Transcript Highlights:

• There's several programs.
• as one of the new programs.
• And for other new programs or specific questions on new programs, I'll have to defer to our representatives
• the program last year.
• the program last year.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They understand what the programs are, and we're doing the appropriate outreach to use these programs
• Our pilot programs are two main programs: assisted outpatient treatment.
• Our other program is our Competency Diversion Program. This arises in the criminal context.
• We began this program in 2024. And We have been funding this program with one-time appropriations.
• outpatient treatment program.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a really good program.
• </c> reasons why we need the program here. reasons why we need the program here. &gt;&gt; Yeah.
• </c> Promise Program. Promise Program.
• program offered.
• This is the one regarding publishing standardized program-level data for each program offered.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion. The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date. After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, forecasted programs represent programs where eligibility rules are set in statute, benefit
• </c><00:02:07.719><c> where</c> programs represent uh are programs where programs represent uh are programs
• </c><00:02:19.080><c> itself</c> rates are in statute the program itself rates are in statute the program
• , and the PCA program.
• or spousal caregiver support program, and whether more and more people are using that program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• PROGRAM APTLY CALLED THE FARM PROGRAM, FLORIDA'S ARTERIAL ROADS MODERNIZATION.
• IN THE GRANT PROGRAMS AT THIS TIME OR CAUSE ANY CONFLICT.
• GRANT PROGRAM.
• AND THE FUNDING THAT WE ARE REINSTATING BACK INTO THOSE PROGRAMS.
• PURPOSES OF BEING ABLE TO STABILIZE THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM?

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE 37 CAMPUSES OPERATING OVER 42 DIFFERENT PROGRAMS.
• THESE ARE OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS WE ARE ABLE TO DELIVER ACROSS THE PROGRAM.
• WE HAVE PEOPLE ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
• OUR MODERATE RISK PROGRAMS ARE USUALLY ONLY SIX MONTHS TO NINE MONTHS IN LENGTH OF STAY.
• THAT ARE EARNED AND ACHIEVED WHILE IN THE PROGRAMS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , robust state program in the country.
• For example, in the federal Superfund program and in California's own air toxics hotspots program for
• And there are programs that I alluded to, like the Healthy Soils Program, like the Organic Transition
• Program.
• safety, health, and safety program.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on whether California’s pesticide program is meeting its public health, environmental, and sustainable pest management goals. Opening remarks from the committee chairs emphasized the scale of pesticide use in California, the importance of AB 2113 and the sustainable pest management roadmap, and the need to review DPR’s oversight and enforcement relationship with county agricultural commissioners. Senator Blakespear also referenced community concerns in Ladera Ranch and said the California Department of Public Health was investigating possible environmental links to childhood cancer cases. Panel One featured scientists and legal experts who argued that pesticide exposure is widespread, begins before birth, and can have long-term neurodevelopmental, respiratory, and other health effects, especially for farmworker and low-income communities. They said California has strong pesticide-use reporting, but lacks systematic biomonitoring and better links between exposure data and health outcomes. They also argued DPR and county commissioners should more consistently evaluate cumulative exposures and safer alternatives, and that pest control advisors need stronger training and less conflict of interest. Assembly Member Schultz echoed concerns that California should look at pesticide classes and mixtures rather than only individual chemicals. Panel Two, representing frontline and environmental justice advocates, criticized DPR for allowing continued use of highly hazardous pesticides, for relying on pesticide sales revenue, and for failing to account for the full health, environmental, and social costs of pesticide use. Speakers said reevaluations and mitigations move too slowly, that DPR rarely addresses combined exposures, and that implementation of protections varies widely by county. They called for tiered mill fees, stronger timelines, more protective buffers, and clearer accountability between DPR and county agricultural commissioners. Panel Three, from regulated entities and agricultural groups, supported DPR’s scientific rigor but stressed the need for predictable registration timelines, more transparency, and better milestones as AB 2113’s deadlines approach. They also urged more investment in pest prevention, SPM support, and farmer access to safer tools. Panel Four, from county agricultural commissioners, described their role in local permitting, inspections, investigations, and enforcement, while saying county resources have not kept pace with expanding responsibilities and new mandates. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will also say there is a patient savings program or co-pay assistance program, those kinds of things
• Program.
• So what do we do with the Bill Pell Pledge program?
• that program has gone in a second.
• It would have been through the Medicaid program.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard a detailed annual presentation from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and review findings. He explained the committee’s structure, the de-identified review process, and the distinction between pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths. He said national maternal mortality has declined from its 2021 peak, but mental health conditions, substance use, overdose, suicide, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, infection, and embolism remain major causes. He emphasized that many deaths are preventable, with especially high rates among non-Hispanic Black women and in the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and noted that a large share of deaths occur after 42 days postpartum. Committee members asked about suicide, domestic abuse, pregnancy testing in unexplained deaths, and the role of home births and midwife training. Dr. Arnold said the committee is adding a caseworker, exploring post-mortem pregnancy testing in suspicious cases, and working with coroners and forensic officials; he also said home births and untrained midwifery pose safety concerns and that better public education and facility-based care are important. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matt Clark on cigarette ignition propensity standards and fire prevention. He recommended updating North Dakota’s cigarette ignition legislation to the current national standard and also considering legislation requiring fast-breakaway oxygen tubing, citing fatal fires involving smoking around home oxygen. He explained that his office verifies manufacturer testing and maintains certification for cigarettes sold in the state, but does not itself conduct the testing. Members asked about implementation, cost, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Clark said he would follow up with cost information and additional details, and that he had not seen evidence of a major issue on tribal lands but would look further. Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services presented the North Dakota Stroke System of Care report. She described the statewide network of two comprehensive stroke centers, four primary stroke centers, and 30 acute stroke-ready hospitals, along with the stroke registry and quality-improvement efforts. She reported that most strokes are ischemic, that the median stroke patient age is 71.5, and that common risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. She highlighted improvements in door-to-CT, thrombolytic treatment times, dysphagia screening, EMS pre-notification, and interfacility transfer performance, and said new priorities include hemorrhagic stroke quality measures and standardized EMS stroke screening tools. Members asked about the VA hospital’s participation, and Greff said she would pursue outreach. After a break, the committee heard testimony from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals as part of the prior authorization study, focused on non-opioid pain treatment. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to acute pain treatment and may push patients toward opioids, especially in the critical 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window. He cited data showing that even short opioid exposure can increase the risk of long-term use and said prior authorization is often a barrier for physicians and patients. Khan recommended open access with a quantity limit rather than prior authorization, suggesting a 14-day limit supported by the product’s data and an episode-of-care approach. Members asked about dental use, payer discussions, and cost; he said the product’s wholesale acquisition cost is about $16.10 per tablet, with patient assistance available, and that he would follow up on payer and comparison-cost questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• What are we doing on that side of the program?
• What are we doing on that side of the program? Yeah, Dr. Reaver. Mr.
• We have a program where we issue grants private funding.
• So the CREP program, while in the Soil and Water Conservation Program, is a huge interest for the Water
• We've talked about WACPA, the Water Quality Program for Agriculture.

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation for the Department of Water Resources. Analysts explained the agency’s structure, continuously appropriated funds, and the large budget increases tied to ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds and the ongoing $30 million infrastructure appropriation. Director Matthew Weaver and Water Resource Board Chairman Jeff Raybould described the department’s role in managing water rights, aquifer recharge, stream gauges, groundwater monitoring, and major projects in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA), the Palouse area, Mountain Home, and the Bear River basin. Members asked about aquifer stabilization, the impact of budget holdbacks on field work and monitoring, water quality concerns, project delays caused by easements and federal coordination, and the effect of data centers on water use. Weaver said reductions are being managed through cuts to travel, training, maintenance, and some stream gauge funding, and that the department is working toward a long-term goal of stabilizing the ESPA through reduced pumping, increased recharge, and expanded management areas. Chairman Raybould and Director Weaver also discussed the use of the prior $30 million appropriation, saying it has been fully obligated for recharge, conversion from groundwater to surface water irrigation, telemetry, and related projects. They said the next $30 million would likely support additional ESPA work, a Bear River study, and other emerging needs, but that major projects can take years because of engineering, landowner, state, and federal coordination. Questions also covered recharge capacity, the current average recharge level, and whether the state could reach a 350,000 acre-foot annual recharge goal; the witnesses said current infrastructure could handle well over 500,000 acre-feet in a good year, but more capacity is needed. The committee also discussed private and local matching funds for aging irrigation infrastructure and the role of groundwater quality monitoring, with Weaver noting that contamination issues are referred to the Department of Environmental Quality. The committee then moved to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission budget. Analysts said the agency’s budget is driven largely by one-time water quality appropriations in recent years and a small ongoing base, with a supplemental and enhancement request tied to CREP funding. Weaver, serving as interim administrator, and two commissioners explained that the commission supports local conservation districts and that a stakeholder process led by the Langdon Group recommended merging the commission with the Department of Water Resources. Weaver said the merger would preserve the commission’s non-regulatory, locally led mission while creating administrative efficiencies, and that related legislation and a concurrent resolution are moving through the Legislature. Members asked about CREP data, acreage, and water savings; Weaver said the program is a voluntary federal-state partnership, mainly in southern Idaho and parts of the eastern Snake Plain, with about 11,000 acres enrolled out of a 50,000-acre cap. He said a fully utilized CREP program could significantly reduce groundwater diversions, and the committee adjourned after discussing the historical shift from soil conservation toward water conservation priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• The health technology assessment program, the health technology assessment program.
• to cover the cost of administering the program.
• The Medicare Advantage programs are private programs, and they promise lots of things.
• So it's a very, very important program.
• The Medicare Advantage programs are private programs, and they promise lots of things.

Summary: The Health Care and Wellness Committee held a public hearing on several bills and a joint memorial. SB 5915 would update the health technology assessment program by adding technologies recommended for Medicare populations or in national guidelines to the review priority list, requiring broader evidence review for life-threatening or rare diseases, and setting timelines for posting and deciding review requests. Supporters, including rare disease advocates and providers, said the current process is outdated and too rigid; the bill was then held for later action. SJM 8002 urged Congress to strengthen original Medicare, oppose privatization, add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and reduce Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud. Supporters from labor and senior groups argued it would protect beneficiaries and send a message to federal officials; the memorial was also held after testimony. The committee also heard SB 5395 on prior authorization. Staff explained it would tighten notice requirements, require a licensed clinician—not AI alone—to deny requests based on medical necessity, add transparency around policy changes, and change how retrospective denials are treated. The prime sponsor and provider groups said the bill was a negotiated compromise meant to reduce delays and inappropriate denials, while insurers were generally neutral but sought a narrow amendment. Testifiers described prior authorization as a major source of delay and administrative burden, and the bill was held after public testimony. SB 5845 would require carriers to pay or deny clean claims within 30 days, set timelines for non-clean claims and information requests, and allow penalties for repeated noncompliance. Hospitals, physicians, and health systems supported it as a way to improve predictable payment, while insurers were neutral and asked for a narrow amendment; the bill was also held. The committee heard SB 6025, which would change the definition of fetal death so gestational age is calculated using the best clinically accurate age rather than the last menstrual period. Obstetric and nursing witnesses said the current law can force inaccurate records and unnecessary burdens on grieving families, while opponents objected to the bill’s abortion-related definitions. The bill was held after testimony. Finally, SB 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge fees to support that work. The department and the sponsor said the measure would preserve a patient-centered accreditation option amid budget pressure, and the committee closed testimony and held the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first local program I will talk with you about is the Small County Outreach Program, or SCOP.
• For this program, FDOT funds 100% of the project costs.
• The next program I will talk to you about is the County Incentive Grant Program, or SIGP.
• The last program I will talk to you about today is the Transportation Regional Incentive Program, or
• first operations-focused pilot program.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first received an update from FDOT on the Sun Trail shared-use nonmotorized trail program. FDOT said the program, created in 2015 and expanded by 2023 legislation, now includes connections to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and received a one-time $200 million appropriation plus increased annual funding. The department reported programming about $180 million of that funding, completing 42 construction projects totaling nearly 95 miles in 21 counties, and installing trail counters and QR-code surveys to measure usage and economic impact. Members expressed support for the program and asked no substantive questions. The committee then heard a presentation on FDOT’s locally administered state transportation funding programs, including SCOP, SCOPM, SCRAP, SIGP, and TRIP. FDOT explained these programs support local roadway resurfacing, bridge repair, drainage, paving unpaved roads, and safety or capacity improvements, with varying state match levels depending on the program and eligibility. FDOT said its adopted five-year work program includes more than $1.4 billion for local transportation improvement projects. A member asked whether toll revenues from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties fund these programs; FDOT said it would research the funding source and follow up. The committee’s main discussion was a panel on advanced air mobility (AAM), including FDOT and industry representatives from Supernal, Joby, Atlantic Aviation, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, and Eve Air Mobility. FDOT described its AAM planning work, advisory committee, local government guidebook, and upcoming training, while panelists emphasized Florida’s leadership, the likely use of existing airport and heliport infrastructure first, and the expectation that private investment will fund much of the early vertiport buildout. Members raised concerns about community acceptance, privacy, zoning, airspace congestion, security, and lessons from scooters and drones. Panelists repeatedly stressed a “crawl, walk, run” rollout, local government coordination, multimodal connectivity, and public outreach. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the panel.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> programs to begin with. programs to begin with.
• </c> refugee program works. refugee program works.
• </c> medicinal marijuana program. medicinal marijuana program.
• </c> the SNAP program. the SNAP program.
• </c> um a nutrition program. um a nutrition program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , two separate programs.
• designs or setting up two separate programs to address each program design.
• </c> running that program and incentives. running that program and incentives.
• </c> to administer this program. to administer this program.
• </c> in the Reggie program. in the Reggie program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes things like grow-your-own programs and teacher residency programs, apprenticeship programs
• This includes things like grow-your-own programs and teacher residency programs, apprenticeship programs
• This includes things like grow-your-own programs and teacher residency programs, apprenticeship programs
• This includes things like grow-your-own programs and teacher residency programs, apprenticeship programs
• 11:58.839><c> um</c> programs apprenticeship programs um programs apprenticeship programs um often<00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> program and get a new job. So, Mr. program and get a new job. So, Mr.
• </c> are workforce components to the program. are workforce components to the program.
• </c> our unified work program. Sounds good. our unified work program. Sounds good.
• Youth Program.
• With this program, I most like me.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• global programs.
• </c> program and in that internship program program and in that internship program more<00:17:18.079>
• </c> and a um immersive internship program and a um immersive internship program with<00:17:28.439><c
• If you also have a job training program, a job placement program... Great question.
• If you also have a job training program, a job placement program... Great question.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to better understand across programs to better understand program<00:14:08.800><c> outcomes</c><00:14
• </c><01:23:50.639><c> I</c> particular with government programs I particular with government programs
• </c><01:24:48.360><c> fraud</c> investigations of State program fraud investigations of State program
• </c><01:27:18.159><c> that</c> advantage of government programs that advantage of government programs
• </c> across the executive branch programs across the executive branch programs with<01:36:06.400><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> advantage uh program. advantage uh program.
• program.
• program.
• program.
• </c> caregiver grant program. caregiver grant program.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Assistant staff presented an overview of the Senate changes to the House-passed budget, focusing on revenue estimates, appropriations, and ending balances across the general fund and education trust fund. The presentation emphasized that the Senate’s budget reflected higher revenue assumptions than the House, driven in part by updated April revenue figures, changes to business, tobacco, and real estate transfer tax splits, and different assumptions about video lottery terminal revenue. The Senate also adjusted lapse estimates upward, especially for HHS, after receiving updated information that lapses could be much larger than originally assumed. The presenter walked through the major differences in the surplus statements for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Compared with the House, the Senate budget generally showed higher revenues, lower or different appropriations in some areas, and larger balances carried forward, including a larger education trust fund balance and a different rainy day fund transfer. The Senate’s approach also changed several policy assumptions, such as maintaining liquor revenue dedication, removing the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap, changing the treatment of unique revenue, and altering the process for meeting a targeted revenue amount by giving the governor more flexibility. On the appropriations side, the Senate removed or modified several House reductions and added funding or adjustments in areas including the judicial branch, corrections, HHS, the Human Rights Commission, and certain settlement costs. The presenter also highlighted Senate changes in House Bill 2 and related budget provisions, including a new arts tax credit, a nursing home bed fee, changes to Medicaid premium assumptions, and differences in how motor vehicle inspection repeal and BLT-related revenue are handled. No votes were taken in the portion shown; the discussion was informational and comparative, aimed at explaining the Senate budget changes before conference committee negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second is our direct grants program. Which I'll talk about more in a moment.
• , and emergency preparedness-supported programs will suffer from funding cuts.
• The top four categories of that programming will be arts and healing programs that serve specific populations
• The top four categories of that programming will be arts and healing programs that serve specific populations
• IMLS is repurposing its funding... ...the IMLS program.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of recent federal policy and budget actions on Massachusetts libraries, humanities organizations, arts institutions, and tourism. Testimony from library leaders described the loss or jeopardy of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, including statewide databases, local grants, staff positions, E-rate/hotspot support, and digital equity programs. Witnesses said the cuts have already forced reductions in services, canceled grants and workshops, and in some cases left schools, students, job seekers, and low-income patrons without access to key resources. Members of the committee asked for lists of affected communities and databases, and several witnesses said they would provide additional written detail. Arts and humanities witnesses said federal terminations from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have hit organizations across the Commonwealth, including Mass Cultural Council, Mass Humanities, Mass MoCA, and local museums and historical societies. They described canceled or rescinded grants, layoffs, reduced programming, and a chilling effect on future applications and on artistic and scholarly work, especially where federal awards had already been matched with local or private funds. Several speakers also raised concerns about executive-branch DEI conditions attached to funding and about book challenges and book banning, saying these trends threaten intellectual freedom and public access to culture and history. Committee members emphasized the economic importance of the sector and the need to publicize the impacts. Tourism officials from Meet Boston and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism testified that federal cuts and broader geopolitical and tariff issues are hurting international visitation, especially from Canada and Western Europe, and could affect major upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and Sail Boston. They said reduced funding for Brand USA and Discover New England will weaken long-term marketing efforts and international partnerships, with downstream effects on hotel tax revenue, jobs, and workforce recruitment. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members mainly asking questions and requesting follow-up written testimony and data.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Home Base program... What reason does the gentleman rise?
• We are... these programs work, the restrictions are in place.
• We have a responsibility to protect this program.
• It funds our Residential Assistance for Families in Transition Program, the RAF program, at $210 million
• So we put in more money for the Healthy Incentives Program.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of three congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Charles Goodman, Jack Goodwin, and Liam LaCrooy. Members also adopted a House-Senate concurrence on House 4359, a Milford alcohol-license bill, after amending it to repeal Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2022 and set an effective date. The chamber then passed Senate 2596, establishing maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, and engrossed House 4887. The House also observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard Rick Ford, Louise M. Pedroso, and Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guests, including students, civic visitors, and British Minister of State Stephen Doughty. The bulk of the session focused on budget amendments related to housing and emergency assistance. Amendment 1579, which would have tightened HomeBASE eligibility by requiring citizenship-status inquiries, was debated at length and defeated 26-130. Amendment 1582, which would have barred Housing and Livable Communities from conditioning grants on MBTA Communities Act compliance, was also rejected 27-126. Amendment 1583, which would have limited right-to-shelter eligibility to U.S. citizens with six months’ Massachusetts residency, was defeated 26-122. Supporters argued these changes would reduce costs and prioritize taxpayers; opponents said they would exclude lawful residents and undermine existing housing and shelter reforms. The House then adopted Consolidated Amendment F, covering energy, environmental affairs, and housing, by a vote of 154-0. Speakers highlighted major funding for rental vouchers, emergency shelter, HomeBASE, public housing, clean water, climate and agricultural programs, and food assistance. The chamber also considered and defeated Amendment 1218 on creating a data center commission, Amendment 1234 on eliminating certain energy surcharges, and several education-related amendments from Ms. Sullivan-Almeida: changes to special education reimbursement thresholds and rates, and a proposal to make regional school transportation funding mandatory rather than subject to appropriation. Those education amendments were all rejected after roll-call votes. Amendment 1580 on ending vocational school lottery admissions was withdrawn by its sponsor before a vote. The transcript ends as debate continues on Amendment 1308, which would increase a budget line item, but no final action on that amendment is shown.