Transcript Highlights:

• One thing that is done in House Bill 1960 is to make that budget-created grant program a permanent creature
• This program would provide grants to counties in proportion to the state portion of the excise tax that's
• In order for a county, however, to be eligible for this new Commerce grant program, they would need to
• In order for a county, however, to be eligible for this new Commerce grant program, they would need to
• So, yeah, Section 204 deals with the tribal capacity grant program, which I mentioned at the beginning

Bills: HB1960, HB2194, HB2089

Keywords: HB1960, renewable energy, clean energy, solar, wind, battery storage, energy storage, excise tax, property tax exemption, local investment, county revenue sharing, local taxing districts, school districts, Department of Revenue, Department of Commerce, model ordinance, siting, permitting, tribal consultation, tribal capacity grants

Transcript Highlights:

• I don’t know if you want to speak in more detail, but it’s a grant-funded program.
• and remains one of the multiple economic and community programs through grants in a single application
• The program supports a statewide network of... Grant program administered by MassDevelopment.
• Since COVID-19, every grant program we administer has become dramatically more competitive.
• Since COVID-19, every grant program we administer has become dramatically more competitive.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public FY27 budget hearing at Barnstable Town Hall, with opening remarks emphasizing the Cape and Islands’ seasonal infrastructure, housing, transportation, workforce, and digital needs. The hearing began with testimony from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, which outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s budget priorities for job training, apprenticeship, youth employment, reentry programs, and unemployment insurance modernization. The secretary highlighted proposed funding for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, YouthWorks, reentry workforce development, and services for young adults with disabilities, along with a proposal to streamline youth work permits. Members also discussed the unemployment trust fund, the COVID assessment on employers, rising unemployment, and the need to improve DUA customer service and claims processing. Committee members asked about job seeker barriers such as child care, housing, transportation, and out-migration of young workers, as well as how to keep Cape Cod graduates and seasonal workers in the region. The administration said its strategy is to pair training with broader affordability investments and to expose students to career pathways earlier, including through middle school, early childhood STEM, YouthWorks, pre-apprenticeships, and Building Pathways. Senators and representatives also raised concerns about regional funding disparities, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, and the administration said it is reviewing MassHire funding and service equity through a policy committee and statewide workforce board. On unemployment assistance, officials reported major improvements in wait times and claims processing, but said they are still working through backlogs and staffing challenges while maintaining program integrity. The committee then heard testimony from the Executive Office of Economic Development. The secretary described House 2 as a fiscally restrained budget with no new taxes or fees, while preserving core programs and using the Mass Leads Act tools to support competitiveness. EOED’s proposal included funding for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, social enterprise operating grants, regional economic development organizations, the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, Community Workforce Partnerships, Pathmaker, advanced manufacturing training, life sciences, innovation vouchers, AI initiatives, small business assistance, and tourism and live theater support. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation also testified on its FY27 request, focusing on consumer protection, licensing, banking, insurance, and public safety regulation. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have outstanding programs.
• And I think it's a great program.
• Uh, the grants include, um, uh, They provide grants for firetrucks, protective gear, equipment, and training
• , that's known as the EMPG grant, Emergency Management Grant. performance grant.
• Additionally, a modest investment in the Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program, a loan repayment program

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> stands um and it's a matching grant stands um and it's a matching grant program<00:05:12.680><c>
• It was not based on a lot like a lot of appropriations for a grant program.
• grant program which we administer to the grant program which we understand<00:27:14.480><c> in</c><00
• program for ruem to establish a grant program for the<00:36:54.400><c> solid</c><00:36:54.680><c> waste
• </c> anticipate great interest in that grant anticipate great interest in that grant program<00:36:59.319

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs. Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales. Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Commerce, grant program rules. Thank you. Department of Commerce grant program rules.
• I'm here before you today to present docket 28-0203-2501, the Department of Commerce Grant Program Rules
• There are no new grant programs created, no eligibility expansions beyond existing statutory authority
• With the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission IGM grant program that was removed from statute by the
• These changes were made to reduce confusion across Department of Commerce grant programs and to ensure

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Commerce Committee first approved the minutes from February 11. It then heard House Bill 543 from Representative Furman, which updates PERSI Choice language to comply with the federal SECURE Act 2.0 by allowing after-tax Roth contributions in the 401(k)-type plan. The committee asked whether it was a conformity bill, and then moved HB 543 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Next, the committee considered an Idaho Division of Veterans Services rule docket that removes obsolete rules governing domiciliary care, which the agency no longer provides. The administrator explained that the service has been discontinued and that similar assisted-living services are available elsewhere, just not through the division. The committee approved the rule docket. The committee also reviewed Department of Commerce grant program rules under the governor’s zero-based regulation initiative. The department said the rewrite was non-substantive, removed outdated or duplicative language, aligned definitions with statute, and made clarifying changes, including to the definition of rural community. Representative Furman asked about language allowing matching-fund requirements to be “may” rather than mandatory; staff explained this would let the department reduce or waive match requirements in hardship or disaster situations. The committee approved docket 28-0203-2501.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Schwartner, you talked a little bit about this grant program.
• That is correct it would be a grant program by the comptroller for all participants in counties that
• There is a grant program that Paso County could avail themself of and would be participating in.
• It simply removes the population cap. eligibility for the 20 million dollar grant program.
• There's a grant program you've got to apply for. No guarantee. No indemnification for lawsuits.

Keywords: HCR65, HCR19, Senate resolutions, memorial, community impact, legislative proceedings

Summary: The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• pre-K grants.
• with funding and program costs.
• in coming years without major changes to the grant and the program structure.
• At the federal level, there are no real mental health funds because of the changes to grant programs.
• Madam Chair, like grant funds?

Transcript Highlights:

• Program, commonly referred to as the REMSA Grant, and the EMS Personnel Training Grant Program.
• The EMS Personnel Training Grant Program offsets the cost of initial and continuing education for EMS
• A new initiative, the Rural Health Board, A new initiative, the Rural Health Transformation Program Grant
• Importantly, the Rural Health Transformation Program grant does not replace existing EMS resources.
• The first one was one for the... ...delinquent account grant program.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third objective was to identify funding and grants obtained by the program and determine if funds
• The program received a $50,000 grant from the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, which
• The third objective was to identify funding and grants obtained by the program and determine if funds
• The program received a $50,000 grant from the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, which
• The study abroad, I think, was actually paid for through an external grant that the program pulled down

Summary: The committee first adopted prior minutes and then heard several standing committee audit reports. The executive committee report noted audit and special reports scheduled for the month, one outstanding committee-requested report, and a request to gather information on a possible special report for February. The city/county/local report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of turn-back funds for 17 entities, 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities filing reports, and action on the town of Daisy requiring repayment of misused street funds. The education report filed three higher education audit reports and deferred one Northwest Arkansas Community College report. The state agencies report filed four reports and deferred audits of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for more information on corrective actions. The committee then received a special audit review of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UA Little Rock. Auditors said the program received $10 million in desegregation funding and a $50,000 grant, awarded $1.87 million in scholarships to 379 students, and saw 116 students graduate. The review found many scholarship eligibility exceptions, including awards above the maximum and to students who did not meet GPA, enrollment-hour, or full-time requirements, and numerous disbursement documentation and authorization problems. Committee members sharply questioned the program’s oversight, the role of former staff, the use of funds for travel and cultural activities, and whether any improper spending should be referred for criminal review. UALR representatives said the program was overseen as a sponsored program, that some controls were later strengthened, and that Philander Smith only verified enrollment rather than eligibility. The committee voted to table the report until the next meeting and asked staff to gather the federal court order and additional information. Finally, the committee reviewed the annual report on matters referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General for 2024. Staff said 164 matters were referred, with 28 criminal charges filed, 39 still under review, 3 dismissed, 5 pending in court, and 96 not charged; convictions in 20 cases led to fines, restitution, audit costs, and some bond trust fund payments. Prosecutor representatives explained that many referrals do not become criminal cases because of intent, timing, or other legal limits, and said they generally seek restitution even when charges are not filed. Members asked for more standardized reporting, including whether restitution was recovered and why cases were not prosecuted, and discussed possible training and a checklist for future reports. The committee then voted to file the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for February 12-13.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the most successful grant programs that we have at DPS is the ICPOET grant program in OJP.
• Uh one of the most<00:38:25.280><c> successful</c><00:38:25.760><c> grant</c><00:38:26.079><c> programs
• grant programs that we have<00:38:26.880><c> at</c><00:38:27.119><c> DPS</c><00:38:27.599><c> is</c>
• ><00:38:28.960><c> program</c> have at DPS is the IC Poet grant program have at DPS is the IC Poet grant
• </c> or that county or statewide grant or that county or statewide grant program<02:13:29.760><c> to<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes the sunset on the aggregate supply chain grant program.
• Is there a current program under Commerce that gives grants for this?
• We don't have a program that gives grants currently under the department.
• programs.
• programs.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to consider a full agenda of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 1662, the Department of Transportation agency bill. Senator Collins presented a strike-all amendment that retained creation of the Florida Transportation Academy, clarified the Florida Transportation Research Institute, restored legislative budget commission review for certain work program amendments, adjusted small-business and supply-chain grant provisions, added airport and seaport accountability measures, and allowed special blanket permits for oversized cranes to travel at night under FDOT safety protocols. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 574, allowing Florida Purple Heart license plate holders to pass tolls free, and CS/SB 824, creating a specialty plate supporting Florida Highway Patrol troopers and scholarships. The committee then took up CS/SB 324, which creates a revolving low-interest loan program at the Department of Commerce for small businesses harmed by significant public works construction. Senator Smith described a local example involving prolonged sewer work in Orlando that hurt businesses in the Lake Ivanhoe district. Members raised concerns about fiscal impact, eligibility standards, proof of loss, business age, and whether financial records should be protected from public disclosure. The bill was amended to remove a hotline, add a webpage, and refine liability language, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 1714, requiring local housing assistance plans to include support for mobile home owners, including lot-rent assistance; CS/SB 766, revising registration requirements for agents and organizations tied to foreign countries of concern; and CS/SB 1024, creating specialty plates for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy. Additional measures approved included CS/SB 1246, authorizing a Save Coastal Wildlife specialty plate with proceeds going to the Zoo Miami Foundation; CS/SB 1644, expanding warning light use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and organ transport vehicles, with discussion focused on Hatzalah emergency services; SB 1152, increasing the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee to support conservation, research, and native seed industry development; and CS/SB 532, exempting 100% disabled veterans from tolls. An amendment to SB 532 also added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Several members requested to be recorded voting in the affirmative on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, can we get a motion to roll the three KIA loans and the Cleaner Water Program grant reconciliation
• </c><00:26:42.400><c> grant</c> and the cleaner water program grant and the cleaner water program grant
• Program grants.
• </c> round two of the cleaner water program round two of the cleaner water program grants.<00:30:08.799
• Um grants.

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:49 Approval of Minutes 01:05 Information Items 02:39 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 23:40 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 26:30 OFM Rpt – KY Infrastructure Authority 36:07 OFM Rpt – Econ Dev Cabinet 43:40 Office of Financial Mgmt 50:18 Remaining 2025 Mtg Dates 50:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the June meeting minutes and receipt of several correspondence and information reports. Those reports covered quarterly capital project status updates from state agencies and postsecondary institutions, lease modifications, asset preservation projects, school district debt issuances, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority budget history materials. Members also raised questions about a long-open stream mitigation account and were told the funds are fee-in-lieu stream mitigation monies administered through Fish and Wildlife, with staff promising to follow up on the specific project. The committee then reviewed and approved several capital project actions. These included a new Camp Oralis dining hall project for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, explained as a reauthorization because the funding split changed to 64% federal and 36% agency funds; an appropriation increase for the Shelbyville armory addition due to higher construction costs and security requirements; and emergency repair projects for Fort Boonesboro flood remediation and the Kentucky State Police Supply Branch fire damage. Members also approved a tenant improvement fund request for parking garage safety improvements at the Mayo Underwood Building. The Office of Financial Management presented three Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items and one Cleaner Water Program reallocation. The loans included a Shepherdsville sewer/drainage project and two Auburn water and lead service line projects; the grant reallocation involved unused Cleaner Water Program funds, with staff emphasizing that all ARPA-funded cleaner water dollars must be spent by December 31, 2026 or returned. After discussion, the committee approved the package. The committee also approved six Economic Development Fund grants, and the Cabinet for Economic Development began presenting the first six KPDI projects, though the transcript cuts off before those project details were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Grant Bosi, deputy chief committee.
• of be that if you were in this program, um, be that if you were in this program, um, LBA<00:16:26.000
• Um, Chair Ward and Grant, Thank you.
• </c> The pro the the program is already open. The pro the the program is already open.
• Um thank you, Grant. So if Warden. Um thank you, Grant.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Grant.
• We also have a federal grant.
• We also have a federal grant.
• are facilitated and be very clear versus create a grants program, so to make sure that we abide by Article
• </c><01:26:09.199><c> sure</c> create a grants program so to make sure create a grants program so to

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> few of our really highly rated programs few of our really highly rated programs these<00:09:12.839
• </c> showing you just the size of our program showing you just the size of our program so<00:10:37.360
• </c> world-class excellent research program world-class excellent research program we<00:10:41.399><c
• specific topics you’re interested in. um the uh ni NIH grants with Advanced um the uh ni NIH grants
• and other grants sometimes seed grants and other grants startup<00:24:57.000><c> funds</c><00:24:57.320

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• are eligible for Pell Grants to include short-term workforce training programs lasting between eight
• Expanding Pell Grants to these programs has real potential to meet workforce needs by training working
• AB 1888 would require any work performed for the California Safe Home Grant Program to be performed by
• The grant program is to be performed by a skilled and trained workforce paid with prevailing wages.
• Last year, AB 888 by Assembly Member Calderon established a California Safe Home Grant Program to help

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today in strong support of House File 1503, which establishes a grant program to assist producers
• HPAI prevention grants and grants like that in the past year.
• </c><00:04:34.120><c> um</c><00:04:34.240><c> in</c><00:04:34.360><c> the</c> grants and grants like
• that um in the grants and grants like that um in the past past past year year year um<00:04:39.600><c
• </c><00:08:06.280><c> expanded</c> I'd like to see this uh program expanded I'd like to see this uh program

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For item 13, in particular, this isn't really a program-to-program transfer.
• programs each pay period.
• programs each pay period.
• So you said programs.
• So the agency does do regular reports as to which people are getting recipient grants from this program

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When the legislature renewed this program during the 2023 session, program payment amounts were based
• </c> that year are eligible for the program. that year are eligible for the program.
• </c> Program, SNAP. Program, SNAP.
• </c> our goal with the program. our goal with the program. Coach<00:21:55.679><c> Anderson.
• </c> grants? Thank you. grants? Thank you. &gt;&gt; Um,<00:30:33.440><c> Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We did not raise the writing grant program. That's $40,000. We left it there.
• We did not raise the writing grant program. That's $40,000. We left it there.
• Teacher Rise program is a mentoring program.
• And in the meantime, they'll still look for grants, federal grants, and use those for this program.
• It's a valuable program, but as far as these grants go, I would ask just to concur.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge, a quorum call, and approval of journal corrections. It then handled several House messages, appointing conference committees on Senate Bills 2004 and 2006 and House Bills 1018, 1019, and 1363, and re-referring House Bill 1216 to Appropriations. The chamber also adopted amendments to House Bill 1601, which would have expanded special assistant attorney general authority for certain offices, but the bill failed on final passage after strong opposition centered on preserving the Attorney General’s control and avoiding a solution in search of a problem. A major portion of the day focused on education funding. House Bill 1369 was amended to raise per-pupil aid from 2% and 2% to 3% and 3% and to increase the school construction loan transfer from $75 million to $100 million; supporters said this would help local schools and military base projects, while opponents raised questions about special education placement language and state coordination. The bill passed 44-3. House Bill 1013, the DPI budget, was also amended extensively to adjust staffing, funding sources, grants, meal assistance, teacher training, and other education programs; it passed 45-2. House Bill 2234, dealing with Choice Ready grants, was amended to shift funding away from general funds and toward federal or other sources, but then failed on final passage after the sponsor urged a red vote. The Senate also approved House Bill 1482, restricting bond and indebtedness elections for counties, cities, school districts, and park districts to primary or general election days, and House Bill 1332, creating a value-added agriculture facility incentive program with an emergency clause. House Bill 1010, the Insurance Department budget, passed unanimously after amendments reflecting the merger of the Securities Department into Insurance and adding staff and fee changes, while House Bill 1011, the separate Securities Department budget, failed because its funding was already included in HB 1010. House Bill 1584, a major pharmacy benefit manager reform bill, passed with an enforcement fund and new licensing/enforcement structure despite debate over ERISA and market transparency. In other action, the Senate concurred in House amendments and passed Senate Bills 2226, 2230, 2069, 2082, 2387, 2385, and 2186, with SB 2186 on parenting time interference and a child custody task force passing 27-20 after debate over whether the issue should be left to the courts. Senate Bill 2234, on Choice Ready grants, and Senate Bill 2243, on driver’s license points and traffic penalties, both failed after concurrence motions were adopted but final passage votes were overwhelmingly negative. The chamber also advanced Senate Bill 2291 to conference committee consideration near the end of the transcript.