Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:27.040> is just how urgent and real this need is just how urgent and real this need
• They district that saw a need and acted.
• <00:30:01.440> dedicated effectively, we do need dedicated effectively, we do need dedicated
• So, it's the kind of bill that needs So, it's the kind of bill that needs more<00:42:49.760>
• Um, this needs to be a priority.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 3764, as amended by the DE1 amendment, which would allow school districts and charter schools to create local anonymous threat reporting systems. Representative Nadeau described the bill as an optional framework that would support 24/7 anonymous tips through an app, hotline, or website, use trained crisis counselors and school-based teams, coordinate with 911 and law enforcement when needed, require public awareness efforts and student training, and direct districts to report usage data to the Department of Education. The chair adopted the DE1 amendment, and the bill was moved before the committee with the intent to place it on the general register. Testimony was largely supportive. Chris Linquist of St. Francis Area Schools said his district has used the Sandy Hook Promise reporting system since 2023-24 and credited it with helping identify bullying, mental health crises, and other safety concerns outside school hours. Alexandra Fitz Simmons of Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota said anonymous reporting systems are an important prevention tool because students are often the first to see warning signs before violence occurs. Representative Lawrence also praised the bill for being encouraged rather than mandated and emphasized local control. Rick Kaufman, speaking for several school organizations, supported the concept but said the bill still lacked clear standards for how tips are evaluated and shared with school officials, and he urged stronger coordination and funding for staffing and training. Joe Oonie of the Department of Education said the department supports anonymous reporting systems but raised concerns about the costs of building data collection and reporting infrastructure, FERPA safeguards, and the need for resources to implement the bill effectively. Chair Bennett pushed back on the funding objection, arguing the department should be able to handle the reporting within existing resources, and Representative Roach later asked whether the department had higher-priority uses for its carryover funds. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided, beyond adoption of the DE1 amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• reflects a fundamentally different need. reflects a fundamentally different need.
• before we need to move on. before we need to move on.
• The needs of the Southwest suburbs are different than the needs of the Minneapolis metro.
• The needs of the Southwest suburbs are different than the needs of the Minneapolis metro.
• transit needs are. transit needs are.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think we need a a we need something more comprehensive and we need to be very targeted as far as
• So, I think we need a a we need something more comprehensive and we need to be very targeted as far as
• So, I think we need a a we need something more comprehensive and we need to be very targeted as far as
• > make<04:29:40.479> sure and and we need to we need to make sure and and we need to we
• <04:37:47.359> to care of and we need and we need to care of and we need and we need to address

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach. The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information. Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to stop it. We need to have rule of law.
• <00:25:52.560> We<00:25:52.680> need it. We need to have rule of law. We need it.
• They don't need to come to us, they don't need to go to the governor, they don't need to go to a commissioner
• They don't need to come to us, they don't need to go to the governor, they don't need to go to a commissioner
• They don't need to come to us, they don't need to go to the governor, they don't need to go to a commissioner

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee Chair Kristen Robbins opened the meeting by explaining that the committee’s majority report had been released after the minority declined to file a minority report, though the minority later issued a statement. She said the report reflects two years of work aimed at exposing fraud, strengthening internal controls, and creating a whistleblower portal, mnfraud.com, which will remain open during the interim to receive and review tips. Robbins and several Republican members described the report as documenting how fraud in Minnesota began with earlier CCAP-related schemes and then expanded into Feeding Our Future and other programs, including housing stabilization, autism services, sober homes, adult day care, assisted living, non-emergency medical transportation, and interpretive services. They argued that fraud was enabled by weak oversight, a culture of inaction, and retaliation against whistleblowers, and said the report includes findings and recommendations for future reforms. Members also highlighted bipartisan bills already passed to strengthen whistleblower protections, internal controls, and fraud reporting. Representative Pam Altendorf and others praised the report and said it exposed widespread misuse of public funds, citing housing stabilization and autism services as examples of programs with rapidly growing costs and weak oversight. Representative Isaac Schultz said the committee had uncovered “industrial-scale” fraud and that the state had failed to hold agencies accountable. He and Robbins said the new Office of Inspector General, created by legislation passed this session and set to begin in January, will have broad authority to investigate public dollars and, later, police powers; they also noted a salary-setting provision for the office would be added to a state government bill. The members said the next governor will need to change the culture of state agencies and enforce accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• cash reserves until I have a need for it.
• Until I have a need for it.
• We need to make sure we have the capacity to pick up anybody that needs that ride.
• that you need to learn.
• that you need to learn.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Government Finance Transportation Study Subcommittee met to review fixed-route transit systems and related funding needs. After approving the prior meeting minutes, the committee heard presentations from Cities Area Transit in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, Bisman Transit in Bismarck-Mandan, and MATBUS/Fargo, along with comments from North Dakota Protection & Advocacy. The transit agencies described their routes, paratransit services, ridership trends, fare structures, fleet replacement needs, and rising operating costs, emphasizing that transit supports access to work, school, medical care, and other essential services. Testimony also noted that ridership fell during the pandemic and has been recovering, while vehicle and maintenance costs have risen sharply. Grand Forks transit reported 17 routes, a recent fare increase, and operating costs that exceed fare revenue, with paratransit service extending beyond the federal minimum service area. Bisman Transit outlined its fixed-route and paratransit operations, recent service expansions, local mill levies, sales tax support, and federal grant structure, and said it is seeking more stable funding and flexibility beyond paratransit-only support. Minot’s transit superintendent explained the state’s existing transit aid formula, the use of refurbished buses, and the challenges of driver recruitment and electric bus infrastructure. Fargo asked for additional state support for fixed-route urban transit. Committee members discussed whether ride-share services could replace transit, the cost per trip, local match requirements, and whether a separate state funding source should be recommended for the four urban fixed-route systems. The subcommittee ultimately approved a motion to have Legislative Council prepare a summary of its activities for inclusion in the full Government Finance Committee report, and members indicated they would seek more detailed funding figures from the transit agencies before making any specific recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The sponsor laid out the need for this type of legislation very well.
• So again, the needs are great. ...and higher education institutions. So again, the needs are great.
• Sometimes you need them. Sometimes you don't.
• I just need a little bit more clarification.
• EBID is, I guess, where I need to find out.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not getting the behavioral health that they need.
• Advocate that's going to be needed.
• So all we need to do is point to the statute.
• Um, we need that support today, and we need it to last long after this administration.
• But you're right; we need to assert ourselves.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need our doctors.
• communities that need these professionals the most.
• That is exactly why we need to pass this bill today.
• or you need to make arrangements, families need that access to that leave.
• And that's part of what we need to work through through regulations.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to meet those needs given the current fiscal landscape.
• mental health needs.
• The shifts would continue to exacerbate our ability to focus on the most critical needs.
• <00:01:46.200> of<00:01:46.320> our being done to meet the needs of our being done
• opportunities and where we need to invest.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WITH THAT SAID WE WILL BEGIN OUR DISCUSSIONS ARE ON OUR COMMITTEE'S FUNDING NEEDS AND I WOULD LIKE TO
• THE LEGISLATURE HAS RECOGNIZED THE NEED TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO PROTECT OFFICERS IN THE FACILITIES, IT IS
• WE ARE MAPPING OUR RESOURCES WITH WORKFORCE NEEDS.
• I'M GOING THROUGH MY ASSIGNMENT TO GET THE HELP THAT I NEED RIGHT NOW.
• IF YOU BUY INTO REENTRY FOR ADULTS WE NEED REENTRY FOR THE KIDS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:13.480> toess nearest exit we're going to need toess nearest exit we're going to need
• One study says we need nine times the number of attorneys and advocates to really meet all the needs,
• But I do want to make sure that Judiciary gets what they need, and we need to make sure the Department
• independent analysis of the unmet need independent analysis of the unmet need um<00:28:12.640>
• of their assessments of the unmet need of their assessments of the unmet need um<00:28:38.399>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance. Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to study it further.
• But an individual may need a second treatment, or an individual may need a third treatment.
• Sticking, and we can fulfill our needs in the places where we need them.
• needs for supplementation.
• It needs to be alive; we need cells that are alive to continue to culture them in the lab.

Bills: HB 44, HB 2200, HB 1612, HB 2747, HB 2038, HB 3717, HB 1431, HB 3800, HB 3801, HB 3560, HB 3246

Keywords: HB 44, Life of the Mother Act, abortion exceptions, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, fetal survival, Texas abortion law, abortion ban, physician liability, health care provider, disciplinary action, aiding and abetting, emergency abortion, obstetric care

Summary: The meeting of the public health committee focused on the pressing issue of opioid addiction in Texas, with a particular emphasis on House Bill 3717. Chairman Harris detailed the bill's intent to fund a grant program for Ibogaine clinical trials, framing it as a critical response to the ongoing opioid crisis. He shared poignant testimonies highlighting the struggles of families and veterans battling addiction and mental health issues. The conversation underscored the necessity of innovative treatments, like Ibogaine, which showed promising results in studies for reducing symptoms of withdrawal and PTSD.

Transcript Highlights:

• We may need to pull up some extra chairs if need be. We've had to do that before.
• Teachers need support, principals need support, district leaders need support.
• strategic, and tied to student need. strategic, and tied to student need.
• Just as we need districts, we need the support of our legislative partners.
• , we need the Just as we need districts, we need the support<01:52:41.280> of<01:52:41.440>

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 0:00:00 Workforce Pell Grant Update – 0:03:30 Extension Office Update – 0:33:25 Kentucky Academic Standards for Social Studies – 1:07:08 Early Literacy Outcomes – 1:32:20 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 1:58:30 Adjournment 2:13:13, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• opt-in needs to be renewed every year. opt-in needs to be renewed every year.
• Those questions need to be answered. Those things need to be figured out.
• different needs. And to give them different needs.
• lot in your testimony, we need a hammer. lot in your testimony, we need a hammer.
• 02:00:14.720> alert So, we need to we need to be more alert So, we need to we need to be more

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• growing trend that we need to address. growing trend that we need to address.
• But we need to back off the Medicaid. But we need to back off the Medicaid.
• If there is a need, fulfill that need.
• where we need to go. where we need to go.
• They need a call that need this hand up. They need a hand<01:20:56.560> up.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, I think we need.
• We just need to do our part to help them as well.
• We just need to do our part to help them as well.
• It just brings that socialization that we all need.
• And that's an area that needs to be highlighted.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need methodical growth.
• It’s needed.
• Pionnigan, but the campuses still need to exist. There needs to be a business. Dr.
• Flanagan, but the campuses still need to exist. There needs to be a business model.
• And I'm here to say we don't need that. What we need is to promote online.

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they would not need to get it through this program? They would need to...
• Maybe that's something we need to ask as the committee.
• How can we ensure that communities are getting what they need? What they need.
• Felt needed to be at the table.
• We need to look at tribal communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• When time and stability are most needed.
• They need support.
• Because the need is still there, even if services are not provided... ...in need.
• I need my glass. I need my glass. I need my glass. Thank you. Thank you.
• California needs to move toward an outcome-based system that values the individual and their needs.

Summary: The committee heard a series of child care, social services, immigrant support, disability services, and language access bills, with many measures drawing strong support and no opposition. Early in the hearing, AB 450 proposed a Department of Aging task force to study and recommend policies for undocumented adults age 55 and older; AB 593 would let CDSS identify data-sharing opportunities to improve CalFresh administration and participation; and AB 904 would clarify child care subsidy eligibility so families do not lose care during pregnancy leave, family leave, caregiving, or job search periods. All three were presented as ways to reduce barriers and improve access to essential services, and AB 904 was moved out on a 1-0 call after support testimony from child care advocates and a member of the public. AB 617, which would expand and standardize respite care access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by requiring licensing and registry participation, drew both support and significant opposition from respite providers and disability service organizations concerned about added regulation, cost, and possible delays; the author said she would continue working with opponents, and the bill was moved out on a 2-0 call. The committee also heard AB 1220, which would require regional centers to document denials, notices of action, and appeals in individual program plans and include that data in annual reports to improve transparency and equity in developmental services. The bill drew extensive public support from parents, advocates, and disability organizations, with no opposition, and passed 5-0. AB 752 would make child care centers by right in certain residential zones when co-located with multifamily housing or institutional uses, and supporters argued it would reduce zoning barriers and help expand child care capacity; it also passed 5-0. AB 1242 would create a CalHHS language access director, require human review of machine translation, and improve language coverage determinations for state and local agencies; supporters emphasized health equity and the need for better access for limited-English communities, and the bill was moved out on a 4-0 call. Later, AB 548 would continue and expand the Asylee and Vulnerable Non-Citizen Program, which provides case management and integration services for asylees and certain visa holders; supporters said the program had been effective but had run out of funding, and the bill passed 4-0. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, would strengthen family safety planning for immigrant families, standardize acceptance of caregiver authorization affidavits, and create a joint guardianship process for temporary separations; testimony focused on fear of family separation and the need for clear school and medical procedures, and the bill passed 4-0. AB 1357 would exclude guaranteed income payments from being counted as income for state public assistance eligibility, with supporters arguing it would prevent recipients from falling off the “benefits cliff”; it passed 4-1. Finally, AB 1201, the Reunity Act, was introduced to require individualized court assessments before denying reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions after a five-year period, with the author and a witness describing the bill as a trauma-informed approach to family reunification.

Transcript Highlights:

• The health care system and insurance coverage are needed.
• needs that were identified.
• A strong caregiver or family network is needed.
• We need to remember brain injury is not a short-term diagnosis.
• There's so much more training that's needed.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held a public hearing focused on health equity for people with disabilities. The chair opened by explaining that the session was not about specific legislation, but about sharing data, lived experience, and strategies to inform more inclusive health systems. Presenters included representatives from the Health Equity Compact, the Department of Public Health, MassHealth, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, UMass Chan Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation, and the Arc of Massachusetts/Operation House Call. Speakers described how structural racism and ableism contribute to poor health outcomes, unemployment, poverty, and barriers to care for disabled people, especially disabled people of color. Testimony highlighted access problems such as inaccessible medical equipment, transportation, inadequate provider training, lack of culturally competent care, and insurance barriers. Several speakers emphasized the importance of collecting and disaggregating disability data, training providers in disability-competent care, and screening for accommodation needs. MassHealth described its Quality and Equity Incentive Program under the 1115 waiver, including disability-related metrics on data completeness, staff training, and accommodation screening, and reported early increases in hospitals collecting self-reported disability data. Brain injury advocates focused on inequities in rehabilitation access, including the impact of CMS’s “three-hour rule,” which they argued denies needed inpatient rehab to people with severe traumatic brain injury. They called for policy changes, a TBI task force, and possibly bipartisan legislation if CMS cannot revise the rule. Other testimony described DPH efforts such as one-to-one navigation, health promotion workshops, mini-grants for accessible recreation, and the Massachusetts Health and Disability Partnership. The hearing also highlighted medical education efforts like Operation House Call, which uses home visits and disability-led teaching to reduce bias and improve provider competence. No votes were taken and no formal actions were announced.