Transcript Highlights:

• Joe Barton: Yes, that's correct. Chairman: Please proceed. Joe Barton: All right, thank you.
• Joe Barton: Members, thank you for your time on this important committee. My name is Joe Barton.
• Joe Barton: Yes sir. The remainder of the bill, the other issues are... Joe Barton: you agree with.
• Joe Barton. Dr. Barton...
• Again, my name is Joe Barton.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we had our Billy Joe Jim Bob, and Billy Joe Jim Bob was like, you know what, there's nothing wrong
• Did Billy Joe Bimbob? You know, Billy Joe Jim Bob is very charming.
• Names Billy Joe as her guardian? Names Billy Joe as her guardian?
• Yes, there were actually two Billy Joes rolled into one, so I just made it one Billy Joe. Okay.
• So Billy Joe is a fictitious person, right?

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse opened by explaining it was gathering testimony on elder abuse, especially alleged misconduct involving court-appointed systems such as guardians ad litem and fiduciaries, to identify gaps in law and oversight and develop legislative fixes. The chair limited each witness’s time, asked for names and contact information for follow-up, and repeatedly noted that some allegations might warrant referral to law enforcement, the attorney general, or county attorneys if basic criminal elements were present. Several witnesses described alleged abuse in guardianship, conservatorship, and fiduciary cases. Dr. Holly Lauder said her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was subjected to allegedly deficient psychological capacity evaluations that ignored treating doctors and family input, leading to a fiduciary arrangement that later resulted in neglect. Kevin Axson described his mother’s probate case, saying a guardian ad litem and conservator were appointed after a family financial dispute, that the guardian ad litem and fiduciary had little contact with his mother, and that the estate was burdened with substantial fees and a $200,000 bond requirement. Frieda Alvarado testified about a 94-year-old client, Samuel Armento, saying he was isolated, medicated without his request, and treated without dignity after a fiduciary and care team took control. Bill Chalmers, Johnny Hamilton, and Kathy Hamilton also testified about Sam Armento’s case, alleging isolation, excessive fees, conflicts of interest, and poor oversight by fiduciaries and caregivers. Other witnesses raised broader concerns about Arizona probate practices. David Redkey said he has been under a long-running conservatorship despite earning degrees and maintaining capacity, and alleged that court-appointed professionals and fiduciaries overcharged his estate and blocked efforts to terminate the arrangement. Susan Wolfe described the Peyton case, alleging that a wife’s conservatorship and related court actions led to the loss of assets, exclusion of witnesses, and large fees for a relatively small monthly care bill. Dr. Lewis Heller, an OB-GYN and disciplinary committee member, said the medical evaluations he reviewed showed the people involved were competent and that the conduct he observed was unethical and possibly criminal. Renee Self testified that she lost her role as trustee and spent large sums defending her father’s estate, alleging that the probate process stripped her father of assets and limited her access to him despite APS findings that her actions were in his best interests. No formal committee votes or legislative actions were taken in the excerpt, but members repeatedly expressed concern, asked for documents and transcripts, and indicated they would follow up with witnesses and consider stakeholder meetings to craft legislation addressing oversight, transparency, and accountability in guardianship and fiduciary systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• A proud veteran, Joe served in the U.S. Army ASA in South Vietnam from 1970 to 1971.
• Joe retired from District 4, where he spent much of his distinguished career.
• A proud veteran, Joe served in the U.S. Army ASA in South Vietnam from 1970 to 1971.
• Joe retired from District 4, where he spent much of his distinguished career.
• Joe retired from District 4, where he spent much of his distinguished career.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several local and private bills. It passed to be enacted House No. 4004, validating the results of a special election in the town of Hygwick, requiring and receiving the necessary two-thirds vote. The chamber also advanced House No. 4245, increasing the membership of the select board in the town of Mattapoisett, and ordered House No. 4263, establishing a charter for the City of Medford, to a third reading after suspending the rules. The Senate likewise moved several sick leave bank bills forward, including measures for Alexander Schwartz of the Department of State Police and Stephanie Bramante Miller of the Appellate Tax Board, both ordered to a third reading. Joint Rule 12 was suspended for several House petitions, which were then referred to the appropriate committees. The Senate also adopted the emergency preamble for Senate Bill 2580, establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro of the Trial Court, with a standing vote showing unanimous support. The chamber then adopted a resolution in memory of Joseph William Conelli, honoring his military service, long career with the Boston Police Department, and family. After a moment of silence, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2580 to enactment and ordered it sent to the Governor. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:00 a.m., and adjourned in memory of Joseph William Conelli.

Transcript Highlights:

• Billy Joe Jim Bob could be anybody.
• But we had our Billy Joe Jim Bob, and Billy Joe Jim Bob was like, you know what, there's nothing wrong
• Names Billy Joe as her guardian. Names Billy Joe as her guardian?
• Yes, there were actually two Billy Joes rolled into one, so I just made it one Billy Joe.
• Billy Joe is a fictitious person. There was, um, Billy Joe number two was actually a fiduciary.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe has been a great friend over the years.
• So congratulations, Joe.
• It is an honor to introduce my friend, Joe Papalo. I've known Joe for many years.
• Joe graduated from Boston College with a degree in finance.
• We have my friend Charles Kushner and we have my friend Joe Pappalo.

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe, oh, we got both. Either one or both, would you like to come up and speak, Joe or Bob?
• <00:34:15.200> or<00:34:15.760> Bob up and speak Joe or Bob up and speak Joe or Bob
• So, so thank you for that, Joe.
• So so so thank you for that Joe. >> Yeah. So so so thank you for that Joe.
• And as Joe indicated, file complaints.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Mooney: Joe Kilsheimer. Sir, you're recognized. Joe Kilsheimer: Good morning representatives.
• My name is Joe Kilsheimer.
• Joe Kilsheimer: I am the Executive Director of the Florida Waste Energy Coalition.
• Joe Kilsheimer: Representatives, waste energy is safe, reliable, and proven.
• They Joe Kilsheimer: avoid 5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Joe, you're good. Okay. Mr.
• Okay, Joe, you're good. Okay. Mr.
• Okay, Joe, we have a question from Representative Headland. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Joe.
• Thanks, Joe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Is that you? All right.
• And Joe talked about those earlier.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• county commission did all four of them contact you, or talking to the chairman or— >> The um Billy Joe
• that we have it in paper, I was just curious because none of them have called me recently and said— >> Joe
• to the chairman or >> the<00:02:02.479> um<00:02:03.439> Billy<00:02:03.759> Joe
• Underwood reached out >> the um Billy Joe Underwood reached out they<00:02:06.240> talked
• has talked to me about it and >> Joe has talked to me about it and they're<00:02:24.800> all

Bills: HB606, HB606

Keywords: HB606, Alabama, Department of Transportation, DOT, public highways, utility relocation, right-of-way, state right-of-way, road construction, bridge, tunnel, toll road, interstate highway, defense highway, utility facilities, broadband, telecommunications, cable, electricity, gas

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll move to our presentation from OMB, Joe Morcette. Welcome, Joe. Morcette. Welcome, Joe.
• Joe, before we continue, Mr.
• Joe, I have a question about the no new buildings.
• So, Joe, if you can continue. Okay, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Continue, Joe. Thank you, Jamie. Continue, Joe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll move to our presentation from OMB, Joe Morcette. Welcome, Joe. Moreset. Welcome, Joel.
• Joe, I want to talk to you about the North Dakota price.
• Joe, before we continue, Mr.
• Joe, I have a question about the no new buildings.
• Seeing no questions, Joe. Okay, Mr.

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Joe Alarcon.
• And the leadership of Kennecott camps, including Joe White.
• As Joe White said, reports of abuse were drops, a cascade of good.
• I'll speak as far as Kanakuk and Joe White.
• So therefore, Joe, why at this point...

Bills: HB34, HB128, HB621, HB748, HB2259, HB2960, HB3113, HB4749, SB835, HB128

Keywords: HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy, local government, state agency, political subdivision, foreign adversary, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Taiwan, major non-NATO ally, cultural exchange, educational exchange, tourism, bilateral cooperation, foreign relations

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll move to our presentation from OMB, Joe Morissette. Welcome, Joe. Moreset. Welcome, Joel.
• Joe, I want to talk to you about the North Dakota price.
• Joe, before we continue, Mr.
• Joe, I have a question about the no new buildings.
• Seeing no questions, Joe. Okay, Mr.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe died on a morning that is classic in Minnesota in the spring.
• Apparently, Joe was on the dock. He was told to put on scuba equipment.
• Joe is a good swimmer; he's been around in the water a long time.
• And as David mentioned, Joe hadn't even graduated from high school yet.
• Joe had no idea that he was that close to a drop-off.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name's Joe Smolensky: Joe Smolensky. I'm the city manager in Mansfield.
• Joe Smolensky: Yes, ma'am.
• Joe Smolensky: Yes, ma'am. Committee Member: What is that discussion?
• Joe Smolensky: The population. So that you're not in it. We're Joe Smolensky: Not in it.
• House Bill 19, Joe Smolensky: I talk about 1453.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Joe, you're good. Okay. Mr.
• Okay, Joe, we have a question from Representative Headland. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Joe.
• You can continue, Joe. We head and stump the band. I'll flip to the next page, Mr.
• Thanks, Joe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Is that you? All right.
• And Joe talked about those earlier.

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership, approved the December 11 minutes, and received a series of informational updates on the state’s finances and related policy issues. The Office of Management and Budget reported the general fund is tracking very close to forecast, with revenues about $2 million above forecast and an estimated ending balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. OMB also reviewed balances in major funds, including the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, and answered questions about oil tax revenues and fund management. The Tax Department provided updates on taxable sales and purchases by county and industry, noting Cass County as the largest county by taxable sales and that retail trade remains the largest industry sector. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus also discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its estimated effects on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the projected revenue impacts are measured against a 2025 baseline and that some provisions are temporary while others are permanent. He also reported that primary residence tax credit applications were running ahead of last year, with more than 154,000 received so far and an expectation of roughly 160,000-plus applications. The committee also heard fee-study presentations from the Department of Transportation and the Information Technology Department. DOT explained that driver’s license fees cover only about half of program costs and that the shortfall is subsidized by the highway fund, while also noting recent changes such as the blackout plate and motor vehicle excise tax distribution changes. NDIT described its internal service fund model, current billing structure, and possible future changes to simplify invoices and billing frequency. Legislative staff also updated the committee on office space needs in Bismarck-Mandan and on legislative branch space planning, and subcommittees reported progress on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including a visit to the Burleigh-Morton detention facility and discussion of future prison bed needs. No formal votes or legislative actions beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the committee adjourned with its next meeting set for June 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to stop here, and Joe, I'm going to hand it over to you.
• So I'm going to stop here and, Joe, I'm going to hand it over to you.
• Thanks, Joe. Hi, everyone. Nice to see you.
• Joe sometimes has secret insights. I feel like being in D.C.
• Joe referenced the Money Follows the Person program.

Keywords: 995, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks, Joe.
• Thanks, Joe.
• Thanks, Joe.
• Thanks, Joe.
• Thanks, Joe.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• you're not talking about Joe. you're not talking about Joe. Oh.<00:45:18.560> Oh.
• Well, before conviction, the money goes to Joe. He's an innocent guy.
• Before Joe is charged with anything, he's as innocent as anybody else gets whatever he gets.
• with Before Joe is charged with Before Joe is charged with anything,<01:05:57.440> he's<01
• If they don't get notice, they should turn it over to Joe, right?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on SB 148 and competing amendments dealing with forfeiture and civil recovery in murder cases. Members compared the “Lynn” and “Burge” amendments and narrowed the remaining disputes to two issues: whether the bill should apply only to first-degree murder or also to second-degree murder and related federal offenses, and whether any civil action could be brought before criminal charges or conviction. The group concluded that the pre-conviction approach created serious practical and constitutional problems, including Fifth Amendment concerns and uncertainty over how a civil case would proceed while a criminal investigation was pending. The discussion then shifted toward limiting the bill to post-conviction remedies. Members agreed that the Department of Justice pre-charge stay language should be removed, that the bill should not try to define “victim” in a way that included the person convicted of the murder, and that the definition should be revised to mean the estate of the victim or the victim’s immediate family, excluding the convicted person. They also agreed to delete language about “after right to appeal has been exhausted,” to correct a typo on page one, and to remove a section dealing with pre-conviction probate-style procedures and third-party notice issues. The committee also discussed how to handle third parties such as insurers, publishers, and innocent purchasers. Members concluded that third parties acting in good faith should not be liable if they make payments or transfer property without notice, but if they receive notice they should not disburse funds. They noted that existing post-conviction civil recovery language already allows victims to sue within three years, making the earlier pre-conviction mechanism unnecessary. The meeting ended with the members saying they had reached a deal on the revised language and would bring the updated amendment forward for further processing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This summer, we lost an esteemed colleague, friend, and ranking member to this committee, Joe Casello
• Joe has been a strong and vocal champion for first responders, Joe has been a strong and vocal champion
• Joe is survived. Joe is survived by two sisters, Jean M.
• And there's no great transition from that, but I can hear Joe right now. We've got to get to work.
• There's not much, I think, that we can add as a Democratic caucus, but gratitude for honoring Joe in

Summary: The State Affairs Committee opened with a tribute to the late Representative Joe Casello, with remarks from the chair and Ranking Member Eskamani honoring his service, especially his advocacy for first responders, veterans, and working people. The committee then turned to its only bill, HB 167, which would remove strict liability for certain previously mined phosphate lands if the landowner notifies the county and requests a Department of Health radiation survey. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create a voluntary process, add data about the land, and provide notice through the public record and title process. Members asked extensive questions about who pays for the surveys, how notice would reach future buyers, whether the bill affects renters or construction workers, and whether it would impact pending lawsuits. The sponsor said the landowner would pay for the survey needed to remove strict liability, plaintiffs would pay for surveys in litigation, the bill does not address OSHA or rental disclosures, and it would not apply retroactively to current cases because the complaint must include a survey. Supporters argued the bill simply replaces automatic liability with recorded notice and due diligence, while opponents said it could leave families and renters without adequate warning and should include stronger disclosure protections. Public testimony was in support from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, and one individual. After debate, the committee voted 18-8 to report HB 167 favorably.