Transcript Highlights:

• This is about a $20 million project.
• We are their second-largest global super hub, and the project that you see under construction right now
• This project is currently underway.
• And I like to say sanitary sewer improvement projects are not necessarily really exciting projects for
• Um these are for projects initiatives.

Keywords: The live stream for this meeting was prematurely interrupted. The full version will be uploaded in the next few days., 958, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from Kentucky’s three major commercial airports: Lexington Blue Grass Airport, Louisville Regional Airport Authority (SDF and Bowman Field), and CVG. Lexington’s Eric Franco described post-COVID growth that has already exceeded pre-pandemic activity, along with a master plan focused on the whole airport, expanded surface parking, relocation of the air traffic control tower, and a major terminal project estimated at $500 million to $700 million. He emphasized the airport’s role in serving both passenger and corporate aviation across central Kentucky and thanked the legislature for prior funding, including $5 million for parking. Louisville’s Dan Mann reported record passenger growth, expanded nonstop service, and especially strong cargo activity driven by UPS, noting SDF is now among the busiest cargo airports in North America and Bowman Field remains the state’s busiest general aviation airport. He highlighted major infrastructure needs, including airfield and terminal work, parking expansion, and a planned federal inspection service facility to support international flights around events like the Kentucky Derby.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even under the most optimistic projections right now, that would be nine years.
• These are housing projects that have been approved, that need this money to be able to get these projects
• , homeownership opportunities... ...farmworker housing, new construction, homeownership opportunities
• in their community. ...profit housing builders all trying to build a project in their community.
• And they have 85% of the money that they need to build that townhome project, that apartment project.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for the Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program projects
• . to make loans for the Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program projects for fiscal year 2027.
• for fiscal year 2027 and makes... ...loans for transportation infrastructure projects for fiscal year
• One is to encourage the construction of supply, you know, in areas where it is needed in the housing
• But the implications of rent control have a serious impact on new investment and new construction, and

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• projects.
• <00:20:43.320> projects.
• <00:20:44.160> Senate<00:20:44.360> Bill<00:20:44.480> 151 construction projects
• Senate Bill 151 construction projects.
• <01:06:37.240> and for are still not under construction and for are still not under construction

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received messages from the House on several bills and conference committee matters. The House concurred in Senate amendments to House Bills 1305, 1373, and 1406, repassing them as amended, and requested conference committees on a number of other bills. The Senate also noted several bills and resolutions as correctly engrossed or revised. On the consent calendar, the Senate passed House Bill 1110 on protecting vulnerable adults from financial exploitation, Senate Bill 78 on higher education administration and data-sharing changes, and Senate Bill 151 on PERA modifications. Senators Carson, Seymour Wilson, Baisley, Rich, and Liston asked to be recorded as no votes on SB 151, which passed 29-5. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 6 on parity for non-opioid pain management drugs; Senator Mallicoat opposed it as costly and too restrictive, while Senator Weisman and Senator Baisley supported it as a response to the opioid crisis. SB 6 passed 29-5. Senate Bill 15 on commercial sexual activity with a child and Senate Bill 101 on landfill methane emission compliance both passed unanimously. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 159 on early parole procedures for youthful offenders by a 22-12 vote, and Senate Bill 158 on youthful offender parole procedures by a 23-11 vote. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills, beginning with House Bill 1071 on local governments placing automated vehicle identification systems on interstate highways. Amendments addressing privacy and local safety concerns were adopted, and the bill was approved. The committee then considered Senate Bill 150, a major RTD governance reform bill. Supporters said it would reduce the board size, add expertise, preserve elected representation, and respond to long-standing RTD performance problems; opponents raised concerns about appointed members, labor-seat conflicts, and whether voters should approve the changes. Multiple amendments were adopted, including changes to board term limits, public finance expertise, conflict-of-interest recusal, a future review after 15 years, and districting/petition provisions. One amendment requiring a ballot referral before the board changes was debated, with the sponsor urging a no vote and another senator arguing for asking the voters first.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I’ve had very constructive conversation with Chair Robbins.
• <00:08:41.440> from<00:08:41.680> the is this is a political project from the is this
• Um, I've had very constructive<00:08:50.800> conversation<00:08:51.120> with<00:08:51.279
• > Chair constructive conversation with Chair constructive conversation with Chair Robbins.<00:
• and uh I Um, that was very constructive and uh I certainly<00:08:59.839> um<00:09:00.399>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the general manager of Tidewater Ag and Construction Equipment Company.
• That's when the negotiation comes in with the council or with the commission on that project.
• The one-fourth of the distance of a transit stop, 600 feet within a project.
• The one-fourth of the distance of a transit stop, 600 feet within a project.
• This means remittances would likely be nearly 20% less than projected.

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• year tax year is under construction year tax year is under construction shall<00:41:16.400> not
• properties that are being constructed properties that are being constructed are<00:43:00.560>
• Construction costs, a statewide crisis.
• > support<04:13:54.720> still good projects with local support still good projects with
• <04:25:23.600> are available for that if the projects are available for that if the projects

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The project will take a shorelines.
• elements of this project pilot. elements of this project pilot.
• uh maybe prioritize the HHL's projects uh maybe prioritize the HHL's projects so<00:50:46.640>
• construct construct um<00:53:31.520> residential<00:53:32.240> homes<00:53:32.720>
• that fits certain categories can go forward without coming to us on a project-by-project basis.

Bills: HB1527, HB1823, HB2490, HB2223, HB2325, HB2104, HB2593, HB2592, HB1927, HB1553, HB1964, HB1918, HB1990

Keywords: gambling prohibition, Aloha Stadium, University of Hawaii, amateur athletics, state lands, coastal resilience, Maui, Mantokuji Bay, coastal erosion, environmental protection, Native Hawaiian, spiritual sites, historic preservation, economic development, burial sites, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, cultural history, archaeology, Hawaii Revised Statutes, civil service

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1527 relating to gambling. The chair outlined hearing rules, including a two-minute limit and a warning that bills not heard would die. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from a prosecutor, Honolulu Police Department, and Stop Predatory Gambling, all arguing that casinos and sports betting increase crime, sex trafficking, harassment of athletes, and broader social harm. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee moved on without questions or action taken on the bill. The committee then heard HB 1823 relating to coastal zone management and HB 2490 relating to coastal resilience. For HB 1823, DLNR, the Office of Planning, and Maui County testified, with Maui County supporting the measure and its proposed amendments. For HB 2490, DLNR expressed concern about exempting a proposed Mokuji Bay pilot project from permits and regulation before a long-term plan is finalized, while the County of Maui, the Mokuji Soto Zen Mission, and the Office of Planning supported the bill as a coastal resilience pilot. The mission described severe erosion, sea-level rise impacts, and years of unsuccessful efforts to stabilize the shoreline; its consultant said the study is leaning toward nature-based and hybrid solutions. In questioning, members and DLNR discussed whether the bill should say the project “shall” or “may” be exempt, and the chair indicated the language would be adjusted to preserve DLNR discretion and to change the lead agency reference to OPSD. No vote was taken in the transcript. Finally, the committee took up HB 2223 relating to historic preservation reviews. SHPD said it stood on its written comments, while OPSD and DHHL supported the bill. DHHL argued the measure would streamline reviews, improve transparency, and help address long wait times for its projects, saying it could alleviate burden on SHPD and better serve beneficiaries. Representative Shimizu questioned whether the bill would create redundancy and expand government rather than strengthen SHPD, noting a separate staffing bill already exists. SHPD responded that DHHL is uniquely subject to 6E review and that the bill would not waive federal or state historic review requirements; the discussion also touched on possible federal-style grant support and the existing memorandum of agreement between SHPD and DHHL. The transcript ends during questioning, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects
• to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects
• House: the Senate bill extending the deadline for the town of Milton to appropriate money for the construction
• An act extending the deadline for the town of Milton to appropriate money for the construction of a new

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with ceremonial recognitions, including the United States of Wales girls swim team for its third consecutive state championship, the Weston High School girls indoor track team for its state title, and students visiting from the Squantum Schools. The chamber then adopted a resolution honoring Carl F. Kowalski of Whitman for more than 40 years of public service after suspending the rules. The House also took up a Senate amendment to the fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, House No. 528. After suspending the rules, the House voted not to concur with the Senate amendment and instead agreed to appoint a committee of conference. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then recommended several bills for immediate consideration, including measures on Milton school land timing, tolling reform, LIHEAP automatic re-enrollment, Massachusetts identification cards, Quincy public safety records, and parity among Massachusetts beaches; the House suspended Rule 7A, ordered them to third reading, and advanced them. On third reading, the House concurred in the Senate amendment to House No. 4259, designating the Weeder Park tennis courts as the Kim O'Connell tennis courts. It then passed to be engrossed bills on Haverhill election procedures (House Nos. 4203 and 4204), extending Dalton Fire District interim fire chief employment (House No. 4321), and regulating elections in Conway (House No. 4498). Finally, the House took up the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill, House No. 5500, but postponed further consideration until April 27, adopted an order to meet the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 4, Amendment 2 Rider 11, Camp Hubbard Renewal Project adopted.
• Item 16, Amendment 2 writer 29 concerning unextended balance authority for various capital budget projects
• Item number 8, 2.5 million in GRD for operational IT projects is adopted.
• Turn to page 27. 1.4 million in general revenue for cybersecurity projects is adopted.
• This item was adopted as amended to provide unexpended balance authority for certain construction projects

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• and that Wi-Fi project was also not<00:17:36.600> just<00:17:37.000> want<00:17:37.320
• based on what we have right now and projecting on a 225 census.
• <00:37:14.280> what<00:37:14.440> we at this point we're projecting what we at this
• <00:37:17.079> on<00:37:17.319> a projecting on a projecting on a 225<00:37:19.359>
• and vacated by the construction company.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 opened a work session focused on direct care agencies, with the chair saying the day would center on the Veterans Home and other state hospitals and homes. Members first discussed the upcoming Finance Committee process, including how many bills would be assigned to Division 3, whether they would appear on the House calendar, and how much time would be allowed for each bill. The chair said the division would likely spend about an hour on each bill, then return for a second day of review before making recommendations. Staff later identified three bills expected on the calendar: House Bills 704, 751, and 54. Members also raised a question about the use of educational trust fund money in the budget, but that issue was deferred. The main presentation came from Kim McKay, commandant of the New Hampshire Veterans Home, who described the facility as a long-term care intermediate facility serving eligible veterans. She said the home is licensed for 250 beds, budgeted for 225 veterans, and currently has 135 residents with four more scheduled to arrive. McKay highlighted improvements over the last two years, including a reduction in the admission wait list from more than a year to about three to six months, the creation of an LNA training program, energy-saving and Wi-Fi upgrades, and a new electronic learning management system that will provide mandatory training and continuing education units for staff. She said the home’s long-term goal is to return to a 225-bed census, but staffing remains the biggest hurdle. Members asked about admissions, wait times, staffing, vacancies, and the home’s use of contract nurses. McKay explained that the wait time is measured from the initial application date, not from a completed packet, and that staff now help families gather records and paperwork more quickly. She said the home averages about 45 deaths per year, residents stay about 2.5 years on average, and the vacancy rate is around 35 percent, though some positions are intentionally held open until census grows. She attributed staffing shortages largely to retention problems, citing higher private-sector pay, bonuses, and more flexible hours, and said the home has a handful of contract nurses, mainly on second shift. On finances, she said pharmacy services are contracted, the VA reimburses some medication costs based on disability, and the home is pursuing federal changes to cover high-cost medications and catastrophic disability cases. The discussion also covered the home’s off-book donation account, which is overseen by the state and transferred into the state system when funds are spent.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:14.040> Next<00:12:14.360> opens Um on March 31st, Project Next opens Um on
• March 31st, Project Next opens which<00:12:14.960> is<00:12:15.120> the<00:12:15.240>
• And whereas, most recently, Troop 60336 constructed and installed a rain barrel system at the Milton
• garden project, are eligible for<00:20:28.560> the<00:20:28.680> Bronze<00:20:29.040><
• through a constructive engagement through a process. process. process.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance. The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Project 2025, record tax breaks for huge corporations, rollbacks of social safety net programs like Medicaid
• My team had enough other projects that we did not have to make any layoffs. We were lucky.
• My team had enough other projects that we did not have to make any layoffs.
• I've worked on data science projects with hard review emergency docs for years now, and I know that our
• That was a conversation that came out of a constructive discussion, or that was legislation that came

Summary: The meeting was a press conference and Q&A led by Rep. Shaun Scott to promote the proposed Well Washington Fund, a new dedicated account intended to raise about $3 billion annually through a corporate payroll tax on wages above $125,000. Scott said the bill would help offset expected federal cuts under Trump-era policies and support programs most at risk, including cash assistance, higher education, health care, housing, and wildfire mitigation. He also referenced two related proposals: restoring wildfire mitigation funding by ending a tax break for large banks, and allowing counties to raise corporate taxes. Several advocates and affected residents testified in support of progressive revenue. Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance warned that federal homelessness policy changes and state underinvestment could worsen homelessness and evictions. Christina Savitsky, a disabled veteran, described how Medicaid, food assistance, and work requirements would affect her family. Representatives from the University of Washington AAUP said federal cuts and Medicaid changes threaten teaching, research, workforce training, and hospital finances. Fatima Boxwala of Tech for Taxes and Mikey Stramskis of the Washington Federation of State Employees argued that large corporations and the wealthy should pay more to sustain public services and address understaffing, burnout, and service backlogs. In the Q&A, Scott said the bill may need an emergency clause to make it referendum-proof and argued that the legislature has a mandate to act, citing the 2024 capital gains tax referendum and the state’s regressive tax system. He acknowledged concerns about businesses leaving but said he was more concerned about working people being displaced by unaffordable housing, child care, and health care. No vote or formal committee action occurred; the event was a call for a hearing in the House Finance Committee in 2026 and for legislative passage in both chambers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rolling back mining projects.
• presence<03:18:40.960> out effective projection of presence out effective projection of presence
• of union construction workers will lose their jobs and timely completion of this project will be in
• of union construction workers will lose their jobs and timely completion of this project will be in
• of union construction workers will lose their jobs and timely completion of this project will be in

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I own and operate a small construction business in Cottage Grove.
• own and operate a small construction own and operate a small construction business<00:10:38.079>
• We had to stop our projects because we could not guarantee the safety of our workers.
• We had to stop our projects because we could not guarantee the safety of our workers.
• because we could not stop our projects because we could not guarantee<00:11:42.880> the<00:11

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Witnesses and lawmakers discussed the impact of “Operation Metro Surge” and related federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, describing it as a severe constitutional and humanitarian crisis. John Beler of the ACLU of Minnesota said the organization had received more than 700 reports of constitutional violations and argued the state should protect sensitive spaces, create legal remedies, and limit state involvement in federal surveillance and enforcement. Sen. Erin Maye Quade and other speakers said the operation was still ongoing, caused family separations, economic harm, and trauma in communities, and called on Minnesota Republicans to break with the Trump administration and support accountability. Several business owners testified about direct effects on restaurants and construction workforces. Hano JD Delgado, a restaurant owner, said ICE activity had frightened workers, led to closures and lost business, and recounted alleged mistreatment of employees and himself, including detentions and an incident involving a 15-year-old U.S. citizen. Sarah Lawitch, a Cottage Grove contractor, said her crews and projects were disrupted because workers feared leaving home and that lawmakers should protect constitutional rights and local businesses. Speakers repeatedly framed the issue as racial profiling and an attack on legal residents and citizens, not just undocumented immigrants. Rep. Lee Fininky said she is carrying two bills aimed at federal and local law enforcement practices: one would prohibit officers from wearing masks on duty except for limited safety or health exceptions, and another would require vehicles used to detain people to be clearly marked and equipped with safety features. She and other DFL speakers also discussed a broader package of bills, including a proposal to let Minnesotans hold the federal government accountable and a bill requiring the BCA to investigate shootings. In response to questions, they said they were seeking Republican support but expected the measures to face legal challenges; no votes or formal committee action were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE CAN SEE THE CONSTRUCTION GOING ON AND THE LARGE SCAFFOLDING.
• MAYBE A LOT OF THEM HAVE HAD CONSTRUCTION DEFECT SETTLEMENTS BUT THOSE SETTLEMENTS WERE PENNIES ON THE
• SO WE WERE ACTUALLY ABLE TO DO THE REPAIR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS THAT THEY RECOVERED MAYBE 10 OR
• STONE OR PANEL, IN MARCH 27, 1981 IN COCO BEACH A FIVE-STORY BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION COLLAPSED KILLING
• WE WAIVED THE RESERVES OR WERE GOING TO DO THE PROJECT SOONER OR LATER, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN WE HAVE TO

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And last are the projects removed from the capital budget rider, primarily due to completion of the projects
• If those projects...
• I hope that there are more projects.
• The PRB delivered these projects.
• Projects include two things: increased data center services and funding for the Hazelwood project.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Legislative Budget Board and agency officials on several agencies, starting with the Texas Historical Commission. LBB described a large biennial reduction driven mainly by the removal of one-time funding and discussed capital projects, rider changes, and exceptional items including Presidio La Bahia and the National Museum of the Pacific War. Senators asked about heritage trails, courthouse grants, unexpended balance authority, and the status of historical-site funding. Historical Commission leadership emphasized preservation, courthouse restoration, heritage tourism, coordination with the Alamo and other Texas Revolution sites, and requested additional IT, staffing, and vehicle funding. No votes were taken. The committee then reviewed the Pension Review Board and the Employees Retirement System. The Pension Review Board’s budget was largely unchanged aside from IT maintenance and salary adjustments, with an exceptional item for additional IT enhancements. Members discussed the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System’s funding dispute and the need for a workable restoration plan. ERS presented a much larger budget, including funding for the retirement system, the group benefits plan, and the legacy payment intended to reduce unfunded liability. Senators focused heavily on pension investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health-care costs, especially pharmacy spending driven by GLP-1 drugs; ERS said the plan covers about 540,000 lives and that premiums would rise 8% while benefits remain unchanged. ERS also said it had no exceptional items, and committee members requested more detailed benchmark information. The committee also heard from the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. TESSORS reported an unfunded liability, an infinite amortization period, and requested additional state support, staffing, and IT funding, including a statutory change to allow a higher contribution level; the agency warned that without more funding it may have to cut benefits. CEPRIT’s presentation covered its bond-funded cancer research and prevention portfolio, revenue-sharing from funded projects, and a request to increase salary limits for its CEO and chief scientific officer. Senators questioned CEPRIT’s accomplishments and return on investment, while CEPRIT cited screening, prevention, and research outcomes, including tens of thousands of detected cancers and precursors and hundreds of thousands of first-time screenings. The meeting ended after these presentations and questions, with no recorded committee action or vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Projects with the highest jobs ratio and spend.
• And I was looking through all the projects and many of these projects have less than one percent.
• Projects that I was much more excited about, projects that would have been much better for my overall
• Our people do construction.
• Projection is not being done at the studios.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Construction has been an absolute bright spot for New Mexico. A lot of.
• So, I would highlight mining, construction, and health as really the primary drivers.
• Okay, and construction seems to be a big part of it, and I guess and.
• versus non-private sector construction and what's driving that.
• It says, second line, certain public health care facilities, the constructions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:43.519> work, have people that do construction work, have people that do construction
• and different projects that they have.
• <00:16:07.920> Um landscaping, uh um construction work.
• Um landscaping, uh um construction work.
• construction and and different projects construction and and different projects that<00:16:29.920

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The public hearing was on an SP 15 replace-all, non-germane amendment to Senate Bill 15, a proposal to require hard labor for certain serious offenses in the New Hampshire prison system. Representative Jennifer Rhodess, the co-sponsor, said the bill is intended to make incarcerated people productive, help reduce costs, and serve as a deterrent; she also noted a two-year effective date for implementation and said anyone who refuses hard labor would receive a 50% sentence increase. She framed the work as ordinary labor already done by many people in the state and said the committee would later hear related testimony and possible amendments. Committee members questioned how the proposal would work in practice, especially for people already incarcerated, the difference between current prison work and the bill’s “hard labor,” and the impact on prison security and staffing. Rhodess said the bill only applies going forward, not retroactively, and that the Department of Corrections could better address operational details. Members also discussed the terminology, noting that “capital murder” is not a current New Hampshire charge and that the relevant offense is first-degree murder with mandatory life without parole. Department of Corrections officials Jane Graham and Nicholas Duffy testified in a neutral position but raised significant implementation concerns. They said the department would need more resources, vehicles, security equipment, and possibly armed supervision for higher-risk crews, and noted a 47% corrections officer vacancy rate. Duffy described current work programs inside prisons and in the community, including correctional industries, kitchen and education jobs, transitional work crews, and community service projects such as road work and landscaping. He explained that current community crews are limited by custody level, court approval, staffing, and safety, and said C1 and C2 inmates are already in transitional or work-release settings, while C3 and higher inmates would pose greater risks if taken outside the walls. No vote was taken during the hearing.