Transcript Highlights:

• They are not binding. They can withdraw those MOUs any time they want.
• They are not binding. They can withdraw those MOUs any time they want.
• So MOUs are not binding, they are insufficient, and that's just a strategy for them to block any legislation
• So my question, like, I'm trying to see to determine, is this, you reporting it, was it just, you know
• Again, you can interact with them face-to-face, check the ID, determine their own impairment, and now

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 452, a right-to-repair bill for agricultural equipment. Farm Bureau and several manufacturers’ representatives opposed the bill, arguing that existing memorandums of understanding already provide farmers access to parts, diagnostics, and repair information, and warning that broader software access could increase emissions tampering and safety risks. Supporters, including repair advocates, a legislator, and a farmer representative, argued that the MOUs are not binding, that farmers need enforceable repair rights to avoid costly delays during critical harvest periods, and that owners should be able to repair equipment they bought without dealer lock-in. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on bills to limit or eliminate “grab-and-go” alcohol sales at large venues, including House Bill 325 and Senate Bill 225. Union workers from Fenway Park and the TD Garden described self-checkout alcohol kiosks as creating public safety and compliance problems, including underage access, over-serving, theft, and difficulty monitoring intoxication in crowded settings. They said workers are often understaffed and bear discipline when violations occur. In contrast, the Boston Red Sox and Aramark defended the supervised self-checkout model, saying it speeds service, is widely used, and operates with multiple layers of supervision, training, and regulatory oversight; they said they had not received violation notices and that any incidents are isolated. Senator Edwards also testified in support of House Bill 369, aimed at restricting marketing of certain harsh cosmetic products to children, and in support of the grab-and-go bill. She argued that children should not be targeted with products containing toxic chemicals and that alcohol service should remain supervised by trained staff to protect consumers and jobs. Senator Collins and other legislators also spoke in favor of restricting grab-and-go alcohol service, citing concerns about underage drinking and overconsumption. The hearing additionally included a separate bill on Sunday morning alcohol service, with Representatives Scanlon and Lewis arguing for allowing sales beginning at 8 a.m. on Sundays rather than 10 a.m., but that bill was only discussed briefly and no action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I mentioned, it binds to the same receptors in our bodies as heroin.
• They did a human safety study examining this, and their determination was that kratom, natural kratom
• They did a human safety study examining this, and their determination was that kratom, natural kratom
• They did a human safety study with examining this, and their determination was that the kratom, natural
• Kratom binds to the opioid receptors in the body.

Bills: HB2205, HB2265, HB2413, HB2415, HB2418, HB2495, HB2589, HB2661, HB2720, HB2771, HB2833, HB2870

Keywords: criminal damage, trespassing, critical facilities, felony, Arizona Revised Statutes, court fees, public defender, criminal justice, legal aid, indigent defense, appeals, administrative assessments, sex offender, electronic monitoring, registration, public safety, youth protection, Kratom, narcotic drugs, regulation

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2415, which would tighten Arizona’s regulation of kratom by treating synthetic or highly concentrated 7-OH products as narcotic drugs, raising the legal sale age to 21, and imposing criminal penalties for prohibited sales or preparation. Supporters, including the sponsor, a recovering user, the American Kratom Association, and the Attorney General’s Office, argued the bill targets dangerous synthetic products while preserving natural kratom leaf products. Opponents, including the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, warned the amendment could sweep in users and create harsh felony penalties for possession. The committee adopted the Wynn amendment and then gave HB 2415 as amended a 6-3 do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered HB 2870, which would bar multiple Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offenders from living together in the same residence unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The sponsor and neighborhood witnesses described a local home with six or seven offenders and said the arrangement frightened nearby families and children. Opponents argued the bill would destabilize housing for people on probation, increase homelessness, and interfere with supervision and rehabilitation; some also noted existing probation oversight and low sexual recidivism rates. After debate over whether the bill should instead target only certain housing settings, the committee voted 5-4 to give HB 2870 a do-pass recommendation. Next, HB 2413 was heard, requiring GPS or electronic monitoring for registered sex offenders who do not have a fixed address until one is established. Supporters said the bill would close a gap for homeless or transient registrants who otherwise report only every 90 days, while opponents raised due process, cost, and implementation concerns, noting that some offenders are already monitored through probation and that DPS does not itself supervise offenders. The committee passed HB 2413 on a 5-4 vote. The committee also heard HB 2720, which increases the penalty for purchasing prostitution to a class 6 felony and directs a $200 assessment to the anti-human trafficking fund. Supporters said it targets buyers and helps deter trafficking demand; opponents argued the bill could still ensnare trafficking victims and sex workers. The committee adopted a Bliss amendment clarifying the affirmative defense and use of funds, then approved HB 2720 as amended by an 8-0 vote with one member present. Finally, HB 2418, appropriating $600,000 from the General Fund to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission for five major incident division task forces, was supported by county sheriffs’ representatives and passed unanimously by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cabinet was responsible for determining the terms and conditions of the KDFA loans, monitoring the
• The cabinet was responsible for determining the terms and conditions of the training grants and monitoring
• 03:52.799> was<00:03:53.040> responsible<00:03:53.360> for<00:03:53.599> determining
• KCTCS was responsible for determining KCTCS was responsible for determining the<00:03:54.159>
• repay to the state $250 million, and we have had it and we've always had it in a written, legally binding

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:04 Economic Development Projects Funding 00:01:25 Blue Oval SK 00:05:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum to hear a recap of the 2021 special session legislation, Senate Bill 5, and then receive testimony from the Secretary of Economic Development on the Blue Oval SK project and related economic development issues. Staff explained that Senate Bill 5 appropriated five amounts from the budget reserve trust fund for a project tied to a minimum $2 billion investment: $350 million for forgivable loans through the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, $10,639,600 to pay off a Hardin County loan tied to 47 tracts of property, $20 million for Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training grants, $5 million for KCTCS training grants, and $25 million for a KCTCS on-site training center. Staff also noted there were no job-related requirements in the bill itself. The secretary said the Blue Oval SK incentive was structured as a $250 million forgivable loan rather than the state’s usual pay-as-you-go incentives, with clawback provisions tied to jobs, wages, investment, and changes in ownership or operations. He said the project had already exceeded the $2 billion investment threshold, that corporate guarantees were required from SK On and Ford, and that the agreement’s compliance period begins in December 2026 with payments starting in March 2027 and running through 2038. He said the state’s goal after the joint venture dissolution was to protect taxpayers, support affected workers, and preserve future job creation, while also ensuring the money would be repaid if performance targets are not met. Members asked about the workforce impact, the training programs, and whether the jobs targets would be revised. The secretary said the project had about 1,850 workers at the site, with both production and salaried employees affected, and described state-led job fairs, a job portal, and other rapid-response efforts to help displaced workers find new jobs or training. He said Ford had agreed to continue discussions, invest an additional $2 billion in the site for energy storage solutions, and pursue roughly 2,100 new jobs, while the state sought to keep the company accountable for the full repayment obligation if jobs are not created. One senator raised broader concerns about mega-projects displacing small businesses and creating infrastructure burdens in surrounding communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I don't want to opine on what legally could happen, because one, I don't have the authority to bind
• because one I don't have the authority<00:06:11.680> to<00:06:12.319> uh<00:06:12.479> bind
• my<00:06:13.280> department<00:06:14.000> on<00:06:14.240> a Authority to bind

Bills: SF1832

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I contacted Senator Kelly Duner, who intervened, determining that the FID had been returned to the local
• And at that point, it's up to me to make a determination on whether or not I'd like to proceed with the
• How can you demand obedience from the public while ignoring binding Supreme Court decisions yourselves
• They are binding precedent.
• It denies the binding Supreme Court precedent in both District of Columbia v. Heller and N.Y.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused heavily on firearms legislation, especially bills to repeal Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 (including H. 2618/S. 1671 and related repeal measures) and bills on firearm industry accountability (H. 2672/S. 1653). Supporters of repeal, including Senator Peter Durant, Rep. Ken Sweezey, gun owners, instructors, sportsmen, and women’s gun-rights advocates, argued that Chapter 135 overreaches, creates confusion in licensing and training requirements, burdens lawful gun owners, restricts pepper spray and semi-automatic firearms, and is being enforced in ways they said criminalize responsible conduct. Committee members defending the law said it was the product of years of work, public listening sessions, and multiple drafts, and argued that Massachusetts remains the safest state for gun violence and that implementation issues, such as live-fire training, had been delayed to allow time for regulations and infrastructure. Several witnesses also testified on H. 2672/S. 1653, which would create firearm industry standards of conduct and allow civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, and dealers that engage in unsafe or unlawful practices. Supporters from the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown, Brady, Giffords, and survivors described the bill as a way to hold the industry accountable, reduce the flow of crime guns, and give victims and the Attorney General a path to sue bad actors. They cited data on crime-gun traces, disproportionate impacts on communities of color, and examples from other states that have enacted similar laws. Opponents, including gun dealers and industry representatives, argued that existing law already punishes illegal sales, that most crime guns are stolen or diverted after lawful sale, and that the bill would improperly target manufacturers for the actions of others. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to remove the non-resident ban on semi-automatic firearms for hunting (H. 2710/S. 1676), with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers supporting the change as a way to restore access for returning residents, veterans, and hunting programs that had been displaced. Later testimony returned to repeal and related gun-law bills, with sportsmen’s groups arguing Chapter 135 was rushed, confusing, and harmful to youth hunting and lawful ownership. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; it was a public testimony session with extensive questioning by committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• go about determining go about determining the<01:33:05.199> rates<01:33:05.520> for
• Presumably, if the department determines Presumably, if the department determines that<03:29:58.560
• determined that that is not going to pose any harmful risks.
• Is there any such thing as a binding<04:26:16.399> agreement<04:26:16.960> between binding
• my knowledge, there are no binding my knowledge, there are no binding agreements<04:26:31.760>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• whether or not there's determining whether or not there's probable<04:18:15.359> cause<04:18:
• And to suggest that binding future generations to this debt would be any different than binding future
• And to suggest that binding responsible.
• <05:05:20.080> future any different than binding future any different than binding future
• New Hampshire's can no determine New Hampshire's can no [clears throat]<05:13:08.400> longer<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• architectural design of the building impact the setting of that distance for the city to make that determination
• At the same time, no binding agreement exists to resolve this issue and until such time as that agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• They did a thorough investigation and basically what they determined is that these components that have
• It's non-binding.
• It's non-binding.
• association's determined by the association's governing<01:27:47.679> documents.
• of a prevailing party the determination of a prevailing party in<01:28:12.080> a<01:28:12.320

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2294, which would require condominium associations, boards, and managing agents to comply with declarations, bylaws, county ordinances, and state and federal laws, including mortgage lending requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill as redundant, arguing existing law already requires compliance and provides penalties. Supporters, including condominium owners and board members, said the measure would clarify that associations are not “self-governing” in a way that exempts them from outside laws, and cited examples where local officials or police told residents to take issues back to their boards. Several supporters said the bill would reinforce board responsibility for permits, safety, and legal compliance. The committee noted 27 pieces of testimony, with 10 in support and 17 in opposition, and then moved on without taking a vote on the measure in the transcript provided. The committee also took up SB 2298, which would require common interest community proxy forms to include additional language explaining proxy selection options. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying the proposed language was inaccurate and would not improve consumer clarity unless significantly revised. Supporters argued that proxy forms are confusing and that clearer instructions would help homeowners understand how their votes are being used. Opponents said the added language would make the forms longer and more confusing, and suggested a separate instruction sheet or other educational material instead. Testimony also raised broader concerns about proxy voting being misused in some associations, with one witness urging that proxy voting be eliminated altogether. The committee reported 29 written testimonies, including seven in support, 19 in opposition, and three with comments, and again did not record a final vote in the excerpt. For SB 2300, which would shorten condominium reserve cash-flow projections from 30 years to 25 years, the Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would not make housing more affordable, would reduce transparency, and would increase the annual burden by giving associations less time to save for long-life components. The group suggested that if affordability is the goal, lawmakers should consider allowing future loans or special assessments with guardrails. Supporters of the bill said the shorter projection period would better reflect practical budgeting and help associations plan more realistically, though some supporters also warned against relying too heavily on loans and emphasized accountability and fiduciary responsibility. Other testimony stressed that the impact of changing the projection period would vary by association and that many owners are already struggling with rising fees. The discussion remained focused on testimony and policy concerns, with no final action on SB 2300 shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it's not done in time, binding arbitration, 30-day limit on the binding arbitration.
• If it's not done in time, binding arbitration, 30-day limit on the binding arbitration.
• technical analysis required to determine technical analysis required to determine the<02:09:04.960
• the<02:49:57.920> third How do you determine the third How do you determine the third and<
• <04:07:15.359> or the warrant article legally binding or the warrant article legally binding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A conservation easement in the program is a voluntary legal binding agreement that restricts the use
• So my question is this, how, how is that with your criteria determined and who determines the funds that
• But who, who determines that? Is that county level, region, a board in Austin with grant program?
• The board determines the needs and they, they, they design the grant program, decide the rules and of

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but we've got to deal with this in a physical way and determining how we're going to fund this and
• Um, but we've got to deal with this in a physical way and determining how we're going to fund this and
• Um, but we've got to deal with this in a physical way and determining how we're going to fund this and
• <00:35:26.720> agreement<00:35:27.359> that<00:35:27.599> you'll have a binding
• agreement that you'll have a binding agreement that you'll have<00:35:28.079> all<00:35:28.320

Bills: SB298, SB91

Keywords: Florence, Lauderdale County, municipal boundaries, corporate limits, land annexation, military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, aeronautics, Department of Defense, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that bill and making the determination that bill and making the determination that<00:57:52.880>
• conjunction with section 24 to determine conjunction with section 24 to determine what<00:59:10.960
• action if determined appropriate. action if determined appropriate.
• I I'm not having just determination.
• mail certified if determined mail certified if determined appropriate.<04:00:01.920> Um<04

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1083 addresses this originally by requiring an administrative law judge to determine whether a classified
• Educators, teachers, have a binding process with an ALJ. It's an expedited process.
• Educators, teachers, have a binding process with an ALJ. It's an expedited process.
• Second, removing the administrative law judge from the process to determine when substantiated investigations
• Second, removing the administrative law judge from the process to determine when substantiated investigations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• paper costs, the difficulty in finding even just printing options for those that will still print and bind
• looked at, in 2023, just as a refresher, it was about $760 for each set of a journal that we needed to bind
• Will the members of the policy committee be determined before we know what the delayed bill's outcome
• perspective, I don't know that I need an answer, but just something for you both to think about as you're determining

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first discussed security and member contact procedures, with several members emphasizing the need for formal security training at the start of each session and clearer procedures for knowing where legislators are staying during session for welfare checks and emergency contact. Members also raised concerns about the disclosure of home addresses in other public records and forms, and Legislative Council was asked to prepare a background memo on possible training, best practices, and related legislative or rule changes. The committee then took up a bill draft to reduce the number of paper copies of state publications sent to the State Library from eight to two. Legislative Council explained the cost savings and the move toward digital distribution, but the State Librarian testified that the library still needs paper copies for circulation, archives, and depository libraries, and requested a minimum of three copies. After discussion, the committee amended the draft to require three copies instead of two and passed the motion. The committee also approved a related House and Senate Rules amendment reducing the number of bound journals distributed, and a separate rule change removing the requirement that legislators’ home addresses be printed in the rule book and allowing a lower print run based on request and need. The committee next reviewed data on bill pre-filing and legislative workload. After hearing testimony that agency bills tend to arrive in a late-year rush and that staff workload is especially heavy around organizational session and the holidays, the committee voted to move the agency pre-filing deadline to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It also amended the deadline for constitutional amendments and study resolutions, moving them earlier so they would occur before crossover, and adjusted the reporting deadline accordingly. Members discussed whether these changes should be handled in special session or organizational session, and staff explained that the agency deadline change could be made effective for the next regular session through a permanent rules change. Finally, the committee reviewed proposed special session rules. Staff explained that the special session would use joint appropriations and joint policy committees, with expedited bill processing, limited bill introduction routes, and remote participation allowed for members and public testimony with approval. The committee also resolved a House appropriations membership issue by keeping the House side at 23 members and giving the House majority leader authority to appoint a replacement for the vacant seat, while increasing the Senate dollar threshold to match the House. Members then discussed the upcoming rural health special session process, including how the interim rural health group would differ from the actual special session committees, the timing of committee work and the governor’s address, and whether remote participation would be permitted in the special session.

Transcript Highlights:

• only do once a year because it generally didn't tell us anything, but we're now checking daily to determine
• the status of our students and proactively notify... ...checking daily to determine the status of our
• The Senate resolution creates a non-binding reserve fund of $2 trillion in unspecified spending cuts
• addition to an extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Senate resolution creates a non-binding

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Transparency held a hearing focused on three issues: federal funding cuts and delays, possible state revenue impacts from reduced IRS enforcement, and the fiscal effects of AB 218 on local governments. The Franchise Tax Board described how state and federal tax systems are closely linked, how most returns are filed electronically through software, and how FTB relies on IRS information sharing for compliance, fraud prevention, offsets, and nonfiler work. Members raised concerns that federal staffing cuts at the IRS could weaken audits of large corporations and reduce California revenue, and asked about VITA and ITIN filers; FTB said it was not aware of VITA reductions, noted ITIN returns are processed the same as other returns, and said ITIN filing appeared slightly down this year. The Department of Finance said it is monitoring federal developments, summarized the continuing resolution and reconciliation process, and noted that California lost nearly $940 million in earmarked federal projects under the CR, while major federal budget decisions remain uncertain until the President’s budget and later congressional action. The University of California reported substantial federal pressure on research, student aid, and health care. UC said hundreds of millions of dollars in federal awards have already been canceled, with additional threats to NIH and DOE facilities-and-administration rates, graduate fellowships, student loan repayment plans, international student visas, Pell Grants, and Medicaid/Medi-Cal funding. Committee members pressed UC on the effects of DEIA-related federal restrictions, the loss of clinical trials and research staff, and the impact on low-income students and patients. UC said it is pursuing litigation with the Attorney General and other institutions, but emphasized that court action is only a temporary solution and that sustained state and private support may be needed. The second panel addressed the fiscal consequences of AB 218, which extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims against public agencies. FCMAT presented a report with 22 recommendations, including better statewide data collection, financing mechanisms, a possible victims compensation fund, and prevention measures. Los Angeles County described a tentative $4 billion settlement tied to AB 218 claims, saying it will require reserves, borrowing, and long-term annual payments through 2050, while also forcing curtailments and cuts to vacant positions to preserve services. Members discussed insurance pools, retroactive premiums, unidentified future claims, and the need for a compensation fund or other financing tools. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with public comment, including testimony from local health officials about nearly $400 million in terminated federal public health grants and the resulting layoffs and service impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the Constitution has all these formulas about how we determine what the amount is, but it doesn't
• don't really try to incorporate that until we really see very specifically and it's become legally binding
• Districts tell us that even if the language isn't legally binding, that does sometimes help orient the
• That's why ethnic studies is a delayed potential impact, as staffing is being determined right now for

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• inappropriately shifts the determination inappropriately shifts the determination of<00:21:22.200
• <00:52:47.520> um gonna ultimately the determination um gonna ultimately the determination
• determine determine how<00:57:57.319> that<00:57:57.480> money<00:57:57.799> gets
• ability to to make those determinations ability to to make those determinations or<01:34:19.639>
• this resolution is non-binding binding this resolution is non-binding and<02:18:38.120> it's<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:05:46.680> what in another county um, to determine what in another county um, to determine
• But the primary concern that I have with this bill is the issue of preliminary eligibility determination
• <01:11:02.200> and eligibility determination and eligibility determination and reimbursement
• > resolution,<01:34:18.160> but<01:34:18.320> it it's not a binding resolution,
• but it it's not a binding resolution, but it helps<01:34:19.640> uh<01:34:19.680> highlight

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and recognized Girls Inc. of Metro Denver in a personal privilege presentation. Senators highlighted the organization’s history, its work serving youth through programs focused on healthy living, academic success, and leadership, and its STEM outreach. Senator Danielson also noted a free science box program available through Girls Inc. and praised the group’s work. On third reading, the Senate laid over Senate Bill 66 and then passed House Bill 1339, which renames the March 31 voluntary holiday from Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers Day. Supporters said the change was prompted by reports of abuse by Cesar Chavez and emphasized continued respect for farm workers and the movement. Senator Benavidez later corrected earlier remarks about Colorado farm worker history, noting a unionized farm in Center, Colorado and describing the broader legacy of farm worker organizing in the state. The Senate also passed House Bill 1144, prohibiting the use of 3D printing to manufacture firearms, and Senate Bill 48, which removes the exception allowing minors 16 or older to marry with judicial approval; both bills were reconsidered and repassed after initial votes. The chamber also passed House Bill 1200 on vehicle registration payments for military members serving outside the state, House Bill 1011 on the transfer of certain pet animals, and House Bill 1133 regarding an environmental education program under the Traveling Animal Protection Act. House Bill 1011 and House Bill 1133 drew more divided votes than the other measures. The Senate then granted leave for the Joint Budget Committee to meet while the Senate was in session. In Committee of the Whole, members adopted the consent calendar and advanced House Bills 1257, 1095, 1089, 1277, and 1198 on second reading. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 40 on the Affordable Home Ownership Program; supporters described it as a response to Prop 123 workforce housing issues, especially AMI restrictions affecting teachers and first responders. An amendment removed the proposed loan program from the bill, and the amended bill was adopted. Finally, the Senate adopted House Bill 1134, which requires municipal court defendants to be subject to conditions similar to state court defendants, including sentencing rules, transparency, and access to counsel.

Transcript Highlights:

• a non-binding because we can't<00:33:42.720> we<00:33:42.840> can't<00:33:43.039> bind
• <00:33:43.320> the can't we can't bind the can't we can't bind the schools<00:33:45.399>
• but it was non-binding so there's a<00:33:55.399> flavor<00:33:55.840> in<00:33:56.000
• And for the state to come in and suggest that it knows everything and shall impose a state-determined
• And for the state to come in and suggest that it knows everything and shall impose a state-determined

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.