public safety, family, and workforce bills. CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized aliens operating commercial vehicles an imminent safety hazard and imposes vehicle impoundment and a $50,000 penalty on motor carriers, was reported favorably after questions about impound procedures and cargo handling; one speaker opposed it. SB 1594, protecting veterans’ benefits for foster youth so the funds are reserved for postsecondary education, training, and after-care services, was reported favorably with supportive testimony from a former DCF attorney. CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in violent crime cases, was reported favorably despite criminal defense attorneys’ concerns about a provision allowing warrantless arrests without officer observation. The committee also approved a complete rewrite of the nonprofit corporations chapter in SB 554, a sickle cell continuing education bill (SB 844) after extensive emotional testimony from patients, advocates, and family members, and SB 1022 adding two children’s initiative programs in Bay County and Broward County. CS/SB 1246 broadened the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science education programs and related workforce needs and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230 restricting use and sale of certain firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS, and CS/CS/SB 128 directing DEP to mark Red Harris Spoil Island; both passed with favorable votes. Several senators later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific tabs, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, there are two amendments. I'd be happy to explain. Mr.
• Is the SALT deduction above the line or below the line, and is it in this bill or not? Mr.
• It is not a part of your federal adjusted gross income, which we normally view as above the line.
• or below the line and is it in this bill or not mr. chair senator Epstein it is above the line so it
• however what is how it has happened because We normally view it as above the line.

Bills: SB1638

Keywords: taxation, income tax, internal revenue code, deductions, tax benefits, retroactive, standard deduction, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• done uh you'll see on line seven through 10<00:07:25.440> there's<00:07:25.759> two<00
• If we're looking in 691 on page two, line two, there was discussion that the word mitigate should be
• Get<00:28:33.679> two<00:28:33.919> minutes. Get two minutes. Get two minutes.
• two questions if I could. two questions if I could.
• >> Uh, just sorry, just give me a line. >> Oh, line four.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm looking at page two, the bottom of page two.
• So starting two, the bottom of page two.
• So starting at<00:31:36.880> line<00:31:37.600> 2.24, at line 2.24, at line 2.24, it<00
• on line 2.6 where you say the process. on line 2.6 where you say the process.
• This bill does two things.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , even though we don't have such a long line today as we did last time.
• But now we're really getting down into the step two, which is the forgiveness step, the step two modification
• to that bottom-line revenue.
• So two things in the conversation we had So two things in the conversation we had with CMS: they—we put
• I'm going to give you a two-part overview here.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million. The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data. The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have questions for these two speakers? Anybody? Thank you.
• On page two, thank you. Additionally...
• They're as vital as roads and power lines, but often unseen.
• Today, NFF would like to share data on two important topics.
• There are intermediary steps between those two ends of the spectrum.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly select committee hearing focused on the challenges facing California nonprofits in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance, the impact of federal funding disruptions and tax policy changes, and the need for stronger public-private partnerships, especially in disaster response and recovery. Witnesses from community foundations, food banks, Cal OES, long-term recovery groups, CalNonprofits, and nonprofit finance organizations described funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, reduced indirect cost coverage, staffing strain, and the effects of climate disasters and immigration-related fear on service delivery. Testimony highlighted several policy ideas, including advance payments for state grants and contracts, prompt payment standards, sustainable indirect cost rates, contract flexibility in emergencies, streamlined registration and reporting, and a possible new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to serve as a central point of contact and coordination within state government. Speakers also described how nonprofits and VOAD networks support wildfire response and long-term recovery, but noted that recovery groups often lack stable operating funding even when they are recognized as best practice. A food bank leader described federal food aid cuts and disruptions to deliveries, while other witnesses stressed that nonprofits are increasingly forced to use reserves, loans, or service reductions to manage cash flow gaps. Committee members generally expressed support for the sector and asked how the state could better partner with nonprofits during both disasters and budget crises. Several members raised the possibility of incremental steps if full legislative changes are not immediately feasible, and witnesses suggested pilots, better sharing of best practices, and stronger state leadership on payment timelines. Public commenters echoed the need for better contracting practices, support for community-based organizations, and attention to nonprofit worker compensation and protections. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the hearing, which concluded with adjournment.