Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Apr 15th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- So Senate Bill 1020 authorizes the Department of Revenue to enter into a contract without rebidding when
- The American Kidney Foundation had Missouri Ridge Distillery hand sanitizer from coast to coast.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee first heard Senate Bill 1020, which would let the Department of Revenue award a Missouri license office contract without rebidding if no qualifying bids are received on the initial solicitation. Senator Sandy Crawford and Director of Revenue Trish Vincent said the change would help keep rural license offices open, reduce repeated bidding delays, and allow the department to work with local entities such as chambers, counties, or cities when smaller offices are hard to staff profitably. Members asked about the process, the challenges in low-volume communities, and whether more online services could eventually reduce the need for offices; no opposition testified, and the hearing concluded without a vote.
The committee then took up House Bill 3093, which would extend Missouri’s direct-to-consumer shipping framework from wineries to distillers and breweries. Sponsor Rep. Nick Kimball and many supporters argued the bill would create parity for Missouri craft producers, preserve age-verification and signature requirements, and keep tax collection and other safeguards in place. Supporters included distillers and brewers who said the current system favors wine, limits small Missouri businesses, and makes it harder to reach customers who want products shipped after visiting a taproom or distillery. Several members also raised questions about enforcement, the three-tier system, and whether the bill could be narrowed or paired with other changes.
Opponents, including representatives of wholesalers, grocers, convenience stores, and beer wholesalers, argued the bill would weaken the three-tier system, increase competition from out-of-state producers, and create enforcement and tax-collection problems. They said wine shipping has shown compliance and auditing difficulties, cited concerns about underage access and online ordering, and urged the committee to preserve the existing distribution structure or strengthen wine-shipping rules before expanding them. Supporters countered that alcohol shipments are already tightly regulated, that direct shipping is already occurring in other forms, and that the bill would simply add another regulated avenue for Missouri-made beer and spirits. The hearing ended after extensive testimony and questions, with no final committee action reported in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- when someone becomes ill, with at the very least a confusing set of network restrictions, prior authorization
- The most mature programs in the country are in Gulf Coast states.
- Rick, we mentioned, all of the other states that have done this so far are not Gulf Coast states and
Keywords:
healthcare, insurance, regulation, financial institutions, prescription drug affordability, consumer protection, restitution account, financial compensation, attorney general, distributions, property insurance, homeowners insurance, fire and allied lines, hail insurance, appraisal clause, loss adjustment, alternative dispute resolution, insurance claims, claim valuation, actual cash value
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seer, utilizing surplus land at Cape Guard Community College.
- In 1932, the school was renamed Salem Teachers College and was authorized to grant master's degrees in
- Army National Guard and led a drug enforcement unit as a staff sergeant. Luke served in the U.S.
- They'll update and modernize the authority and bring it into the 21st century.
- Many of these projects authorized via amendments will certainly be done over time.
Summary:
The Senate took up a higher education capital bond bill, House 4769, and considered a long series of amendments focused largely on campus facilities, housing, and related policy issues. Many amendments were adopted, including funding or project language for MassBay Community College HVAC and window replacement, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Springfield Technical Community College, Cape Cod Community College nursing/allied health expansion and housing-related land use, Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College, Middlesex Community College, Salem State’s Sullivan Building, Roxbury Community College’s Center for Economic and Social Justice, UMass Boston’s Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and several Massachusetts State College Building Authority updates. Some amendments were rejected, including proposals on a sustainable hand hygiene incentive program, unlocking housing on surplus land, a Senator Bill Owen Center designation, Urban College of Boston, and a board membership change. A number of amendments were held or withdrawn during the process.
A major debate centered on an amendment by Senator Tarr to dedicate $300 million of surtax revenue to K-12 education, framed as a response to Chapter 70 funding concerns and the need to modernize school aid. Supporters argued that local districts face rising costs and that the state should set aside fair share revenue for school funding and future school building investments. Opponents said the bill was the wrong vehicle and noted the Commonwealth already dedicates substantial surtax revenue to K-12 programs. The amendment was defeated by roll call. Tarr also offered amendments on a safety valve for surtax revenue declines, equity analysis of surtax allocations, bond covenant requirements, and Chapter 62F taxpayer protections; those were not adopted. The Senate also adopted a separate amendment on AP credit policies at public higher education institutions, though the transcript reflects some procedural confusion around that vote.
After completing amendments, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and then passed it to be engrossed by a recorded vote of 38-0. Senators then adopted several extension orders giving committees additional time to report on pending bills, including Environment and Natural Resources and Municipalities and Regional Government. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. The session concluded with a unanimous memorial adjournment in honor of Bolton Police Chief Luke Hamburger, followed by a brief statement recognizing Rare Disease Day and the challenges faced by patients seeking diagnosis and treatment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 29th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 1138, which I and Assembly Member Brian and Senator Allen jointly authored and was co-authored by
- AB-1138, which I and Assembly Member Brian and Senator Allen jointly authored and was co-authored by
- to coast.
- Would you like the first roll to be open for co-authors?
- Members, this is for co-authors. The clerk will close the roll. There are 61 co-authors added.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Apr 14th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- honest with you, this bill is somewhat confusing to me because I am trying to figure out how I am authoring
- Members, Senate Bill 1496 updates and clarifies statutory authority for the OSBI.
- Members, basically what we're doing is giving the authority for deciding who would be eligible to go
- just requires that the county put signs at either end of the open pastures and has to have cattle guards
- At either end of the open pastures and has to have cattle guards at the end of the side. Thank you.
Bills:
SB137, SB504, SB1213, SB1216, SB1221, SB1224, SB1232, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1264, SB1266, SB1325, SB1441, SB1448, SB1450, SB1460, SB1496, SB1543, SB1589, SB1597, SB1621, SB1655, SB1679, SB1687, SB1716, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1921, SB1932, SB1936, SB1980, SB2011, SB2030, SB2084, SB2112, SB2170, SB2182
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB504, marriage, child marriage, minor marriage, age of consent, minimum marriage age, underage marriage, teen marriage, parental consent, judicial approval, marriage license, Oklahoma Title 43, family law, juvenile justice, Department of Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I thank the author for his leadership on the bill.
- And we'd like to thank the author, the committee chair, the...
- And we'd like to thank the author, the committee chair, the committee staff, and everybody who worked
- we're continuing to work with them collaboratively with the author and the sponsors.
- I appreciate our author working with our outdoor billboard folks.
Summary:
The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee for much of the hearing because a quorum was initially absent, and it heard several bills focused on nonprofit support, alcohol regulation, immigration-related funding restrictions, outdoor advertising, and green building standards. SB 1240 by Senator McNerney would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement, grants, and reimbursement processes; supporters, including the Child Care Resource Center and the Little Hoover Commission, said nonprofits provide essential services but face delayed payments and burdensome bureaucracy. Committee members raised accountability concerns, but the author emphasized the bill does not dispense grants and would cost about $1.7 million in the first year. The bill was later approved and sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 917 by Senator Laird, which would remove the estate-grown grape requirement for wineries selling at farmers markets, allowing more family wineries to participate; winery and grape grower representatives said the change would help direct-to-consumer sales and local growers. SB 1171 by Senator Caballero would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded loans or grants; supporters from immigrant-rights groups described ICE detention and raids as harmful and inhumane, while some members spoke in favor of using state funds to avoid indirectly supporting ICE-related activity. Both bills advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes and were sent to Appropriations or Local Government as noted in the roll calls.
Senator Rubio presented SB 1195, which would expand tied-house exemptions for certain entertainment, convention, and sports venues in specified counties, and SB 1228, which would allow a small number of existing outdoor advertising displays to continue operating despite a statutory sunset. Supporters said SB 1195 would create economic opportunity and clarify current law, while SB 1228 was described as a narrow fix to preserve legally permitted signs and local revenue; both bills passed the committee and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1398, which would recognize Green Globes as an alternative green building certification for state projects alongside LEED; supporters argued it would add flexibility and competition, while the U.S. Green Building Council opposed bypassing the Department of General Services’ equivalency review. The bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also took up a consent calendar and adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- I thank the author for his leadership on the bill.
- And we'd like to thank the author, the committee chair, the And we'd like to thank the author, the committee
- The author and her staff have worked diligently on this for the last few years.
- And we've spoken with Eric about it and with the author and sponsors.
- I appreciate our author working with our outdoor billboard folks.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Please remain standing for the presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard
- The Honor Guard is accompanied by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Good morning, sir.
- In fact, the authors of Federalist 63 wrote, 'History informs us of no long-lived republic which had
- In fact, the authors make the case for a statute. Respected without order.
- In fact, the authors make the case for establishing a Senate to counter the sudden impulses and violent
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.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 14th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- together by the Texas Department of Public Safety for those individuals or organizations that are authorized
- Access to that system is provided if somebody requests authorization to access it as a law enforcement
- The TOC is a Tactical Operations Center, similar to the National Guard.
- The National Guard is currently in Border Patrol's Tactical Operations Center.
- contracts with companies of foreign adversaries, certain information and communications technology, authorizing
Keywords:
smuggling, human trafficking, criminal penalties, felony offenses, law enforcement, foreign adversary, foreign-owned company, scrutinized company, China, national security, cybersecurity, information technology, communications technology, ICT, critical infrastructure, state contracts, government procurement, vendor certification, debarment, civil penalty
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The secretary must use his authority to recommend resentencing.
- That hiring authority is the warden, correct? Correct.
- The hiring authority has independent discretion...
- Authority? I'm asking. We have enough authority? Authority?
- We also are co-authors of 337, authored by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, which is to do some more preventative
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s handling of mental health care in prisons and allegations of sexual abuse, retaliation, and excessive force in the state’s women’s facilities. CDCR officials described their PREA-based prevention and response efforts, including training, oversight, body-worn cameras, retaliation follow-up, and partnerships with outside groups. The Office of the Inspector General explained its monitoring role, noting increased authority under SB 1069, but also limited staffing and the ability to monitor only a portion of cases. The Legislative Analyst’s Office added that prison population trends could allow the state to close a prison and save over $100 million, with some savings potentially redirected to prevention or response efforts.
Advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses from Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition and the California Coalition of Women Prisoners testified that meaningful systemic change has not occurred and that retaliation, blocked programming, and unsafe reporting conditions remain widespread. They described alleged barriers to community-based services, forced or coercive treatment concerns involving Suboxone, and the need for survivor-centered reentry support, trauma-informed care, and more independent oversight. Sandra DeAnda gave detailed testimony about alleged staff abuse, retaliation, denial of mental health care, and a large use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, while Amika Mota and April Grayson urged release or resentencing for survivors housed with their abusers and greater investment in outside programs.
Members of the committee pressed CDCR and OIG on accountability, use-of-force standards, criminal referrals, disciplinary outcomes, and whether investigations are completed within statutory timelines. CDCR acknowledged cultural problems at both women’s prisons and said it was retraining staff and working on reforms, while OIG said it had monitored 161 investigations and found most grievance routing appropriate, though some cases had lapsed due to time limits. Later exchanges revealed that CDCR has over 13,500 active cases and 109 investigators, and that some cases have exceeded deadlines, prompting concerns from members about whether the current system can adequately investigate misconduct and impose consequences. No votes were taken.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- We have confirmations for the Alabama National Guard, and we want to thank you all for being here with
- They put us on buses, and we had guards with us, who took us over to the palace.
- One of the guards was on the bus with us, and I asked him, "Where are the dogs?"
- . ...black female African-American promoted into the Air Guard.
- And then we also have a white Caucasian female who is our air commander for the Air Guard.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/06/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to thank you, Senator Cy Cupic, for authoring this important legislation.
- I want to thank you, Senator Cy Cupic, for authoring this important legislation.
- I want to thank you, Senator Cy Cupic, for authoring this important legislation.
- I want to thank you, Senator Cy Cupic, for authoring this important legislation.
- </c> um it says in addition to the authority um it says in addition to the authority to<01:21:17.320>
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So we currently have the authority. We currently have the authority.
- the authority to go up to $8 million.
- That's all that they're authorized to discharge under that permit.
- Those are hard to find, to be able to pay the rate that they would on the coast.
- Well, the good news is it's just budget authority, right?
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-20 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And what it does is it just puts some guard rails around who can have access and under what conditions
- So it says an individual who is not authorized to receive the autopsy report may have petitioned to the
- > rails</c><00:09:19.519><c> around</c> puts some guard rails around puts some guard rails around um<
- </c><00:09:50.399><c> to</c> individual who is not authorized to individual who is not authorized to
- </c><00:25:19.679><c> the</c> This section two also authorizes the This section two also authorizes the
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/15/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas peace officers with the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association have been standing guard
- Whereas peace officers will be standing guard at the Peace Officer Memorial for 24 hours leading into
- c> the</c><00:10:01.680><c> min</c><00:10:02.000><c> at</c><00:10:02.160><c> the</c> been standing guard
- at the min at the been standing guard at the min at the Peace<00:10:02.480><c> Officer</c><00:10:02.880
- </c><00:11:16.560><c> in</c> women who night and day stand guard in women who night and day stand guard
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Our third partner, who's not here today, Terence Gorman, is a lawyer and he's also a National Guard judge
- Of those, 61 authorized positions are unfilled at the time of that report.
- Because you can arrest driver after driver, house guard after guard, the low-level people that are hired
- Now, the universities should not be using any type of influence or authority in order to encourage any
- The state of Arizona has no authority over federal homelessness assistance.
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from Intel Expert/Expert Works on software intended to help investigators process large volumes of audio, video, and text data more quickly. The presenters said the tool could be adapted for Department of Child Safety work involving neglected, abused, missing, and exploited children by flagging keywords, building link charts, translating transcripts, and aggregating files for faster review. Members discussed possible use with DCS, county sheriffs, DOC, procurement and RFP issues, and whether the software could help triage hotline calls, clear backlogs, and identify trafficking or abuse networks. The presenters said the system is already used in Iowa and elsewhere, and committee members expressed interest in pursuing legislation, appropriations, or a pilot program.
The committee then considered HB 2460, which would preempt local ordinances that penalize businesses for theft of movable property, especially shopping carts. The sponsor argued cities were shifting cleanup costs onto victims of theft, while cities and towns opposed the bill, saying local ordinances address blight and public-right-of-way hazards and that businesses should take proactive steps. After testimony from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and the City of Phoenix, the committee passed HB 2460 on a 4-3 vote.
Members also heard HB 2060, which would prohibit public educational institutions and ABOR schools from encouraging or facilitating abortions. The sponsor said taxpayer-funded institutions should remain neutral and not use public resources to promote abortion, while opponents argued the bill would restrict students’ access to constitutionally protected reproductive health care and referrals. Supporters said campuses should provide alternatives such as pregnancy resources and adoption information. The committee passed HB 2060 on a 4-3 vote.
Finally, the committee considered HB 2210, as amended, to prohibit the state, local governments, and private entities from using ADS-B aircraft surveillance data to calculate or collect fees from aircraft owners or operators. Supporters said the technology was intended for safety and should not be repurposed for fee collection, warning that pilots might turn it off if used that way; opponents, including the City of Phoenix, said they wanted flexibility to use the system if needed. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 2210 as amended on a 4-3 vote. The transcript then began discussion of HB 2533, which would create an Office of Homeless Services, board, compensation fund, and ombudsman, but the excerpt ends before that bill is fully taken up.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- My father served in the Idaho Air National Guard his whole career and was a pilot.
- My father served in the Idaho Air National Guard his whole career and was a pilot.
- I myself signed up for the National Guard.
- This is a very small amount of money that benefits the people at the Guard.
- Funds and $169,000 from the federal funds for a total of $912,600, and to provide reappropriation authority
Summary:
The committee began by recognizing two pages, Conrad and Easton Chandler, thanking them for their service and presenting letters and gifts before moving into budget work. Christopher LaHosette then gave a general fund budget update, explaining how the green sheet reflected JFAC’s prior base and maintenance actions and highlighting two policy bills tied to budget reductions: House Bill 622, which would reduce the IDLA appropriation by about $9 million, and Senate Bill 1312, which would reduce Medicaid general fund spending by about $21 million through a residential habilitation rate change.
The committee then considered several budget-setting items. It approved a $17,800 reimbursement for the military division’s hazardous materials deficiency warrants, but a larger military division enhancement request to restore funding for the State Guardsman Education Assistance Program was debated at length and ultimately failed on the original motion; a substitute motion to hold the item at the call of the chair passed. The committee also approved enhancements for PERSI, the Division of Veteran Services, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the State Tax Commission’s supplemental request for federal tax conformity implementation costs. The Tax Commission’s larger FY 2027 enhancement package also passed, with language directing that one appropriation be used only for fast tax collection vendor payments and any unused amount revert to the general fund.
The committee then took up language for the Division of Veteran Services intended to signal future funding for cemetery maintenance, but that language failed after members objected that it could not bind a future legislature. Additional cleanup language was later adopted to correct previously approved maintenance bill language, including clarifying transfer authority and fixing year references and agency names. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would hold budget hearings for the Department of Water Resources and the Soil and Water Conservation Commission on the following Monday, with no votes scheduled.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- authorities present an federal authorities present an immigration<00:40:47.720><c> detainer,</c><00:
- It explicitly authorizes counties to seek agreements with federal authorities to be reimbursed.
- :07:57.839><c> seek</c> explicitly authorizes counties to seek explicitly authorizes counties to seek
- :07:59.599><c> to</c> agreements with federal authorities to agreements with federal authorities to be
- </c> the cost until the ICE uh authorities the cost until the ICE uh authorities come<01:08:50.400><c
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- The question authorization, favorable.
- Coast, and transportation networks that Coast, and transportation networks that are<01:11:38.800><c>
- </c> busiest shipping quarters on East Coast busiest shipping quarters on East Coast was<01:12:09.920
- </c> would find that the bill was authorized would find that the bill was authorized as<01:31:42.320>
- House Bill 1012, Public Health Local Suicide Fatality Review Teams Authorization.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- A few years ago, a gentleman from Dudley and the Massachusetts National Guard that I represent asked
- A few years ago, a gentleman from Dudley and the Massachusetts National Guard that I represent asked
- In the case of active duty service members, those folks, whether it be the Guard or whether it be, you
- If we don't track our men and women who are committing suicide that serve in the National Guard, I'm
- That's why we have a close working relationship with the National Guard.
Summary:
The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony.
Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection.
The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.