Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Maryman, please join us once here. Miss Maryman, please join us once again.
• Hampshire are one person. One, one, one. Hampshire are one person.
• So that's our testimony miss something.
• Any questions for Miss Susie? All right. Any questions for Miss Susie?
• I sorry I missed that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• governor's chief of staff is the person governor's chief of staff is the person responsible<00:03
• Thank you, Miss Collins.
• Neie's uh uh um Miss Neie's Mrs.
• think Miss Livers is still on the phone. think Miss Livers is still on the phone.
• the person is the ward of the person. would reconsider that.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The person that was appointed at the time never came to any meetings. Let me explain why.
• <00:04:31.360> The<00:04:31.440> person appointed someone in 2018.
• The person appointed someone in 2018.
• Madam Chair, I have an audience of uh one of my pages that are here, uh Miss Miller.
• Yeah, Miss Miller Windham is her name, and uh she's the daughter of Commissioner Windham.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Bell, Miss Ross, you all have the floor. Good morning. Good to see y'all all again.
• <00:23:30.480> U<00:23:30.720> Miss<00:23:30.960> Bell,<00:23:32.159> Miss
• U Miss Bell, Miss Ross, barbering board.
• U Miss Bell, Miss Ross, you<00:23:33.120> all<00:23:33.280> have<00:23:33.360> the
• I'm on public health again, Miss McCary.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 5 February, 2026; 8:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Board of Registration for Foresters, which said it is self-funded through applications and renewals and receives no general fund support. The board requested a budget increase from $62,755 to $77,035, mainly for technology upgrades to its database and website, a social media presence, and about $3,000 more for board travel. Members asked about contractual expenses, staffing, renewals, reserves, and office location; the witness said most renewals are now online, the board has a reserve but he did not know the exact amount, and the board is leased space in the Robert E. Lee Building. No vote was taken, and the chair moved on to the next agency. The Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists then presented its budget and operational needs. The board described its 10-member structure, three employees, and oversight of about 4,450 social workers and 210 marriage and family therapists. It explained that a prior $50,000 deficit appropriation was approved too late to spend, and asked to include that amount in the current budget for technology upgrades and equipment. The board also requested salary increases, additional travel funds, money for out-of-state compact participation, more contractual funds for database enhancements and digitizing records, and one additional computer. Members questioned the board about its large cash balance, staffing, office location, and the social work compact; the board said it has about $1 million in cash, is in leased space at Old River Place, and needs database changes to support the compact. No action or vote was taken. Finally, the Cosmetology and Barbering Board discussed major licensing and regulatory changes and its budget request. The board said it had already adopted a passing score for the licensure exam, ended the practical exam, extended testing approval periods, removed barriers to temporary work permits, and opened a path for apprenticeships, mobile establishments, and online licensing software. It also described recommendations in SB 2566, including a low-income first-license fee waiver, sanitation warnings, reduced education and instructor-hour requirements, and removal of some display requirements. The board said these changes had already led to new applications and test signups. On the budget side, it said it was withdrawing a prior request for $6,340 for practical-exam contractors because that exam was eliminated, but still sought $120,000 for certified mail, $49,000 for recruitment and retention salaries, and continued flexibility for possible live-streaming requirements under pending legislation. Senators asked whether the practical exam had been eliminated and whether the board could still ensure competency and inspections; the board said skills are still assessed through program completion and theory testing, and it asked to retain inspector positions because it oversees roughly 6,000 to 6,500 licensed shops and salons with only two inspectors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Back to you, Miss Leader. Thank you, Mr.
• We can have the person who has the right standing, the person who has the right resources to go fight
• The law regulates the documents, not the person.
• Miss, low leader Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• I think we're kind of missing a bet here.

Bills: HB4319, HB4317, HB1225, HB3076, HB3081, HB4226, SCR17, HB4432, HB3304, HB3411, HB3435, HB4339, HB4331, HB4341, HB4342, HB1770, HB1016, HB4113, HB2950, HB4141, HB3277, HB2988, HB3029, HB3338, HB1889, HB3834, HB3831, HB2939, HB3045, HB3657, HB1739, HB3759, HB3755, HB4484, HB4486, HB4108, HB1250, HB2961, HB1219, HB3025, HB1782, HB1907, HB3718, HB4459, HB2976, HB3548, HB3545, HB2952, HB2929, HB2956, HB2973, HB3055, HB3086, HB3040, HB3794, HB4336, HB3151, HB1590, HB3581, HB3313, HB3429, HB3448, HB1752, HB2650, HB3584, HB4202, HB3586, HB4321, HB4280, HB3650, HCR1020, HB2116, HB2206, HB4301, HB3625, HB3147, HB3403, HB3498, HB3970, HB3975, HB3976, HB3980, HB4265, HB4266, HB3638, HB3880, HB3930, HB3942, HB3944, HB4191, HB3242, HB3678

Keywords: administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity

Transcript Highlights:

• It works, people want it, but what is missing is stable funding.
• You miss Readville, you can walk to Fairmount. You miss Fairmount, you can go to Hyde Park.
• So what we're talking about today is very relevant to me personally.
• So what we're talking about today is very relevant to me personally.
• So this is personal.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of transportation bills focused on rural microtransit, commuter rail fares and service, rail electrification, climate alignment, and safety. Several speakers supported H. 4054 and related microtransit proposals, arguing that rural communities need stable, permanent funding for services like the Tri-Town Connector and Quaboag Connector, which have strong ridership, high satisfaction, and measurable economic and health benefits. Testimony also supported a commission bill to study microtransit funding and definitions, with witnesses emphasizing that current grant programs are helpful but short-term and insufficient for long-term service planning. A major theme was commuter rail equity and expansion. Boston-area officials and advocates backed bills to make all Boston commuter rail stations Zone 1A, citing large fare disparities between nearby stations in Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Readville. Related testimony supported studying an Orange Line extension from Forest Hills to Roslindale Square and expanding The Ride to Foxborough, as well as restoring commuter rail service to Cape Cod via Middleborough to Buzzards Bay and beyond. Speakers said these projects would improve access, reduce car dependence, and better serve neighborhoods and regions that currently face limited rapid transit options. Multiple panels urged action on electrification and climate-focused transportation planning, including H. 3726, the Freedom to Move Act, and bills to electrify commuter rail, buses, school buses, and public fleets. Advocates from environmental, transit, and public health groups said transportation is the state’s largest emissions source and argued that statutory goals, coordinated planning, and streamlined permitting are needed to speed decarbonization while improving safety, affordability, and reliability. The committee also heard support for a bill to streamline rail electrification permitting, a bill to exempt certain transit projects from MEPA review, and a bill to improve commuter rail pedestrian safety with gates, fencing, and warning devices at at-grade crossings. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, our first person up is going to be Mr.
• Members, our first person up is going to be Mr.
• <00:23:29.320> where office is now we have one person where office is now we have one person
• makes sense so you have one person makes sense so you have one person overall<01:30:22.119> and
• then we'll go to miss sh we'll go<01:57:32.840> to<01:57:32.960> Miss<01:57:33.159>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other Yeah.<00:21:15.039> Miss<00:21:15.440> uh Yeah. Miss uh Yeah.
• >> Okay, I hear you, Miss Woodward. >> Okay, I hear you, Miss Woodward.
• this, Miss Woodward. this, Miss Woodward.
• . >> Miss Heiser.
• >> Miss<01:41:23.760> Sansbar. >> Miss Sansbar. >> Miss Sansbar.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Seclusion Working Group approved the prior meeting minutes and then spent most of the meeting discussing draft recommendations and a Senate amendment, 007-7, related to seclusion in schools. The chair explained the history of the issue, including Minnesota’s 2023 ban on seclusion from birth through grade 3, and described 007-7 as a compromise developed with stakeholders that would extend the ban through grade 6 unless strict conditions are met. Those conditions include explicit written informed consent from all parents or guardians in their primary language, oral translation of safeguards, showing the seclusion room before consent, mandatory follow-up IEP meetings after repeated use, outreach and education for families, and data reporting on use of seclusion. The chair also said the amendment would prevent judges or other officials from ordering seclusion over a parent’s objection. Members then reviewed the draft recommendations line by line. They agreed to revise language to add “and fund” after “mandate” in the first section, and discussed changing references from “level three and level four” to “level three and higher,” though several members ultimately preferred keeping the focus on school settings and not expanding into medical or correctional settings. They also discussed replacing the word “subjected” with more neutral language such as “experience” or “whose IEP includes seclusion.” Another issue was whether the recommendations should distinguish between students whose IEP already includes seclusion and students who experience seclusion in an emergency but do not have it in their IEP; members suggested splitting that into separate recommendations and possibly adding a new item for the latter situation. A final discussion focused on whether the working group should recommend a mandated alternative-to-seclusion program and whether such a mandate should be tied to funding. School district representatives said many districts already use programs such as CPI, but others, especially outstate districts, charter schools, hospitals, and residential settings, may face significant costs if required to adopt new programs like Ukeru. Members generally agreed that if the legislature is asked to require implementation of new alternatives, funding should accompany the mandate. The chair also noted that existing law already requires an IEP team meeting after restrictive procedures are used twice in 30 days, and encouraged members to compare that with the 007-7 language before finalizing recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Miss so glad to have her with us. Um, Miss Johnson,<00:14:41.440> please.
• Thank you. >> Miss Johnson and Miss Nor. >> Miss Johnson. >> I can certainly answer that.
• <00:30:20.640> Miss<00:30:20.799> Johnson. >> Miss Johnson and Miss Nor.
• Miss Johnson. >> Miss Johnson and Miss Nor. Miss Johnson.
• Miss Summer looks like Miss Summer. Miss Summer looks like Miss Summer.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The deaths, the missing. People literally being patient brokered.
• We need to personalize this.
• We need to personalize this.
• Thank you, Miss Simmons. Thank you.
• The state plan amendment for the CBHSG review record is missing.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held a fourth hearing in its ongoing review of alleged fraud, waste, and abuse involving AHCCCS/Access and DHS, with a major focus on Medicaid eligibility verification for the aged, blind, and disabled (ABD) population, behavioral health and sober living oversight, and payment delays to providers. Senator Shamp presented findings she said showed major gaps in ABD asset verification, including claims that only a fraction of enrollees were checked and that many ineligible members may remain on the rolls. She urged referrals to law enforcement, tighter verification requirements, better PARIS data sharing, and legislative changes to close what she described as a compliance and taxpayer-risk gap. Reva Stewart also testified that patient brokering and fraudulent recruitment of vulnerable people, including Native Americans, continues through social media and other channels, and she called for stronger enforcement and transparency. Heather Dukes, representing behavioral health and sober living operators, argued that the state’s response to fraud has become overly punitive toward legitimate providers. She said ADHS often sends technical paperwork deficiencies straight to enforcement instead of allowing plans of correction, that zoning approvals are being questioned despite not being within ADHS authority, and that long Access approval timelines are creating licensing and billing delays. ADHS Deputy Assistant Director Tiffany Slater said the department has seen a large volume of unlicensed complaints, that it is trying to improve staffing and data systems, and that some enforcement tools have been expanded for sober living homes. She also said many sober living operators are in recovery themselves and provide low-cost housing and support rather than direct billing to Access. Access Director Virginia Roundtree said the agency is trying to balance fraud prevention with support for legitimate providers. She reported steps such as daily internal huddles, live dashboards, added project management support, an outside review of the Division of Fee-for-Service Management, and a new external claims vendor to help reduce backlogs. Senators pressed her on a specific provider’s long-delayed payments and prepayment review, and she said the agency would provide answers early the following week. Access staff also described provider resolution roundtables and said unadjudicated claims had been reduced to zero, though members questioned whether that was due to denials rather than resolution. The hearing ended with the chair announcing legislation to preserve the American Indian Health Plan as a fee-for-service option while requiring Access to contract administrative and care management functions to another entity, citing structural failures in Access’s ability to operate the plan safely and effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, for those reasons and what Miss Anderson said earlier, we are in strong support.
• Is there anyone wishing to testify on this measure in person? Anyone else on Zoom?
• this measure in person? this measure in person?
• up, we have Joshua Meredith in person. up, we have Joshua Meredith in person.
• support and one person, one individual in<00:23:51.840> opposition.

Bills: SB2278, SB2908, SB2987

Keywords: light pollution, outdoor lighting, fully shielded, Hawaii Revised Statutes, environmental protection, night sky, lighting fixtures, local control, exemptions, athletic facilities, wildlife conservation, Hawaiian culture, 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Tourism and Economic Development and Technology heard several measures on February 12, 2026. HB 1950 would dedicate 15% of transit accommodations tax revenue to a new state-led marketing and branding special fund and require an annual tourism management plan. HTA and DBEDT supported the bill as providing predictable funding for marketing and tourism management, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special fund structure as limiting legislative flexibility. Members discussed the size of the allocation and whether a tourism emergency fund would still be needed; the bill later advanced with amendments that removed some provisions and blanked out the 15% figure for further discussion, and it passed with amendments. HB 2268 would add film production marketing and promotion to HTA’s powers. The governor’s office, HTA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, and several industry groups supported the measure, arguing that film and TV exposure drives tourism and generates significant spending and tax revenue, while one individual testified in opposition. In questions, HTA said it would use existing staff and did not have a separate cost estimate. The committee amended the bill to specify that film productions are primarily filmed in Hawaii and deferred the date to continue discussion; it then passed with amendments. The committee also heard HB 2156, which would raise filing thresholds for general excise tax and transit accommodations tax filers. The Department of Taxation said the change could increase administrative burden if more filers shift from mandatory electronic filing to paper filing, while the Tax Foundation noted the filing threshold issue is separate from e-filing requirements. The bill was moved forward with a deferred date. HB 1946, concerning time-share registration renewals and amendments, drew support from ARDA and other industry testimony, with no opposition noted; DCCA was said to be in talks with the industry. It was also advanced with technical amendments and a deferred date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Ono will continue as a highly qualified member to the BLNR, utilizing her extensive experience and
• <00:03:30.799> Ono, opportunity to sit down with Miss Ono, opportunity to sit down with Miss
• <00:04:02.959> Miss<00:04:03.200> Ono uh, the nominee, Karen Ono.
• Miss Ono uh, the nominee, Karen Ono.
• <00:09:06.320> she Teresa and for every single person she Teresa and for every single person

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to miss watching you.
• I am renewing my personal focus on a rural renaissance in the state of Florida.
• I personally believe the most important factor in our human element is faith.
• My personal faith in God is the most important factor in my life.
• In my personal view, I'm a sinner saved by grace, by the blood of Christ.

Summary: The Senate convened for opening day of the 2026 regular session with prayer, presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by the FAMU Marching 100. The chamber then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Ralph E. Misullo, Jr. of District 11, and welcomed a number of special guests, including statewide elected officials, Supreme Court justices, and former Senate leaders and members. The Senate adopted SCR 1466, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session to receive a message from the Governor, and waived rules to immediately transmit the resolution to the House. The Rules Chair also moved that the Secretary notify the House and Governor that the Senate was convened and ready to begin the 2026 regular session. No substantive legislation was debated; the session was largely ceremonial and organizational. In remarks, the Senate President reflected on the role of the Senate, the need for balance, deliberation, and checks and balances, and highlighted priorities such as rural Florida, citrus recovery, farmers feeding Florida, rural health care, affordability, low taxes, property tax relief, and fiscal restraint. He also emphasized faith, service, and cooperation. At the end of the session, Senator Gates announced that 52 executive appointments would be considered the next day, and the Senate adjourned until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with committee meetings and other business to follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is funding to provide personal The first is funding to provide personal data<00:07:24.319
• continuously removes or masks personal continuously removes or masks personal information.<00:07
• > helps<00:08:50.160> coordinate have one person who helps coordinate have one person who
• Persons asking court administration staff for personal information about a judge is a common occurrence
• >> Miss<01:19:13.920> Gro. >> Miss Gro. >> Miss Gro.

Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Miss Harper. And call the first bill on calendar.
• And call the >> Thank you, Miss Harper.
• Next bill, Miss Harper.
• Next bill, Miss Harper.
• Uh, I personally think it was very reasonable.

Bills: HB247, HB317, HB318, HB253, HB271, HB135, HB247, HB317, HB318, HB253, HB271, HB135

Keywords: Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, age verification, parental consent, consumer protection, app store regulations, data privacy, Internet filters, digital safety, minors protection, civil liability, device manufacturers, obscenity, aircraft tax, aviation tax, sales tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• I'M CURIOUS WHO THE PERSON MAY BE? >> THANK YOU REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE QUESTION.
• WE WANT TO CONNECT THE PERSON RIGHT AWAY SO THE FACE TO FACE PERSONAL CONNECTION WITH PEERS IS CRITICAL
• I THINK THAT IS THE SENSE OF BELONGING AND THE PERSON TO PERSON BELONGING THAT IS THE CRITICAL WAY THAT
• FOR A PERSONAL STANDPOINT WHEN I WAS A TEACHER I DID NOT HAVE THIS.
• MISS MILLCREST I SAW YOUR HAND UP.

Transcript Highlights:

• back home that was in a a a a person back home that was in a a a a person back home that was in a fight
• went to the lot time and and one person went to the lot time and and one person went to the local law
• who swore out the complainer the person who swore out the complainer the person who swore out the warrant
• um Jana penson so PD and also miss um Jana penson so PD and also miss um Jana penson so whoever wants
• um and as a person of Jewish person um and as a person of Jewish person um and as a person of Faith

Bills: SB82, SB78, SB4, SB6, SB62, SB66, SB77, SB63, SB79, SB53, SB55, HB14

Keywords: SB82, warrant recall, outstanding warrants, stale warrants, misdemeanor warrants, Class B misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor, municipal magistrate, circuit court clerk, criminal procedure, court administration, docket cleanup, warrant audit, law enforcement notification, domestic violence, sex offense, weapons offense, deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, felony-related charges

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Sid Pickern, and I am a white person with pink and brown hair.
• And for institutional LTSS, I believe it's about 65% who are missing...
• It's a hybrid event, but if you can attend in person, that would be great.
• “Getting personal care attendant numbers, right? Those kinds of things.
• Joe referenced the Money Follows the Person program.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy at Brandeis University. Monica Mitra introduced the institute’s work on disability health equity and long-term services and supports, and staff described several research centers focused on community living policy, disability and pregnancy, and parents with disabilities. The presentation emphasized participatory research, accessible dissemination, and the connection between health equity and access to home- and community-based services. Joe Caldwell discussed the Community Living Policy Center’s work on Medicaid HCBS, the direct care workforce crisis, housing, and policy advocacy, including efforts related to the Money Follows the Person program and the Medicaid access rule’s interested parties advisory group. Sid Pickern highlighted a workforce study interviewing direct care workers, a forthcoming policy brief on the access rule, and housing research including Massachusetts’ Alternative Housing Voucher Program. Teresa Nguyen described the Community Living Equity Center’s focus on disparities in community living for people of color, especially a study on self-direction and community living outcomes, and asked for help recruiting participants. Lauren Bixby demonstrated the community living data dashboard, which compares adults who need LTSS with those receiving Medicaid LTSS using ACS and TMSIS data. She explained that the dashboard can be filtered by state and demographics, but noted major race and ethnicity data gaps for Massachusetts and other states. Commissioners praised the dashboard and the institute’s work, asked questions about data sources and the 1115 waiver, and discussed possible connections to the Health Equity Compact. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with an invitation for follow-up, including a forthcoming direct care workforce brief and the institute’s October 28 lecture.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I do miss them all.
• So, it was good to know him, and I miss him. I miss him a lot.
• I am going to miss, like others have stated, your kind demeanor.
• And I appreciate the example and I will miss those.
• And so, Darcy, we will miss that humility.

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you know, >> Miss<00:30:51.440> Bailey? >> Miss Bailey? >> Miss Bailey?
• Miss<00:32:01.519> Bailey, Miss Bailey, Miss Bailey, >> Chair<00:32:02.399> Wickland,
• 01:03:22.400> Senator >> Miss Bailey, Chair Wickland, Senator >> Miss Bailey, Chair
• Uh a person can um a lot in the summer.
• >> Miss<01:33:50.719> Bailey, >> Miss Bailey, >> Miss Bailey, >> Chair

Keywords: 1187, senate, all