Transcript Highlights:

• Our core functions as an agency are primarily funded through hunting and fishing license sales.
• /c><00:03:30.799> as<00:03:30.959> an<00:03:31.200> agency economy our core functions
• as an agency economy our core functions as an agency are<00:03:31.840> primarily<00:03:32.239
• Page 23 highlights the critical support and operational functions provided by the division, including
• support and operational functions support and operational functions provided<02:54:48.080> by

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 2 Finance Committee heard an overview and budget presentation from New Hampshire Fish and Game, led by new Executive Director Stephanie Simi and Business Division Chief Kathy Leonti. The agency described its mission to conserve and manage fish, wildlife, and marine resources, and emphasized growing pressures from disease, climate impacts, habitat change, and increased public demand. Simi said the department is largely funded by hunting and fishing license revenue and federal grants, is reviewing staffing and internal processes, and faces critical needs including permanent funding for environmental review staff, infrastructure and IT modernization, and possible service reductions if additional support is not found. Members asked about specific program and policy issues, including chronic wasting disease in deer, hemorrhagic disease in rabbits and hares, moose population decline, and a proposed bait-disease bill. The department said it is actively monitoring diseases and did not see a need for the bait bill at this time. Legislators also discussed the Hike Safe program, which the department said has grown from an expected $100,000 annually to more than $300,000, and a possible boating version of that program, which the department said remains under consideration but would involve complex logistics and multiple agencies. Questions were also raised about rescue costs, out-of-state hikers, and whether boat registrations could be used as a revenue source; Fish and Game said boat registration is handled by the Department of Safety, though the department receives $5 per registered boat for the public boat access program. The budget discussion focused on revenue projections, use of unrestricted Fish and Game funds, and dependence on federal reimbursements. Leonti said the department met the governor’s general fund target but not the Fish and Game fund target without using surplus unrestricted funds, leaving only about $100,000 in the fund by the end of the biennium. She said the budget uses more than $18 million in Fish and Game funds annually against about $14 million in unrestricted revenue, and that five of 193 full-time positions remain unfunded. The department warned that if federal grants were halted, it could cost about $5 million over five months and force the Fish and Game fund to cover the gap. Committee members also requested that future presentations be sent electronically in advance, and the department agreed to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• of service, which are the areas that they say, 'Am I able to serve drinks in this room or in this function
• if the liquor store function was privatized?
• and if we're not government to function and if we're not doing<03:39:59.399> that<03:40:00.399
• Commission functioned and how the<03:48:14.239> money<03:48:14.520> was<03:48:14.880><
• <04:04:00.760> Independence<04:04:01.760> Revenue functional Independence Revenue functional

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with House Bill 242, a liquor bill concerning brew pub licenses. Testimony from the New Hampshire Beer Distributors Association, the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, and the Liquor Commission explained that the bill is intended to correct a clerical error from the prior session and restore the agreed-upon language. The bill would allow a brew pub, within the existing 2,500-barrel limit, to self-distribute its own product to one authorized on- or off-premise license; otherwise it must use wholesale distribution. Witnesses said the measure is a narrow fix specific to brew pubs and does not affect other manufacturing licenses. No opposition was raised during the hearing, and the chair closed the hearing after no committee questions remained. The committee then heard House Bill 81, which would allow patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restaurant restrooms. The sponsor argued the current prohibition is outdated and can create safety risks by forcing people to set drinks down, citing concerns about drink tampering and a personal story about a friend who was drugged and assaulted after leaving a drink unattended. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would increase liability for restaurants, how enforcement would work, and whether the current law is aimed at preventing underage handoffs or drink spiking. The sponsor said the bill would be permissive for establishments, not mandatory, and that liability would still depend on overservice and Liquor Commission investigations. The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association testified in opposition, saying the bill could raise liability and create concerns about underage consumption in bathrooms. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting the bill would move on to further committee/subcommittee consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the other functions that the business council does is it assists with succession planning.
• One of the other functions that the business council does is it assists with succession planning.
• One of the other functions that the business council does is it assists with succession planning.
• One of the other functions that the business council does is it assists with succession planning.
• One of the other functions that the business council does is it assists with succession planning.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But on the other hand, those CCRC's who are functioning well and who are in good financial condition
• I would imagine it's not a linear function, but at least a function of a square, you know, that would
• for local employees. the same function for local employees.
• And so it's always been designed that way and it always should function that way.
• that way and it always should function that way and it always should function that<04:31:11.120>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.

Transcript Highlights:

• We tried to put together in our packet information concerning our function and what we do and how we're
• That position's main functions are vetting all those housing plans and sending them out to Field Services
• That position's main functions are vetting all those housing plans and sending them out to Field Services
• small office where if someone is ill or out and these folks are trying to do more than just one function
• 01:15:41.320> one are trying to do more than just one are trying to do more than just one function

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise. A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area. The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• How can clubs function if certain arguments are off limits?
• How can clubs function if certain arguments are off limits?
• How can clubs function if certain arguments are off limits?
• How can clubs function if consequences.
• First, they can be both a functions.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:30:56.080> We<03:30:56.319> functionally my feelings. It's math.
• We functionally my feelings. It's math.
• You heard me a moment ago say we're functionally at zero population growth.
• functionally at zero population growth. functionally at zero population growth.
• Income tax, we functionally get $80,000. The person without the high school degree, almost nothing.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 19, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• committing a violation that denies access to an authorized user of or interrupts or impairs the functioning
• <02:17:07.719> of<02:17:07.880> critical<02:17:08.360> infrastructure functioning
• of critical infrastructure functioning of critical infrastructure or<02:17:09.840> a<02:17:09.920
• <02:17:36.559> of<02:17:36.679> a<02:17:36.760> critical<02:17:37.200> functioning
• <02:17:38.120> or functioning of a critical functioning or functioning of a critical functioning

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on March 10, 2026, established a quorum, and began with an invocation by Reverend Damien Flowers, which was journalized without objection. The chamber then recognized several guests and honorees, including Dr. Courtney Glickman for being named 2025 Play Therapist of the Year, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Dr. Sonja B. Santelises for her leadership of Baltimore City Public Schools, students shadowing legislators, Navy Alliance representatives, the Maryland Alliance for Advocacy for Sickle Cell, and Ms. Kimberly Body for her lupus advocacy. The Senate also journalized prior remarks about the 6888 regiment. The Finance Committee report then moved several bills forward. Senate Bill 348 would allow hospitals and freestanding birthing centers to contact, rather than only call, patients after high-risk pregnancies; its amendments were adopted and the bill was ordered to third reading. Senate Bill 390 on Wicomico County liquor licenses was laid over under the rule. Senate Bill 492, addressing massage therapy advertising and prohibiting misleading sexual-service advertising, was amended and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 562, concerning pharmacist-prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, was amended and advanced. Senate Bill 773 would let pharmacists order certain vaccines, including intranasal flu vaccines, for self-administration and was advanced without amendment. Senate Bill 53, on Maryland Port Administration land acquisition notice in Anne Arundel County, was amended and advanced. Senate Bill 428 would bar cost-sharing for collaborative care model services under Medicaid and private coverage and was advanced without amendment. Senate Bill 473 would require human trafficking awareness training for for-hire and transportation network drivers; its amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading. Senate Bill 585 would shift administration of the human relevant research fund from Health to Agriculture and was advanced. Senate Bill 606, the Easy Pass Commuter Fairness and Transparency Act, would require an MDTA report on commuter plans and unused trips; its amendment was moved as the transcript ended. During debate on Senate Bill 917, which would expand the definition of audiology practice to include certain screenings and non-radiographic imaging, a senator questioned whether the bill would make Maryland the only state restricting a health occupation from performing Medicare-required screenings. The floor leader said the committee had heard that claim in testimony but had not verified it, and the senator moved to special order the bill for amendment, which was granted without objection. Most other bills were reported favorably, with committee amendments adopted without objection and several bills ordered printed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've seen them improve in terms of functioning, their mental health, their happiness.
• in society, and some of these folks are just not going to function in society.
• in society, and some of these folks are just not going to function in society.
• in society, and some of these folks are just not going to function in society.
• in society, and some of these folks are just not going to function in society.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Companies could be required to obtain repeated purpose-specific consent for routine functionality. as
• As drafted, platforms would be prohibited from using data for core functions like displaying content,
• <01:17:50.200> like<01:17:50.320> displaying<01:17:50.760> content, functions like
• displaying content, functions like displaying content, building<01:17:51.800> user<01:17:52.040
• <01:19:48.480> unusable, interoperability functionality unusable, interoperability functionality

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• mean that we shouldn't take the steps to protect our democracy, to make this legislative branch function
• mean that we shouldn't take the steps to protect our democracy, to make this legislative branch function
• mean that we shouldn't take the steps to protect our democracy, to make this legislative branch function
• mean that we shouldn't take the steps to protect our democracy, to make this legislative branch function
• to make this legislative branch function to make this legislative branch function safely<01:37:55.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It functions similarly to a tip that helps investigators know where to look next.
• It functions similarly to a tip that helps investigators know where to look next.
• is likely a function of how the<01:26:32.159> terms<01:26:32.560> are<01:26:32.800>
• And then several days later there was a mass casualty event. it somewhat functions potentially as it
• somewhat functions potentially as strict<01:39:29.760> liability<01:39:30.560> because

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Given the evolving nature of these devices in their power, function, and form, as well as the variety
• Subsection G outlines the visual signal requirements if this sufficiently addresses the placement and function
• Subsection G outlines the visual signal requirements if this sufficiently addresses the placement and function
• Subsection G outlines the visual signal requirements if this sufficiently addresses the placement and function
• Subsection G outlines the visual signal requirements if this sufficiently addresses the placement and function

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders. The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation. After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• She said they did a lot of work looking at how the committee was operating and how it could function
• She said they did a lot of work looking at how the committee was operating and how it could function
• that<02:19:34.880> it<02:19:35.120> could<02:19:35.760> uh<02:19:36.000> function
• c><02:19:36.559> better<02:19:37.840> and<02:19:38.880> uh that it could uh function
• I will say that the council was much more functioning prior to allowing them to meet by Zoom, strangely

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's how a functioning market works. those investors. Now, I'm trying to those investors.
• That's how a functioning market fine.
• The entire ecosystem would cease to function as it does now.
• <03:07:42.399> It's cease to function as it does now.
• It's cease to function as it does now.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• me that if general ledger balances were not brought forward, then even the most basic accounting functions
• simply were not being functions simply were not being performed<00:57:59.200> like<00:57:59.599
• I don't think the treasurer is really serving a treasurer function fully in Claremont. >> I don't want
• you that we've heard from multiple people testifying that the district will have the ability to function
• through April and really their function through April and really their deadline<01:53:50.800> to<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, both these contracts in total, it's $43 million for, you know, administrative function, and they
• Well, both these contracts in total, it's $43 million for, you know, administrative function, and they
• Well, both these contracts in total, it's $43 million for, you know, administrative function, and they
• Well, both these contracts in total, it's $43 million for, you know, administrative function, and they
• <01:25:54.480> in this contract um has many functions in this contract um has many functions

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first approved the minutes from its May 13 meeting. Members then reviewed a deferred contract with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy for the Kentucky Pharmacist Recovery Network (KYPRN), a program that provides monitoring and support for pharmacists and pharmacy interns with substance abuse or mental health issues. Board representatives explained that the contract is a long-running arrangement, renewed periodically, with an option for two additional two-year renewals. Senators asked about the program’s structure, participation trends, follow-up, and consequences for noncompliance. The board said enrollment has remained fairly consistent at about 52 participants, with roughly 500 participants over the life of the program, weekly and monthly check-ins during the five-year typical enrollment period, and possible additional sanctions if participants fail to meet obligations. The committee then approved the contract. The committee next considered a group of economic development contracts, including items from the Cabinet for Economic Development. Secretary Jeff Null and general counsel Matt Wingate testified about contracts tied to regional innovation and entrepreneurship hubs. Members focused on the large differences in funding between regions and pressed for more support for rural and eastern Kentucky. Null said the cabinet is working on a more tailored, non-one-size-fits-all approach, including possible changes to capital support, build-to-suit options, and additional resources for rural areas. He said the hubs have helped 193 startups over the last two years and helped attract nearly $350 million in private capital, and he agreed to provide a written report by hub district on startup viability. The committee approved the economic development contracts. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation then presented its contracts with vendor IGT for retail and internet sales systems. Lottery officials said the contracts are mission-critical, cover both the traditional retail system and iLottery, and are structured as a percentage of sales so no payment is made until revenue is earned. They described planned equipment upgrades, including refreshed terminals, new ticket checkers, cashless vending and bill acceptors, and connected-play features that would link retail and online wallets. Officials said keeping the same vendor reduces the risk of business disruption and that the arrangement has already produced cost savings. They also said the lottery continues to see year-over-year growth and expects to meet its annual contribution target of $360 million for scholarships and grants. The committee approved the lottery contract after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Local workforce boards really function as this interesting feedback loop for a national system that connects
• <01:40:50.440> like<01:40:50.719> many<01:40:51.239> do meeting a state function
• like many do meeting a state function like many do then<01:40:52.840> they<01:40:52.960> should
• Eospace is a resource hub that supports nonprofit organizations by offering affordable, high-functioning
• <01:47:23.360> workspaces affordable High functioning workspaces affordable High functioning

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is functionally not operational right now because the Trump administration illegally fired one of
• is is not operational is functionally is is not operational right<01:12:26.159> now<01:12:26.560
• of this year, the programs from the Office of Inspector General at DHS, so all of the licensing functions
• for<01:41:32.239> child<01:41:32.639> care<01:41:33.480> and licensing functions
• for child care and licensing functions for child care and child<01:41:34.000> foster<01:41:34.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a lot of our patients from having coverage, resulting in more uncompensated care. not find more functional
• source of not find more functional source of supporting<01:06:19.400> those<01:06:19.800>
• We need your help so we can continue to help others and keep HCMC functional.
• ><01:07:31.760> and<01:07:31.960> keep<01:07:32.240> HCMC<01:07:33.000> functional
• help others and keep HCMC functional. help others and keep HCMC functional.

Bills: HF4561, HF4343

Keywords: homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax