Transcript Highlights:

• We need to be making priorities, you know, selecting priorities. And so, it's a very fair question.
• We need to be making priorities, you know, selecting priorities. And so, it's a very fair question.
• We need to be making priorities, you know, selecting priorities. And so, it's a very fair question.
• We need to be making priorities, you know, selecting priorities. And so, it's a very fair question.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She has asked that this be a priority, and I would very much like to honor that priority.
• <00:04:55.120> um<00:04:55.360> and has asked that this be a priority um and has asked
• that this be a priority um and I<00:04:55.600> would<00:04:55.880> very<00:04:56.120><
• 04:57.240> that I would very much like to honor that I would very much like to honor that priority
• I realize that we only have a priority I realize that we only have a couple<00:04:59.960> of<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session of the Education Policy and Administration Committee focused on House Bill 131 and House Bill 781, which were described as nearly identical bills addressing student cell phone use in schools. Members noted that HB 781 is an early bill and therefore needed committee action by Wednesday, while HB 131 did not face that deadline. The chair and members discussed the bills’ shared goal of requiring school boards to develop and adopt policies on student personal device use, with debate over whether the state should set minimum standards or leave more to local control. A major topic was funding. One member urged the committee to avoid creating an unfunded mandate and asked for some funding support, while others argued it was too early to commit money and that the committee should first establish the policy framework. The governor’s proposed funding was discussed, including a $1 million figure in the budget and a separate $250,000 amount referenced in the bill, but several members said the money would likely be insufficient to cover all students or pouch systems statewide. The committee also reviewed a handout reflecting proposed budget language that would require school boards to adopt policies on personal device use during the school day, with schoolwide implementation and exceptions for medical disability or language proficiency needs, and a DOE-administered grant program. Members spent considerable time on drafting details, especially deadlines and exceptions. They debated whether the bills should require school boards to “develop,” “adopt,” or also “implement” policies, and whether the effective date of the act should also serve as the deadline for school boards. They also discussed whether exceptions for classroom instructional use should be mandatory or merely encouraged, and whether the bills should explicitly include or exclude charter schools. Additional proposed exceptions included IEPs, 504 plans, English learners, and medical needs such as glucose sensors or insulin pumps, with some members suggesting medical issues be certified by a physician. No final vote or formal action was taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• kind of showing you the difference with and without the different colors, and I know it's not a top priority
• kind of showing you the difference with and without the different colors, and I know it's not a top priority
• And I know it's not a top priority, but the more we dug into this topic, we found out there were other
• This is AARP's top priority this session. thank you Mr chair and committee members thank you Mr chair
• this<01:07:50.039> is<01:07:50.359> arp's<01:07:51.000> top<01:07:51.279> priority

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , if you're executing anything on the fourth, that's the higher priority, so that we will accommodate
• > you're<01:49:43.199> executing<01:49:44.119> if<01:49:44.239> you priorities
• um you're executing if you priorities um you're executing if you exec<01:49:44.840> anything<
• anything on the fourth that's the exec anything on the fourth that's the higher<01:49:46.280> priority
• so that we will higher priority so that we will accommodate<01:49:49.400> you<01:49:49.599>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 733-FN, a bill on third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors financing lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, and contributes to litigation abuse, higher insurance costs, and what he called a “tort tax.” He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with specific references to foreign-entity restrictions, consumer-protection guardrails, and reporting requirements. He also noted a few technical fixes to the draft, including adding the word “knowingly” and restoring a section that had been omitted. Committee members questioned how the bill’s foreign-entity language would work, including whether a governor or the Department of Safety would designate countries of concern, and whether the bill would bar foreign parties from using litigation funding. Cole and others clarified that the bill was intended as a reporting measure, not a ban on litigation funding itself, and that the goal was to disclose who is funding lawsuits and to what extent. Representative Sal asked whether the bill would prevent a litigant from getting outside financing; Cole answered no, emphasizing disclosure rather than prohibition. Brandon Grat of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau testified that the bill’s enforcement provisions were too limited. He said the draft appears to give the Attorney General only a civil-penalty remedy, likely too small to deter violations, and not the broader Consumer Protection Act tools such as injunctions, restitution, or investigation authority. He also raised concerns about whether the Attorney General or Insurance Department would have proper jurisdiction, given that the product may be financial or insurance-related. Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the department sees possible benefits from transparency because disclosure of litigation funding could help insurers assess risk, improve underwriting, and potentially ease hard-market pressures, especially for nonprofits and child care providers. He also said the bill’s language likely needs further work to clarify agency authority and suggested involving the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and banking regulators. Opposition testimony came from the New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association. Marissa Chase and Samantha Hering argued the bill is one-sided because it requires disclosure only on the plaintiff side and not from defendants or insurers. They said New Hampshire already has court rules and discovery procedures that cover relevant disclosures, making the bill unnecessary, and questioned whether the existence of a funding contract is even relevant in litigation. The hearing ended with the committee continuing to discuss possible revisions and enforcement options, but no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• , if you're executing anything on the fourth, that's the higher priority so that we will accommodate
• > you're<01:49:43.199> executing<01:49:44.119> if<01:49:44.239> you priorities
• um you're executing if you priorities um you're executing if you exec<01:49:44.840> anything<
• anything on the fourth that's the exec anything on the fourth that's the higher<01:49:46.280> priority
• so that we will higher priority so that we will accommodate<01:49:49.400> you<01:49:49.599>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 733-FN, a bill concerning third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors funding lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, increases litigation abuse, and contributes to higher insurance and consumer costs. He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with guardrails and reporting requirements on specified pages of the bill. He also noted a couple of drafting fixes, including adding the word “knowingly” and incorporating a missing section later. Members raised questions about the bill’s foreign-entity language, especially the provision allowing a governor or the Department of Safety to designate a country as a threat to critical infrastructure. Representative Cole said he would have lawyers review that issue. Another member asked whether the bill would prohibit a party from obtaining outside funding for a lawsuit; Cole clarified that the bill is intended as a reporting measure, not a ban, and that disclosure would be required. He also said the bill is aimed at American citizens rather than foreign-backed financing, and that some states had considered caps on such arrangements, though this bill does not. Brandon Gratz of the Attorney General’s office testified that the enforcement language appears too limited, because it would allow only civil penalties and not broader Consumer Protection Act remedies such as injunctions or restitution. He suggested the Attorney General may not have meaningful authority under the bill as written and raised possible insurance-law issues. Commissioner D.J. Benton-Court of the Insurance Department said the disclosure could help insurers better assess risk and potentially soften the hard insurance market by improving transparency, competition, underwriting, innovation, and claims management. He also said the bill likely needs further work on jurisdiction and enforcement, and that the committee may need to coordinate with the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and possibly banking regulators. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• My priority is to be the best parent and husband ever; that trumps anything I do.
• is to be the best parent do my priority is to be the best parent and<01:00:12.880> husband<01
• and funding must be restored in the 2025 legislative session, which is why this legislation is a priority
• and funding must be restored in the 2025 legislative session, which is why this legislation is a priority
• is a priority for Second Harvest<01:37:34.440> Heartland<01:37:34.960> who's<01:37:35.159

Bills: HF22, HF45

Keywords: parent's bill of rights, parental rights, minor consent, minors, parents, guardians, education rights, school records, home schooling, charter school, private school, health care consent, medical privacy, patient records, exam room access, biometric data, DNA samples, blood samples, mental health, physical health

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:45.600> education covers several of the education covers several of the education priorities
• for<00:10:47.480> the<00:10:47.639> house<00:10:47.959> Republican priorities
• for the house Republican priorities for the house Republican caucus<00:10:48.959> for<00:10:49.760
• So that is why in Minnesota we have made this a priority, and so that is concerning to me because it
• Minnesota we have made this a priority Minnesota we have made this a priority and<01:26:23.760><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But in all seriousness, I do want to say before I get going that this is not the highest priority for
• But in all seriousness, I do want to say before I get going that this is not the highest priority for
• But in all seriousness, I do want to say before I get going that this is not the highest priority for
• But in all seriousness, I do want to say before I get going that this is not the highest priority for
• <01:19:01.679> it pressing social social priorities it pressing social social priorities it

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the priorities for the SAF Hub this year is to bring national leaders together around that question
• So it's an important question; it's top priority this year. is about decarbonization so that is the is
• for the saf Hub this year the priorities for the saf Hub this year um<00:36:31.440> is<00:36:
• <00:37:33.400> this<00:37:33.839> year question it's top priority this year question
• it's top priority this year representative<00:37:35.480> Hansen<00:37:36.280> thank<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee held an introductory meeting that began with housekeeping, a correction to the committee rules (the room number should be G3, not G35), and member and staff introductions. Members described their districts, agricultural ties, and priorities for the session, including consumer food costs, urban agriculture, farm economics, livestock disease preparedness, and support for Minnesota’s agricultural sectors. No votes were taken during the introductory portion. The committee then turned to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Deputy Commissioner Andrea Veble of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the Walz administration strongly supports SAF because of its potential for agriculture, forestry, and clean energy, and reviewed Minnesota’s 2023 SAF tax credit and related sales tax exemption. She said the state has feedstocks and should continue investing so Minnesota can attract SAF production and support rural jobs. Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines testified that aviation is difficult to decarbonize and that SAF is the airline industry’s main path to net zero by 2050; he cited current use of SAF, the need to scale production, and Minnesota’s role in supplying feedstocks and hosting future production. Peter Frost of Greater MSP described the Minnesota SAF Hub as a public-private partnership aimed at building the full SAF value chain in Minnesota. He emphasized that Greater MSP is coordinating investors and partners to grow the regional economy and said the SAF effort is intended to create jobs and economic development. Committee members did not ask questions during the portion captured, and no formal action or vote was recorded on the SAF presentations in this transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• For some of them, it was setting up things like priority registration or academic or social supports
• ><00:52:52.760> up<00:52:52.920> things<00:52:53.119> like<00:52:53.280> priority
• was setting up things like priority was setting up things like priority registration<00:52:54.400
• of the barriers that schools may be facing to try to enhance their food availability if that's a priority
• > for<01:24:38.560> them<01:24:39.320> um<01:24:39.440> and that's a priority

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• establish an application process for eligible entities to grant funds under this subdivision and priorities
• >> No, there's nothing in this current legislation, proposed legislation, that talks about a priority
• get a priority? get a priority?
• legislation that talks about a priority legislation that talks about a priority with<00:53:02.800
• <03:52:55.840> categories, eligibility for priority categories, eligibility for priority categories

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the key legislative priorities adopted by our school board, which is included in your packet,
• We made the decision to have professional armed security in each of our schools priorities.
• Texas has the resources; now we need the will to make public education a priority.
• And this isn't a money problem; this is a priority problem. dollars go for.
• And this isn't a money problem; this is a priority problem.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we talk about high-priority areas, there are areas that have significant natural resources that
• And when we talk high priority areas.
• And when we talk about<00:38:38.720> high<00:38:38.960> priority<00:38:39.359> areas
• ,<00:38:39.760> there<00:38:39.920> are about high priority areas, there are about
• high priority areas, there are areas<00:38:40.400> that<00:38:40.640> have<00:38:41.359

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• how nonprofits can be most effective And how nonprofits can be most effective in supporting your priorities
• And in the end, it wasn't the priority for a significant amount of funds this past session.
• And in the end, it<00:46:35.920> wasn't<00:46:36.240> the<00:46:36.560> priority
• for,<00:46:38.400> you<00:46:38.480> know,<00:46:38.640> a it wasn't the priority
• for, you know, a it wasn't the priority for, you know, a significant<00:46:39.359> amount<00:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services held an informational briefing on the impacts of federal funding cuts, inflation, labor shortages, and chronic underfunding on Hawaii’s nonprofit social safety net. Hawaii Community Foundation opened with a story about a federal worker family relying on food pantry support, then described a “perfect storm” facing human services nonprofits: historically high demand, rising costs, staffing challenges, federal cuts, and state and county contracts that do not cover true service costs. The foundation said it has reactivated its Hawaii Resilience Fund, launched strengthened service grants, and is tracking policy changes and data to help nonprofits respond. Trey Gordner of UHERO presented research on the vulnerability of Hawaii’s nonprofit sector, explaining a framework that assessed political, financial, and structural risk. He said about 8,200 501(c)(3) nonprofits are active in Hawaii, but only about 200 receive direct federal funds; 74 grants to 59 organizations were flagged as politically at risk, totaling about $126 million in unpaid obligations. He said about 68 of the direct-funding recipients rely on federal funds for more than 20% of annual revenue, and that human services nonprofits are among the most exposed subsectors because they serve vulnerable populations and depend heavily on federal support. Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Hawaii True Cost Coalition said community-based organizations were already under strain before the current crisis, with most contracts not covering full costs and many groups depending on private philanthropy to fill gaps. They reported that half of surveyed organizations expect to reduce programs, more than a third may decline future contracts, and some are waiting months for reimbursements. Examples included reduced shelter admissions, fewer case management hours, and cutbacks in kūpuna services. The coalition urged higher contract rates, regular inflation and cost-of-living reviews, and timely reimbursement; no votes or formal actions were taken. Partners in Development Foundation described the loss of Native Hawaiian education funding as especially damaging, saying the federal Department of Education has zeroed out support that creates a roughly $46 million gap, including about $20 million for early childhood programs. The speaker shared a family story from the Nā Pono program to illustrate how early learning services support both children and parents, and warned that the organization’s federal funds make up 72% of its budget. The briefing ended with a call for continued emergency funding and longer-term structural changes to sustain nonprofits statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, but there may be various priorities you have. Let's assume your thing is crime prevention.
• So, but there may be various priorities you have. Let's assume your thing is crime prevention.
• So, but there may be various priorities you have. Let's assume your thing is crime prevention.
• So, but there may be various priorities you have. Let's assume your thing is crime prevention.
• So, but there may be various priorities you have. Let's assume your thing is crime prevention.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first opened with brief remarks about a member’s recovery and then heard House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of Health and Human Services to provide a detailed annual report of all costs related to DCYF. The sponsor, Representative Erica Layon, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how much time and money are spent on DCYF work versus other departmental work, and help future discussions about staffing, resources, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely produce the report without additional cost, though she was open to adjusting the reporting date and possibly adding more detail about federal mandates. Former Representative Betty Gay and several members supported the bill as a way to better document costs and procedures, while DCYF Director Marie Nunan said the department was not taking a position on the bill, already has many policies and operating procedures, and believed it could comply without a fiscal note. Members raised questions about whether the reporting requirement duplicated existing oversight, whether it should apply to other agencies, and whether the report should include federal funding mandates. Some suggested that a broader review or subcommittee on DCYF might be more useful than a single reporting bill. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, so it will not go on the calendar. Members said they wanted more time to discuss the bill, watch the budget process, and consider whether the reporting requirement could be implemented informally or through a broader oversight effort. The committee then moved on to House Bill 775, which was introduced by Representative Jodi Nelson as a measure to support supervised visitation centers. Dr. Scott Hampton testified in favor, describing the loss of visitation centers since 2019, the role of supervised visitation in protecting children and vulnerable parents in domestic violence cases, and the potential benefits for child safety, crime prevention, and family preservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also has funding for substance abuse treatment and public safety and other priorities of the state
• It also has funding for substance abuse treatment and public safety and other priorities of the state
• of the state including as I priorities of the state including as I mentioned<00:18:51.679> having
• Number one being priority licensing.
• But THC and hemp in general is not a priority for law enforcement when speaking to the NED.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every time I speak to them, I tell them how each of us has our own responsibilities and priorities and
• We have to have partnerships in order to get things done. priorities and role within our priorities and
• And now to see a cut in that, that's one of our top priorities for programs in transportation.
• <01:32:16.880> for<01:32:17.440> programs<01:32:17.920> in top priorities for
• programs in top priorities for programs in transportation.<01:32:19.199> Who<01:32:19.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• new growth instead of regular Prop 2 1/2 debt exclusions and overrides to address our financial priorities
• opportunities I can use to reduce the borrowing and reduce that debt service number have been the first priority

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 late-file and miscellaneous bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and fee proposals. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would permanently continue a special property tax classification allowing the city to maintain a 50% residential minimum factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and local legislators said the measure is needed to prevent an estimated 18% residential tax increase when the current temporary authority expires, arguing that the city’s commercial growth and 1988 tax rules have created an unintended burden on homeowners, especially seniors. Committee members asked about the regional business impact, whether major taxpayers might leave, and why a permanent change was sought instead of another short extension; Watertown officials said the policy had not deterred commercial growth and that the city’s fiscal planning and stabilization funds were being used for schools, infrastructure, and bond rating support. The committee also heard H. 4435 from Charlemont, which would authorize a local tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials described Charlemont as a small rural community with a large visitor burden from skiing, rafting, and other recreation, saying police, fire, and EMS costs rise sharply during peak seasons and that the tax would help shift some of those costs to visitors rather than local residents. A committee member questioned the legal structure of taxing recreation services versus goods, but the town said the proposal was modeled on the meals and rooms tax and had local business support. Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, promoting fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles, especially electric school buses and Class 3-8 trucks. Supporters, including EV advocates, a school transportation company, and Rep. Gentile, said the bill would cap sales and excise taxes on EV vehicles at the level of comparable diesel vehicles to remove an unintended tax penalty, keep revenue neutral, and support the state’s climate goals while helping school districts and private bus operators manage higher upfront costs. Rep. Gentile also spoke in support of H. 4755, which would amend Sudbury’s means-tested senior property tax exemption so the town would not need new special legislation if the program is renewed again in the future. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded after public testimony and committee questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, thank you to the Speaker for making early literacy a priority this session.
• Speaker of the House, I thank you for your support for making literacy a top priority this session.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed several student and community guests, including ambassadors from Robinson Middle School in Lowell, visitors honoring the Gaudet family and Patricia Rappucci, Scottish visitors celebrating Scotland’s World Cup appearance, Top-Notch Scholars students from Lawrence, and the King Philip Regional High School baseball team after its first state championship. The chamber also adopted several routine resolutions and orders, including extending the reporting deadline for the Health Care Financing Committee and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a condominium-related petition. The House then rejected concurrence with the Senate on the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act and instead voted to appoint a committee of conference. The major policy action was on Senate Bill 3064, the Mass Ready Act, a large climate resilience and environmental bond bill. Members speaking in support emphasized flood protection, clean water, PFAS remediation, municipal vulnerability preparedness, coastal resilience, parks, trails, housing, and agricultural and food-system investments. The bill was described as authorizing roughly $3.8 billion in general obligation bonds, with discussion of specific funding for the Clean Water Trust, PFAS remediation, coastal infrastructure, biodiversity, healthy homes, and farmland preservation. A consolidated amendment was adopted, and after debate the House passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote. The House also took up the conference report on H. 5511, the early literacy and teacher preparation bill. Supporters said the measure would require evidence-based reading instruction, move away from three-cueing approaches, support educator training and apprenticeships, and improve student literacy outcomes statewide. The conference report was accepted on a roll call vote of 152-0. Later, the House considered amendments to the Mass Ready Act, including one proposal to increase PFAS remediation funding that was ultimately withdrawn, and adopted another consolidated amendment before passing the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-0. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned to an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary Jones has made it a priority to expand. We have something called the RATSY tax credit.
• Secretary Jones has made a priority to expand. We have something called the Ratsy tax credit.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the January minutes. Members then heard from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler, who gave an update on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s apprenticeship efforts and emphasized apprenticeship as an earn-while-you-learn model that can help address workforce shortages while including people with disabilities. He described growth in apprenticeships across sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, and noted recent milestones including the state’s 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to support program development. Committee members focused on how apprenticeship could be adapted for human services and disability-related jobs, including early education, direct care, PCA work, sterile processing, and related health occupations. They asked about funding structures, employer participation, community college involvement, and how to make programs accessible to people with disabilities. Cutler explained that apprenticeship programs are employer-designed but must meet core requirements such as paid employment, at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages. He said the state can support programs through the registered apprenticeship tax credit, which he said is $4,800 per apprentice and can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit, and through Grow grants, which were most recently awarded at about $2.1 million statewide. Members and Cutler discussed using intermediaries such as trade associations, nonprofits, and disability organizations to help employers set up programs and navigate incentives. He said the commission could be useful as a convener and suggested a targeted panel or information session with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and existing sponsors to identify a few specific occupations and build a proof of concept. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on potential partner employers, including Eastern Bank, and on possible next steps for a focused panel or pilot opportunities.