Transcript Highlights:

• When this debt goes to collections, it can damage credit for years, making it harder to secure housing
• Nobody wins from a foreclosure on a disaster-damaged, uninhabitable house.
• We left Los Angeles the day after our house burned down and moved to Tennessee to live with family.
• The Federal Housing Finance Agency does not prohibit forbearance beyond 12 months for loans backed by
• But the questions are: in the meantime of the forbearance, I have an impound on my house, and so how

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several banking and finance bills, with most of the discussion focused on disaster recovery, consumer relief, and payment processing. AB 2123 would create a statewide medical debt relief program to purchase and cancel qualifying medical debt for low- and middle-income Californians; the author and Treasurer Fiona Ma described the burden of medical debt and cited local and out-of-state debt relief efforts, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1726 would authorize catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax for wildfire, flood, or earthquake-related expenses; supporters from the Department of Insurance, bankers, realtors, and insurers said it would help with mitigation and recovery, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation. AB 1793 would legalize symmetrical rounding of cash transactions to the nearest nickel in light of the end of penny production; grocers and retailers supported it as a uniform transition measure, and it passed to Appropriations. The committee also took up mortgage forbearance measures for disaster victims. AB 1842 would establish a statewide emergency mortgage forbearance framework for homes rendered uninhabitable by declared emergencies, with up to one year of forbearance and related notice and reporting requirements; supporters said it would prevent foreclosures and provide clarity, while bankers and mortgage bankers opposed it unless amended, citing conflicts with federal investor guidelines, implementation concerns, and a private right of action. Members pressed the author on those issues, and he committed to continue working on amendments, including the PRA; the bill passed to Judiciary. AB 1847 would extend the existing wildfire mortgage forbearance period from 12 months to 36 months for Palisades and Eaton fire victims. The author and a fire survivor testified that longer forbearance is needed because many homeowners remain underinsured and are still rebuilding, while lenders warned of balloon payments, liquidity strain, and misalignment with federal servicing rules. Members raised concerns about data, property taxes and insurance, and borrower expectations, but the author said the bill would not affect those obligations and that he would keep working on the language; the bill was reported out to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is House Resolution 97 for the Assembly's commemoration of the 11th anniversary of the Armenian
• The clerk will read: House Resolution 97 by Assembly Member Schultz and others, relative to the Armenian
• House Resolution 97 by Assembly Member Schultz and others, relative to the Armenian Genocide.
• I rise today to present House Resolution 97, a resolution of remembrance, one that asks us all to not
• House Resolution 99 by Assembly Member Soria and others relative to California Agriculture Day.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, handled several procedural motions, and then moved through guest introductions and a special Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony. Members and invited guests offered remarks honoring the victims and survivors, and House Resolution 97 commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was adopted after extensive debate and a co-author roll call. The chamber also observed a moment of silence in remembrance of those who died in the genocide. The floor then took up a series of bills and resolutions. Measures passed included AB 1838 on public contracts and wage-and-hour disclosure, AB 1562 on random selection of poll workers, AB 2297 on consistent restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 on transition support for court school students returning to district schools, AB 1974 on voluntary temporary firearm storage programs, AB 2402 on multi-service health club studios and annual fees, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. The Assembly also adopted HR 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day, with members discussing the importance of agriculture, farmworkers, and state support for the industry. The chamber also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, after discussion of economic, cultural, and climate-related ties. In addition, the Assembly considered SJR 7 on tariffs, with supporters arguing tariffs raise costs for consumers and opponents defending them as leverage for trade reciprocity and manufacturing. Several motions to suspend rules or move bills were taken up earlier in the day, including one failed motion to bring AB 2624 directly to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then once there's a housing project that's in compliance with that zoning code, that housing project
• We talk about it with housing.
• housing law.
• As compared to factory-built housing, factory-built housing is regular housing built in components in
• As compared to factory-built housing, factory-built housing is regular housing built in components in

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several transportation-related bills, with testimony focused on public safety, local control, and implementation concerns. AB 1588, by Assembly Member Papin, sought to address illegal sideshows and street takeovers by adding motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs to the sideshow framework and aligning penalties more closely with speed contests. Supporters included San Francisco officials, police chiefs, the League of California Cities, and auto clubs; one public witness from ACLU California Action opposed. Members generally supported the bill, noting the need for stronger tools against dangerous events, and the author said the bill had been narrowed by amendment. AB 1654, also presented as a response to federal pressure over commercial driver’s licenses, would require CDL applicants to verify lawful presence or citizenship through the SAVE program. The author argued the bill was needed to keep California in compliance with federal law and avoid losing CDL authority. The chair and others raised concerns that the bill went beyond federal requirements and could wrongly affect U.S. citizens not in the SAVE database. No public support or opposition testimony was offered, and the bill was left for later action. The committee also considered AB 1976 on speeding up pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, AB 2015 on studying navigation apps’ effects on local roads, AB 2168 on reforming the Active Transportation Program, and AB 1942 on e-bike accountability. AB 1976 and AB 1942 drew the most debate: supporters said delays and lack of accountability were harming safety, while local government and advocacy groups warned about reduced public input, DMV burdens, equity concerns, and whether the bills would actually solve the underlying problems. AB 2015 and AB 2168 were framed as studies or funding reforms and received broad support, though some technical and policy concerns remained. The committee also heard AB 1685 and AB 1687, both DUI-related bills from Assembly Member Lackey; AB 1685 would increase DMV points for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and AB 1687 would extend license revocation for a third DUI to eight years with an ignition interlock option after four years. Both drew strong law enforcement and victim-family support, with ACLU opposition citing duplication, punitive effects, and equity concerns. Several bills were voted out on party-line or near-party-line votes, while some roll calls were held open because quorum and attendance issues remained throughout the hearing.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agreement with the Senate and House agreement with the Senate and House Committee's<00:09:05.680
• <00:13:49.640> resolution<00:13:50.280> is<00:13:50.440> that resolution resolution
• is that resolution resolution is that standalone<00:13:52.480> credit<00:13:52.840> course
• suspect the reason for this resolution suspect the reason for this resolution is<00:14:04.160>
• Myself for Senate Resolution 112 SD1.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 78, which urges the Department of Education to strengthen natural health education and adopt a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. The Department of Education said it supported the intent and had offered technical amendments to scaffold the curriculum by grade level. The Commission on the Status of Women and several advocates, including students and Ma'i Movement Hawaiʻi, testified in support, describing gaps in menstrual health education, stigma, and the need for more inclusive, age-appropriate instruction. No opposition was heard, and the chair moved on after no questions from members. The committee then took up SCR 194, urging the Department of Education to meet the criteria to recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport. The Department supported the measure, noting recent expansion of girls flag football and surfing as recognized sports and saying cheerleading would create additional opportunities for students. The Commission on the Status of Women also supported the resolution, saying it could improve participation, resource allocation, and representation for female students. No opposition or further action was recorded in the excerpt. Finally, the committee discussed SCR 195, requesting the Board of Education and Department of Education to revise graduation requirements to include a standalone financial literacy course. The Board of Education and Department of Education both supported the intent but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all mandate, emphasizing school-level flexibility, existing stand-alone and online options, and the requirement that the class of 2030 must complete financial literacy before graduation. Hawaii Kids Can supported the resolution while raising questions about equity, access, quality, and how different delivery models compare; it also asked for more information on community survey data. Committee members questioned the department and board about asynchronous versus in-person instruction, standards, and how the requirement would be tracked in the personal transition plan. No vote or final action was taken in the provided portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have been working with DS and Charl Commissioner Arling House on the final cost as we get through that
• Charl have been working with DS uh and Charl Commissioner<00:30:42.960> Arling<00:30:43.279> House
• c><00:30:43.520> on<00:30:43.679> the<00:30:43.760> final Commissioner Arling House
• on the final Commissioner Arling House on the final cost<00:30:44.559> um<00:30:44.880> as
• therapeutic<01:14:26.000> cannabis Last year, we had a therapeutic cannabis day at the State House

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on April 17 and approved the prior meeting minutes, then set its next meeting for May 29 at 9:30 a.m. Members also discussed a New Futures effort to collect questions about Medicaid changes and post answers as an FAQ, with a preference that the FAQ live on New Futures’ website rather than the state website. The commissioner’s office said it would coordinate responses and that the issue is still evolving. The main presentation was an HHS update focused on the state public health laboratory and its work during Public Health Lab Week. Officials reviewed the lab’s history, its biosafety functions, and its role in disease prevention, food safety, preparedness, and response. They highlighted mosquito surveillance for eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Jamestown Canyon virus, noting that the lab tested more than a quarter million mosquitoes last year and that mosquito testing helps provide early warning for local public health decisions. They also discussed rabies testing, saying New Hampshire’s lab is the only one in the state that performs it, that rabies is fatal once symptoms begin, and that the work is preventable through early prophylaxis. Members asked about federal funding cuts, water testing, and whether CDC changes to rabies testing would affect New Hampshire. The department said it had been affected by an $80 million federal clawback but was managing through other funds and staff reassignments; for the water lab, temporary staff had been hired to continue swimming-area testing. Officials said the state remains able to handle rabies testing and that federal changes would mainly affect areas without similar services. They also answered questions on Jamestown Canyon virus, saying New Hampshire had one human case in 2025 and three in 2024, compared with zero West Nile cases in 2025 and one in 2024, and that weather and protective measures influence mosquito-borne disease levels. Additional questions covered biosafety levels, cyanobacteria coordination with the Department of Environmental Services, and the Brown Building flood mitigation, which was described as about halfway complete with a hoped-for reopening of the west side by June.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then how does the individual learn that they've opted in to get a housing referral and the housing agency
• <00:58:36.080> referral<00:58:36.960> and to get a housing referral and to get a housing
• a a user or an employee at a housing a a user or an employee at a housing agency<00:59:23.200>
• But that'll be the State House. So, we're not at the State House.
• House. So, we're not at the State House. House. So, we're not at the State House.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 20 minutes and then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar, after removing two items for separate discussion. On item 26071, members questioned a $95,000 DoubleTree Manchester contract for a two-day conference. Department staff said the hotel was the only bidder, the conference typically draws more than 500 attendees, most of the cost is food offset by registration fees, and attendees pay their own lodging except for presenters. The committee then approved the item. On item 26068, members asked for clearer reporting on remaining federal funds in continuing items. DHHS said about $10.3 million remained as of February 28, 2026, and agreed to provide the original award amounts and a reconciliation later. The committee approved the item. The committee then took up a DHHS transfer item for the developmental disability system, where officials said projected costs had risen because of delayed pandemic-era billings, new individuals entering the system, and higher individual service budgets. They said the budget was built on older assumptions, that carryforward funds had fallen from about $94 million to $72 million, and that the transfer would not affect lapse because it shifts general funds while federal Medicaid funds are accepted in return. The item was adopted. The committee also approved a hiring request and then a late Corrections item tied to overtime and recruitment. Corrections officials said the department is about 50% staffed for corrections officers, typical overtime is an eight-hour shift, inmate populations are beginning to rise again, and the department is using academy blitzes, out-of-state recruiting, targeted advertising, and a $10,000 sign-on bonus paid after academy completion and one year of service. Senator Gray said the late item was intended to help reduce a larger request expected in June, and the committee adopted the item. Finally, members questioned DHHS item 26074 on the New Hampshire Care Connection system and its interoperability with provider and managed care systems. DHHS said the system already has SMART on FHIR integration, single sign-on, and deeper integration options, and that managed care organizations are working with the contractor on use cases and data exchange. Officials said the project has been multi-phase, including the 988 crisis-response migration, privacy/security work, a provider network of more than 100 organizations, and a searchable resource portal managed by Granite United Way. They said the closed-referral solution is funded largely with Medicaid federal funds and is planned to continue in the base budget, not the rural health grant. The discussion ended without further action noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, those fox in the hen house.
• Just like if you were selling your house and you've got to do a comparable market analysis and find houses
• ,<00:46:52.120> similar find, you know, like houses, similar find, you know, like houses,
• passed by House Bill 123. passed by House Bill 123.
• half the house and I'd pay more taxes. half the house and I'd pay more taxes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with introductions, approval of the March 6 minutes as amended to add an attendee list, and a brief overview of the day’s agenda. The committee heard two presentations from carbon project developers, with the first from Dylan Jenkins of Finite Carbon. He described Finite Carbon’s work in improved forest management projects, its role in developing carbon methodologies and protocols, and its experience with projects in New England, Appalachia, Alaska, and Canada. He also outlined the difference between compliance and voluntary carbon markets, the role of registries and intermediaries, and the types of buyers in the market, including large corporate buyers and long-term off-take partners. A major focus of the presentation was how forest carbon projects are structured and how credits are monetized. Jenkins distinguished between removals and reductions, explaining that removals come from new forest growth while reductions are tied more closely to baseline assumptions and standing stock. He said improved forest management projects can generate both types of credits, and that removals generally command higher prices because they are easier for buyers to understand and verify. He also emphasized that carbon project commercialization can occur before, during, or after credit issuance, and that landowners may be paid through a variety of structures, including leases, advance fees, per-unit payments, or off-take agreements. Jenkins then addressed the committee’s tax-related questions, saying House Bill 123 appeared intended to treat carbon credit sales similarly to timber sales for local tax purposes. He argued that carbon credits are a forest product and that taxing them can be reasonable in principle, but he stressed that lawmakers should distinguish between commoditization and commercialization when deciding what event to tax. He noted that credits may be created but never sold, and that in some programs landowners retain timber and carbon rights while in others the developer has deeper control over those rights. In response to questions, he said the industry uses protocols, verification, and third-party oversight to address baseline and quality concerns, but acknowledged that baseline setting remains a major point of debate in the market.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I within the either house or senate.
• mediation and resolution of disputes. mediation and resolution of disputes.
• That is, you could work with the House. >> We would suggest that you work with the House. >> I can bring
• That is, you could work with the House.
• <01:21:11.920> of a way to get to better resolution of a way to get to better resolution of

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with housekeeping items, approved the minutes and consent agenda, and reminded the public that JLCAR’s role is limited to determining whether agency rules are within statutory authority, not to decide policy. Testimony was to be limited, and members noted that policy concerns should be addressed through the legislature rather than the committee process. The first major item was Public Utilities Commission rule 25-215 concerning natural gas suppliers. Staff said the proposal had been postponed because the PUC appeared to lack authority to impose fines and penalties in this rule set, especially suspending or revoking registrations, and recommended either a conditional approval removing those provisions or a preliminary objection for lack of statutory authority. PUC counsel responded that the cited authority had been incorrect, that the Department of Energy now has most registration rulemaking authority, but argued the commission still has jurisdiction over mediation and dispute resolution and may still have authority over fines because natural gas suppliers are not expressly excluded from public-utility status. Committee members discussed the split between PUC and DOE authority and the possibility that the transition in authority had not been fully cleaned up in statute. The committee then voted to grant a waiver of the time limit and postpone the item for another month so the agencies could work with counsel and clarify which parts of the rule could proceed. Members also urged that any needed legislative fix be brought forward quickly, noting that the Senate was not taking up non-germane amendments and suggesting the House as the likely venue for a cleanup bill. The committee next took up Department of Energy EN900 and EN1000 rules. Staff said the EN900 net-metering rules had been postponed previously and that the main remaining issue was a retroactive requirement in EN909.03(b), which the agency agreed to revise so the language would apply only on or after the 2026 effective date of the chapter. The agency described the EN900 rules as implementing net metering authority transferred from the PUC and expanding the chapter to cover municipal group net metering and low- and moderate-income community solar projects. The EN1000 interconnection rules were described as implementing 2024 legislation requiring uniform procedures for distributed energy resources. The department said both sets of rules were developed through extensive stakeholder input and asked for approval subject to the oral amendment already discussed."}】【。json

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I will move that House File 3874 be recommended to be re-referred to the Ways and Means Committee

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3874, the Judiciary budget bill, and first moved it to the Ways and Means Committee. The bill was described as funding the judicial branch’s budget request, including courthouse and judge security measures, home safety for judges and staff, a $1 million courthouse safety grant program, and funding related to paid family and medical leave costs that the courts must absorb. A court administrator explained that some base adjustments were budget-neutral internal shifts within the court system, moving money from district courts to other courts to better meet overall needs. Members then debated several amendments. The A7 amendment, which reduced some of the requested security funding for administrators and aligned it more closely with legislative security levels while retaining flexible Supreme Court security personnel, was adopted. The A1 amendment, which would have deleted the additional operating adjustment for paid family and medical leave, failed on a 7-7 tie after debate over whether the courts should bear the employer share of that cost and whether the program itself was an unfunded mandate. The A2 amendment, also related to paid family and medical leave funding, likewise failed on a 7-7 tie after similar discussion about the judiciary’s ongoing employment costs and the branch’s inability to raise its own revenue. The committee then adopted the A4 amendment, which increased the courthouse safety grant program from $1 million to $4 million. Supporters said there was unmet demand for courthouse security grants and that the money would help with hardware such as screening equipment, while the court administrator said the branch would not spend more than it could use and that the grants would be reviewed by a committee including law enforcement and county representatives. The administrator noted the funding would be one-time money and would not cover staffing costs. The committee also discussed the judiciary’s ongoing need for funding, with members arguing both that the courts should be treated like other employers and that the judicial branch, as an independent branch of government, must be funded by the legislature. The final A5 amendment was then introduced, with staff noting it would delete a section already covered by the adopted A7 amendment and reduce an appropriation on page four, line 14.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee heard in house file 4698. committee heard in house file 4698.
• off running around the nation actually lives in the same house, and they bought a house together in
• and they bought a in the same house and they bought a house<00:09:02.000> together<00:09:02.320
• in-house in-house whatever<00:13:09.839> you<00:13:10.079> want<00:13:10.160> to
• <00:23:38.400> of We had all the staff uh in the House of We had all the staff uh in the House

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4252 and first heard a walkthrough of a DE2 amendment that largely incorporated Office of Higher Education technical and statutory cleanup items, including reporting consolidations, updates to postsecondary registration and licensing statutes, and an anti-fraud provision. New provisions in the DE2 would require public postsecondary institutions to explain developmental courses before enrollment and obtain a written acknowledgement, revise the state grant tuition cap, add a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation in FY 2027 for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and provide $5,000 one-time funding for reforestation at Bemidji State University. Fiscal staff also noted additional special revenue fund revenue and expenditures tied to licensing and registration litigation response. The main debate centered on the A8 amendment offered by Representative Rarick, which would require the governor to appoint University of Minnesota regents only from candidates recommended by the joint legislative committee if the legislature fails to elect regents. Rarick argued the amendment was needed to address what he described as conflicts of interest and pay-to-play concerns in recent gubernatorial appointments. Several members questioned whether the language was constitutional, whether it actually addressed conflicts of interest, and whether it should instead refer to ARCAC-screened or ARCAC-recommended candidates. Nonpartisan staff said the governor’s appointment power is addressed in the university charter, not directly in the constitution, but could not definitively assess constitutionality if challenged. Members were divided: some supported the goal of cleaner governance but said the amendment was not ready or did not match the problem being described; others argued the legislature had failed to complete its own regent appointments and that the amendment was a response to that failure. No vote on the A8 amendment or the bill was reached in the portion provided, though a roll call was requested on the amendment and the chair indicated the bill would continue through amendment consideration before final discussion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, our next agenda item is House File 4893.
• Um House File 4893. Um House File 4893.
• S Beckl, House Fiscal.
• S Beckl, House Fiscal.
• million in the housing uh account. million in the housing uh account.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4893, a school safety and gun violence prevention bill, and first adopted a DE1 amendment before hearing the bill. The author and supporters described the measure as a layered approach to school safety, combining increased funding for student support personnel, required school safety plans, and anonymous threat reporting systems. They cited research from the Violence Prevention Project and other sources arguing that many school shooters are insiders, often show warning signs, and frequently leak plans beforehand, making early intervention and trusted adults in schools important. Members and testifiers also discussed the bill’s firearm storage provisions. Representative Green explained that the bill would require firearms on school property and in vehicles to be unloaded and locked, and would limit or remove principals’ discretion to allow firearms in school buildings, while preserving access for trained school security personnel. Supporters said the bill would improve clarity and safety for schools, while a representative from private schools raised concerns that the language could limit flexibility and create staffing and accountability problems for non-public schools, prompting discussion of possible amendments. Several student and organizational testifiers supported the bill, including students from Edina High School, Education Minnesota, the Minnesota School Counselors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. They emphasized the impact of gun violence on students’ mental health and learning, the value of anonymous reporting systems, and the need to invest in counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, but the committee did adopt the DE1 amendment and continued discussion of possible changes, including with the BCA and school safety center.

Transcript Highlights:

• and House File 3763.
• should be um house file 3439 and house should be um house file 3439 and house file<00:03:32.400>
• Section 10 was in House File 3763 and also in House File 4969.
• was also in house file 4969. was also in house file 4969.
• house file 4969. house file 4969.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• going on with the Federal uh Housing going on with the Federal uh Housing Bank<00:15:10.520>
• value of housing has increased just 40%. value of housing has increased just 40%.
• where is like for example the housing where is like for example the housing stock<01:07:54.240><
• Or has it never been on the House >> side. Or has it never been on the House side?
• they spend more days in stable housing they spend more days in stable housing and<03:52:49.400><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we have received requests to read three House Concurrent Resolutions that the House and Senate
• The first is HCR 231, which is a House Concurrent Resolution honoring the outstanding achievements of
• Members, we have received requests to read three House Concurrent Resolutions that the House and Senate
• Members, we have received requests to read three House Concurrent Resolutions that the House and Senate
• And finally, HCR 250 is a House And finally, HCR 250 is a House Concurrent<00:10:55.360> Resolution

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tiffany Lumley focused on lessons from horses and horsemanship, using the imagery to encourage legislators to lead, listen, stay patient, and remain attentive to constituents outside the chamber. The chamber then welcomed newly appointed Representative Kevin Scully of Burlington, who was sworn in and assigned to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. Members took up several procedural items and resolutions. Senate Bill 239, relating to a child abuse and neglect reporting working group and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 157, relating to recovery residence certification and affecting state revenue, was referred to Ways and Means after a favorable report with amendment from Human Services. The House also read and adopted concurrent resolutions honoring the federal TRIO programs in Vermont, recognizing tourism economy day and the importance of the visitor economy, and honoring former Representative John Killacky of South Burlington for his artistic and legislative contributions. Multiple members offered personal remarks about John Killacky/Colacci, his arts career, activism, and service in the House, and guests connected to the resolutions were welcomed from the gallery. The House then concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 237, which would allow certain doctoral-level psychologists to prescribe medications. The committee explained the Senate’s changes, including revised training and rotation requirements, a later effective date, and a future OPR report, and said the bill was intended as one tool to address mental health provider shortages; the House agreed by voice vote. The chamber next began second reading of House Bill 955, a major education reform bill titled “next steps in transforming Vermont’s education system,” with the Education Committee describing mandatory cooperative education service areas, merger study committees, and related changes intended to improve efficiency, support local voice, and strengthen public education. No final action on H.955 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• going on with the Federal uh Housing going on with the Federal uh Housing Bank<00:15:10.520>
• . housing. housing.
• value of housing has increased just 40%. value of housing has increased just 40%.
• where is like for example the housing where is like for example the housing stock<01:07:54.240><
• Or has it never been on the House >> side. Or has it never been on the House side?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the House please come to order?
• pursuant to House Rule 35A. pursuant to House Rule 35A.
• Now, you have heard the reading of the resolution, and the question is shall the House adopt the resolution
• , and the question is shall resolution, and the question is shall the<00:03:30.320> House<00:03
• > the House adopt the resolution in the House adopt the resolution in concurrence?

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence and handled several bill referrals and procedural matters. House Bill 957, relating to amendments to the charter of the town of Williston, received first reading and was referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. Senate Bill 255, establishing a pilot law enforcement government’s council in Windham County, was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A because it materially affects municipal revenue. The House also noted that Senate Bill 198, on regulation of tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, had been reported favorably with amendment by Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber then suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 198 and committed it to the Committee on Human Services pending its entry on the notice calendar. The House also adopted in concurrence Joint Senate Resolution 49, setting weekend adjournment so that when the two houses adjourn on Friday, April 17, 2026, they must reconvene no later than Tuesday, April 21, 2026. During consideration of Senate Bill 218, relating to reducing chloride contamination of state waters, Representative Boutin offered a floor amendment aimed at strengthening municipal liability protections for towns participating in salt-reduction efforts. Supporters said the existing affirmative defense was too weak and could leave municipalities exposed to negligence claims despite their efforts to reduce salt use. Opponents, including members speaking for Judiciary and House Environment, argued the issue was legally complex, involved tort and insurance questions, and needed more vetting than a floor amendment; they also said the current bill already supports municipalities through certification and best-management-practices provisions. Both committees reported the amendment unfavorable, with Judiciary citing a 7-3-1 vote and House Environment a 10-1-0 vote. The session ended with announcements recognizing guests in the gallery and a notice that House Democrats would caucus in Room 11, while Republicans and Progressives would not, followed by a recess until the gavel fell again.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the House please come to order?
• Members, we are coming back after House Democrats asked to caucus on Senate Bill 218.
• Now, the question is: shall the House propose to the Senate to amend the bill as offered by the member
• Will the House please come to order?
• And you have postponed action on House Bill 237 for one legislative day.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House returned to action after a caucus on Senate Bill 218 and first rejected a proposed amendment. On third reading, members debated the bill’s impact on municipalities and salt-reduction efforts. Supporters said the bill was voluntary and would give municipalities increased liability protections if they chose to participate, while opponents argued it did not provide enough protection and could leave municipalities exposed if they failed to meet requirements. A roll call vote was taken after a member from Poultney requested it, and the House passed SB 218 in concurrence by a vote of 85-54. The House then took up Senate Bill 163, relating to the role of advanced practice registered nurses in hospital care, and passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment. For House Bill 237, relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists, the member from Essex moved to delay action for one legislative day, and the motion carried, postponing the bill. The session concluded with the completion of the orders of the day and a motion to adjourn until Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.