Transcript Highlights:

• That has not changed, and it will not change.
• Continually changes, and we can't see what it is. Day to day, it changes every day.
• We do need to change this.
• with these changes.
• definition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2 of this bill has some definitions, some new definitions.
• These, are all new definitions, including a new definition for what is a health care.
• Would you agree that the definition here for a health system is not the same definition?
• Would you agree that the definition here for a health system is not the same definition?
• It's because it's newer, and technology has changed Storage has changed. So, Mr.

Bills: SB273, SB37, SB100

Keywords: SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services

Transcript Highlights:

• changes medical cannabis program these changes prioritize<00:02:20.640> patient<00:02:21.040>
• non- Minnesota residents this definition non- Minnesota residents this definition also<00:03:15.080
• changes in 152 specifically<00:09:15.800> changing<00:09:16.279> commissioner<00:09:16.800
• > to specifically changing commissioner to specifically changing commissioner to director<00:09
• definition to bring it in line.

Bills: HF1672, HF1877, HF1735, HF1734, HF1271, HF1634, HF1615

Keywords: medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis, cannabis flower, cannabis products, dispensary, cannabis retail endorsement, patient protections

Transcript Highlights:

• changes here.
• The proposed changes update the definition section of the board rules to match the amended practice act
• change.
• change.
• I'm definitely open to changing that. I would appreciate your reconsideration on that.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a long agenda of agency rule changes, beginning with housekeeping on the order of business and then taking up rules from multiple state agencies. Early items included Department of Energy and Environment rules on landfill post-closure trust fund spending thresholds and liquefied petroleum gas standards, DFA’s odometer disclosure rule allowing electronic signatures and disclosures, and several Department of Health rules covering ionizing radiation, mobile home and recreational parks, lead-based paint, counseling licensure, hearing instrument dispensers, athletic training, dental specialties and compacts, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistants, medical compacts, speech-language pathology and audiology, radiologic technology, massage therapy, community health workers, doula certification, and cosmetology/body art. Most of these were described as technical updates, conformity with recent acts, federal standards, or compact participation, and nearly all were approved without objection after brief questions and, in many cases, no public comment. The committee also reviewed Department of Labor and Licensing rules on minimum wage/independent contractor standards, boiler rules, motor vehicle commission requirements for ATV/LSV dealers, professional wrestling regulation, appraiser qualifications, and military recruiting and retention programs. Testimony generally emphasized that the rules implemented recent legislation, updated fees or licensing standards, or streamlined existing processes. Members asked a few questions about fee structures, the rationale for regulating professional wrestling, and how the National Guard’s public-private partnership and incentive programs would work; the department said the recruiting incentives would be funded from existing appropriations and were intended to improve retention and force strength. These rules were also approved without objection. The most extensive discussion came on the Department of Education’s Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program rule. The department said the revisions, based on Act 920 of 2025, were intended to add guardrails, clarify allowable expenses, and speed approval of core educational purchases. Changes included defining core educational expenses, limiting certain sports-related spending, adding an intentional misuse standard, restricting phone purchases except for disability-related needs, setting a $1,000 threshold for additional review of technology purchases, capping carryover funds at $8,500, and creating a reconsideration process for denied expenses. Members raised concerns about safeguards, appeals, sports equipment, provider credentialing, rural vendor access, and whether the department would be flexible or overly restrictive. The department said it would review every request, provide written explanations for denials, allow appeals up to the State Board, and refer suspected fraud to prosecutors if necessary. After hearing from 13 members of the public, the committee continued to discuss the rule, but the transcript ends before any final vote on the EFA rule is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• changes here.
• The proposed changes update the definition section of the board rules to match the amended practice act
• The proposed changes update the definition section of the board rules to match the amended practice act
• Those changes were incorporated here. Those changes were incorporated here.
• And change is hard.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It deals with the same definition of critical infrastructure. Okay.
• That definition, and then considering Representative Landry's change to subparagraph C, I want to be
• That definition and then considering Rep Landry's change to subparagraph C, I want to be sure, and I
• We do need to harmonize the definitions with Senator, with Representative Bacala's bill.
• The bill would be amended to change only one thing.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• arson um so that having that definition arson um so that having that definition to<00:42:01.520>
• We definitely need rehabilitation.
• We're changing some technical language in the bill, but you know your bill would change the statute to
• We're changing some technical language in the bill, but you know your bill would change the statute to
• disease that happens and it can change disease that happens and it can change fast<01:36:02.280>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that being stopped had changed me. that being stopped had changed me.
• bond amendment or the request to change bond amendment or the request to change the<00:27:06.640
• <00:48:55.599> but<00:48:55.920> the definition is just a definition but the definition
• Um, and that on line 20, change 10 lines 20 and 21, change 10 to five.
• as otherwise defined instead of having all of the definitions in the definition section.

Bills: HB0008, HB0009

Keywords: stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Carrying an changes in education law.
• The section adds several definitions to the new chapter, including definitions of hedge fund, private
• The section adds several definitions to the new chapter, including definitions of hedge fund, private
• The section adds several definitions to the new chapter, including definitions of hedge fund, private
• I believe definitions are in the bill. I believe definitions are in the bill.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with routine business, including referral of Senate Bill 211 on motor vehicle inspections to the Transportation Committee and Senate Bill 298 creating the Vermont Voting Rights Act to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. The chamber also referred House bills reported by Ways and Means to Appropriations, including H. 211 on data brokers and personal information and H. 931 on miscellaneous education law changes. JRH9, a joint resolution urging the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to reconsider its opposition to rapid prompting method communication instruction for students with apraxia of speech or autism, was read and referred to Human Services. Several announcements followed, including a welcome to members of the Vermont chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, a reminder about an education reform meeting, and a correction regarding a prior reference to S. 138 of 2023 and the working group on student protections from harassment and discrimination in schools. The House also recognized guests in the gallery, including Donnie Kanovsky, who was described as a proponent of JRH9. The Speaker announced that H. 606 on firearms procedures, H. 642 on youthful offender proceedings, and later H. 585 would be bumped to later in the calendar. The House then took up H. 537, the right to grow vegetable gardens. The committee explained the bill would protect vegetable gardening in common interest communities and rental housing, while allowing reasonable restrictions and landlord or association oversight; witnesses included a South Burlington resident, HOA and landlord representatives, and legislative counsel. The committee reported an 8-0-0 vote, the House adopted the committee amendment, and ordered third reading. The chamber then passed H. 171 on Attorney General investigations into a law enforcement officer’s use of a firearm and H. 519 allowing Randolph police officers to enroll in Group C of the state retirement system. The House also passed H. 536 on toxic heavy metals in baby food products after extended debate over whether infant formula should be included. Supporters said the bill would help parents make informed choices and noted the amendment was intended to align with federal action; opponents argued formula-specific federal work was still underway and urged waiting. The chamber then passed H. 550 on gender equity in correctional facilities, H. 733 on franchise agreements, H. 775 on housing production tools, H. 887 on crime victim status under the Fair Employment Practices Act, H. 917 on military affairs, and H. 921 on alcoholic beverages. Action on H. 930 addressing chronic absenteeism was postponed one legislative day, and H. 942 on miscellaneous agricultural subjects began second reading with the committee outlining sections on water quality training, non-sewage waste management, and unit pricing.

Transcript Highlights:

• here the more substantial changes that have been made.
• And the courses considered taught have been changed by Act 1853.
• Because, I mean, I would assume, I mean, like everything, things change.
• We can definitely provide that.
• I have the definition here, I think, in front of me.

Summary: The committee received a lengthy Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Arkansas academic standards, accountability systems, and adequacy requirements. Staff reviewed how state curriculum and standards have evolved from the 1997 Public Education Act through the 2003 Quality Education Act and the 2017 Educational Support and Accountability Act, including required coursework, standards for accreditation, career and technical education, graduation requirements, and recent additions such as computer science, personal finance, firearm safety, and fetal growth and development instruction. Members asked for a chart comparing the major laws and repeals over time, and staff agreed to provide one. The presentation then turned to federal ESSA requirements and Arkansas’s state accountability system. Staff explained Arkansas’s long-term goals for proficiency, English learner progress, and graduation rates, and reported 2025 ATLAS proficiency results, which remained below the 80% goal across student groups. They also reviewed English learner progress, graduation rates, school support and improvement, and equitable access to educators. Data showed gaps by subgroup and by school poverty/minority concentration, with Title I and high-poverty schools more likely to have emergency/provisional teachers and less experienced staff. Members questioned the lack of recent data for some ESSA measures, including equity labs and school index calculations, and asked staff to follow up with the Department of Education. The committee also discussed NAEP results, ACT scores, and teacher quality measures under the state accountability act. Arkansas’s NAEP performance remained below national averages in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math, and ACT composite scores and benchmark attainment were also reviewed. Members asked for additional information on historical highs and lows, the number of assessments students take by grade, dropout data, and comparisons with other states. No formal votes were taken; the main action was agreement to request additional information from DESE and to schedule department follow-up at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have implemented that change.
• And they go on to legislative changes.
• I know definitely it changes based on which sections we pick up.
• I know definitely it included in.
• I know definitely it changes<00:19:05.760> based<00:19:06.159> on changes based on changes

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4566, authored by Representative Franssen, which responds to a recent Office of the Legislative Auditor report on alleged kickbacks in the early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention (EIBDI) program. Franssen said the bill would require DHS to use expedited rulemaking to clearly include kickbacks in the definition of fraud and would allow the department to withhold or reduce payments when there is a verified credible allegation of fraud, arguing this would protect taxpayer dollars and address a fraud scheme that she said cost about $20 million. Former Representative Matt Dean testified in support, saying the OLA report confirmed kickbacks existed and that the bill would give DHS clearer authority to stop them and pursue those involved. Members raised several technical questions about how the bill interacts with existing state and federal law, including whether it overlaps with the illegal remuneration definition enacted last session, whether it could sweep in federal safe-harbor exceptions, and whether it would expand the scope of the anti-kickback rules. Nonpartisan staff said the bill cites existing definitions in Minnesota law, but also noted that the federal-law impact would need further review. Representative Noor emphasized keeping the credible-allegation language separate from the illegal-remuneration provisions to avoid unintended consequences, and Representative Fisher asked about differences from similar language in another bill; staff said the drafting differences could be reconciled. Representative Jacob cited the OLA report’s conclusion that DHS already had authority to act on kickback allegations without legislative changes, while Representative Gander and Dean argued that even small kickbacks can drive much larger improper provider costs. After questions were closed, Representative Franssen renewed her motion to lay House File 4566 over for possible inclusion, and the motion prevailed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is a change of ownership definition alignment.
• And then the final technical change is just aligning the definition of related individuals in 245A with
• change is just aligning<01:14:48.159> the<01:14:48.880> definition<01:14:49.280> of
• There's a change that's updating the definition of clinical supervision to conform with the federal requirements
• Um there's a change that's updating<01:36:20.880> the<01:36:21.120> definition<01:36:21.440

Bills: HF3935, HF2216, HF4354, HF4210, HF4212

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services

Transcript Highlights:

• I felt to take the definition.
• <00:09:09.040> of place to put an overall definition of place to put an overall definition
• Um, so in RSA 362-F:2, which is all the definitions, um, there's no definition of secure energy.
• In RSA 362-F:2, which is all the definitions, um, there's no definition of secure energy.
• <00:32:39.279> of definitions um there's no definition of definitions um there's no definition

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The definition as you read is the definition in the bill. Right.
• It's the definition definition, correct?
• Later that changed.
• But then property change hands.
• change their vote, explain their vote? change their vote, explain their vote?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation, and welcomed guests including the doctor of the day, a Johns Hopkins student, and visiting scouts. The chamber then moved through first-reading introductions of several House bills, including measures on bullying and harassment reporting, the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act, Baltimore County nuisance actions, parole hearing commission procedures, a blockchain technology task force, and a task force on deed fraud, all of which were referred to standing committees. The main floor action centered on layover bills. Senate Bill 932, concerning social media platforms displaying a user’s usual location, was amended to broaden the protected location reference and to protect participants in the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program; after discussion about whether minors and child-abuse victims were covered, the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, drew multiple county-specific amendments. Howard County and Baltimore County amendments sought to give priority to existing local tobacco businesses for the new licenses. Supporters said the changes would protect established local shops from out-of-state entities, while opponents argued the bill should remain statewide and not be amended county by county. A motion to special order the bill failed, and the amendments were adopted before the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 84, on collective bargaining for graduate assistants, also advanced after a committee amendment was adopted. A District 2 amendment was offered to clarify that graduate assistants are employed as teaching, administrative, or research assistants, but the floor leader opposed it, saying the bill’s definition was already clear and the change would create confusion. The minority leader questioned the definition and the relationship between graduate assistants and employees, prompting discussion of collective bargaining as bargaining by employees through representatives. The transcript cuts off before final disposition of that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, by simply changing the definition alone, you've just said what hemp is.
• So, by simply changing the definition alone, you've just said what hemp is.
• the um um about the definition is the um um it<04:16:55.440> changes<04:16:55.960> it<
• Um, as you heard from the Division of Enforcement, all that did was really change the definition, but
• <04:27:18.360> the that did was really change the that did was really change the definition

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:50.400> from<00:04:50.640> Act<00:04:50.800> 73, changes from Act 73, changes
• ,<00:05:32.200> so is those next steps in definitions, so is those next steps in definitions
• changes to property taxes from Act 73. changes to property taxes from Act 73.
• governance changes governance changes and<00:10:47.960> educational<00:10:48.560> changes
• <00:34:15.080> We understood definitions this year. We understood definitions this year.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The caucus of the whole received an update from Representative Kornheiser on House Bill 955, focusing on the Ways and Means amendment and how it aligns with Act 73 and the House Education Committee’s broader education transformation work. She said the amendment was assembled from separate pieces developed earlier in the session and covers three main areas: planned property tax updates, steps needed for the future education finance system and foundation formula, and policy changes to support collaborative education service agencies and district mergers. She emphasized that the bill is aimed at the future state of the system, with many provisions tied to later effective dates and pending reports. Kornheiser described the property tax provisions as further defining the new non-homestead/second-home classification so the Tax Department can continue form development and data collection before rates are set, and she said the bill also advances regional assessment districts and a more regular reappraisal cycle. On education finance, she said the amendment adds school construction and school debt provisions, reserve guidance, pre-K funding study language, special education funding protections, and transportation-related follow-up work so those pieces can fit the foundation formula. She also framed the bill as reducing cost drivers in the system, citing health care savings, reference-based pricing, mental health coordination, special education scale, deferred maintenance, and larger-scale school organization. During questions, members asked about merger support funding, transportation timelines, private equity ownership of school transportation, tuition restrictions for approved independent and public schools, and the timing and finality of the second-home tax definitions. Staff explained that merger support would be reimbursed through AOE for committee expenses and would not count against excess spending thresholds, that transportation and other grant categories will be addressed in future reports and decisions, and that the transportation study does not explicitly name private equity but could encompass staffing and cost issues. They also confirmed that the tuition-related provisions apply to approved independent, in-state public, and out-of-state public schools receiving tuition, but only when the foundation formula takes effect. No votes were taken during the caucus; the update was informational, with the bill noted as having been referred to Appropriations and expected to come up for action later in the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's a we're making this major change that's a we're making this major change that's a major change
• yeah well it's a change major change yeah well it's a change major change yeah well it's a change because
• change the law at all it just well it change the law at all it just well it change the law at all it
• SRO they most definitely so yeah yeah SRO they most definitely so yeah yeah SRO they most definitely
• definition you're it up I don't I don't definition you're it up I don't I don't definition you're it

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the definition of way and we didn't change the definition of motor vehicle.
• the definition of way and we didn't change the definition of motor vehicle.
• This changes that to when your headlights are on, when your wipers are on, which is a clear definition
• This changes that to when your headlights are on, when your wipers are on, which is a clear definition
• This changes that to when your headlights are on, when your wipers are on, which is a clear definition

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 758, which would establish a study committee on airport operation hours and possible noise abatement measures, including whether New Hampshire should prohibit departures between midnight and 6 a.m. The sponsor said the committee would examine the pros and cons and consult stakeholders. The Bureau of Aeronautics testified neutrally, noting that New Hampshire has 25 public airports, 12 with federal funding and grant assurances that may require them to remain open during those hours, and that cargo operations, including at Manchester, commonly occur overnight. Members also discussed existing noise abatement programs and how mitigation is determined by noise contours and FAA funding decisions. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 489, allowing voluntary emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on private vehicles when responding to emergencies. The sponsor said the bill corrects an oversight in existing law, would not cost the state or towns money, and would improve visibility and safety, especially in rural areas. Supportive testimony from a volunteer responder emphasized that blue lights help cut through fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, and that the bill would only add a single rear-facing blue light to existing red, amber, and white emergency lighting. The New Hampshire State Police opposed the bill, arguing that expanding blue lights to private vehicles would confuse the public and desensitize drivers to blue lights, which are associated with law enforcement. The hearing closed without action. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 533, which the sponsor and State Police clarified is actually two separate changes: one authorizing civilian automotive equipment inspectors to assist with vehicle inspection work, and another expanding language in motor carrier enforcement to include new entrant safety audits and compliance reviews. The State Police explained that civilian inspectors are hired and trained through the department and that any findings of state-law violations would be referred to troopers; they also said the new motor carrier language was requested to satisfy federal audit concerns about right of entry. The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said it had no position if the civilian inspectors were not doing commercial truck inspections, but would oppose the bill if they were. Members asked about the difference between audits and compliance reviews, and the State Police said audits are for newer carriers and are non-enforcement, while compliance reviews look for violations. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 533. After a brief reset, the committee opened House Bill 594, which would repeal an alternate definition of “way” for the driving-after-suspension statute. The sponsor said the change was requested by the Department of Justice. Representative Erica Leon opposed the repeal, explaining that the prior language was intended to avoid criminalizing people who mow lawns or perform similar work near property edges while suspended, but she worried the repeal could create a loophole allowing driving on places like highway medians. Members questioned whether the issue was limited to mowing or broader vehicle use on property edges, and Leon said she would work with agencies to clarify the language so it protects lawful mowing without allowing misuse. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section one will amend the definition of Group G member and the definition of normal retirement date.
• So the first three changes are to fix an error in the definition regarding the date of employment for
• group G member and the definition of group G member and the definition<00:08:52.080> of<00:08
• :09:18.160> includes definition of normal retirement includes definition of normal retirement
• are to fix an error in the changes are to fix an error in the definition<00:10:10.640> regarding<

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the definition over time.
• changing the definition over time. changing the definition over time.
• What this language change does is it asks the advisory council to include in their report suggested definitions
• What this language change does is it asks the advisory council to include in their report suggested definitions
• This policy change blurs that line. This policy change blurs that line.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House resumed consideration of H.606 on firearm procedures and first took up Section 3 and its effective dates. A member from Northfield spoke at length in support, arguing the provision is narrowly tailored, based on actual dangerousness rather than mental illness alone, and is more limited than federal law because it applies only to specific court findings and is temporary, with rights restorable upon recovery. The House then approved Section 3 and its effective dates, approved the remainder of the Judiciary Committee report, and ordered third reading. The chamber then moved through third readings and passed H.385 on remedies and protections for victims of coerced debt, H.556 on exceptions to the state minimum wage, H.559 on the parole board, H.723 on posting of land, and H.757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives. On H.814, relating to neurological rights and AI in health and human services, the House adopted an amendment offered by the member from Burlington that required the advisory council to include proposed definitions for neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and related terms in its report; the House Health Care Committee reported the amendment favorable 11-0-0, and the bill then passed. H.816, regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health services, also passed, as did H.927, technical corrections for the 2026 session. The House then took up H.930 on chronic absenteeism. The committee member from Manchester described the bill as an AOE proposal responding to high post-pandemic absenteeism rates and their impact on learning, and outlined provisions adding definitions, updating compulsory attendance language, requiring a state model policy, strengthening notification and truancy procedures, and preserving existing penalties. The member said the Education Committee heard from a wide range of education and child welfare witnesses and passed the bill 11-0. After a brief clarification on the absences section, the House proceeded toward third reading of H.930.