Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Utilities Code'
Page 188 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And I was trying to explain this to my wife, and I said, so evidently there's a code out there, a code
- book, and I want to get a copy of this code.
- Of those 37, roughly 10 to 12 were not even utilizing curbside delivery or delivery.
- Of those 37, roughly 10 to 12 were not even utilizing curbside delivery or delivery.
- Of those 37, roughly 10 to 12 were not even utilizing curbside delivery or delivery.
Summary:
The committee met in executive session and first discussed scheduling, noting that Town Meeting Day would cancel the next Tuesday meeting, that they would meet Wednesday instead, and that remaining bills would be handled through subcommittees and a likely final executive session on the 19th to meet the deadline for committee action on the 20th. The committee then took up several bills, with repeated roll calls and votes, often placing measures on the consent calendar after committee approval.
House Bill 185 on ambulance reimbursement rates was described as a perennial issue and was voted inexpedient to legislate, with members noting concerns that an any-willing-provider approach would make premium impacts hard to evaluate. House Bill 186 on cannabis legalization was retained for further work, with members saying the bill addressed stopping marijuana arrests but that the sales and implementation details still needed more development. House Bill 241 on treatment alternatives to opioids was also retained because the sponsor could not attend and the committee wanted more time to continue work.
The committee then considered House Bill 302 on state treasury investments in digital assets and precious metals. The amendment narrowed the proposal, removing more complicated provisions like stable tokens and staking, lowering the authorized allocation from 10% to 5%, and limiting eligible digital assets to those with very high market capitalization; members discussed volatility, the treasurer’s discretion, and oversight through bond-rating concerns. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar.
Other measures moved quickly: House Bill 451 on a paint product stewardship program was amended to remove direct funding and framed as manufacturer-run enabling legislation, then passed and was placed on consent; House Bill 499 made technical corrections to insurance laws and passed unanimously; House Bill 538 on relocating Liquor Commission positions passed unanimously; House Bill 552 on children covered under the state retirement insurance plan was cleaned up to remove a student requirement and passed unanimously; and a blockchain/digital currencies bill was amended to address noise and local regulation concerns for data mining operations, with supporters emphasizing energy-use issues, municipal authority, and a separate commission studying regulation. That bill also passed and was sent to consent.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, May 22, 2026 - PM
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- Utilizing a statute which, to my understanding, had never been utilized.
- And again, the Wyoming code says that we And again, the Wyoming code says that we can<00:02:29.720>
- The authority to dissolve entities, which right now under the code is very, very weak.
- code for withdrawing<00:14:13.120>
the <00:14:13.200>bill. - Texas legislature also recently fraud.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Jun 18th, 2026
Higher Education Institutions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- coding.
- Dante Bataki, CTO of Eleanor Codings, who continues to build his company.
- I would say compliance with state board policy and Century Code compliance.
- But collapsing programs in like CIP codes, we've also identified new programs.
- Funds would allow expanded, proactive utilization of the task force members.
Summary:
The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort.
Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment.
The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Air Mobility & Aviation Economic Development Task Force (10-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- utilization rate. utilization rate.
- Harlingen, Texas. So, Harlingen, McAllen, Brownsville, Texas.
- commitment in Texas.
- I'm down in Texas commitment in Texas.
- Commonwealth in expanding and utilizing Commonwealth in expanding and utilizing workforce<00:58:
Summary:
The task force met on October 14, confirmed a quorum, and adopted the September 16, 2025 minutes. Members then received a Kentucky Air National Guard 101 briefing from Brigadier General Bruce Bancroft, commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard, who described the Guard’s structure, missions, and statewide role. He emphasized that Kentucky is a single-wing state centered at Louisville’s 123rd Airlift Wing and highlighted several unique capabilities, including the Contingency Response Group, critical care air transport teams, medical detachment for chemical environments, explosive ordnance disposal, fatality search and recovery, and special tactics personnel.
General Bancroft also discussed staffing and readiness, saying the Guard has 1,273 authorized positions, with a mix of AGR, Title 32, and Title 5 personnel. He noted that AGR positions are funded at about 96 percent, while technician positions are funded at about 53 percent, leaving the organization to operate at roughly 75 percent of authorized manpower overall. He said the wing converted from the C-130H to the C-130J in 2021 and completed the transition in about 2.5 years, ahead of the original three-year timeline.
The briefing further covered the Guard’s operational tempo and community role. Bancroft said the unit has earned 21 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, has deployed about 500,000 days since 9/11 across 45 countries, and routinely supports federal and domestic missions. He described the C-130J’s tactical airlift, airdrop, and blacked-out operations as directly useful for disaster response in Kentucky, and he pointed to strong ties with UPS and other aviation employers. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the prior minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican Members Propose New Legislation Addressing Fraud - 02/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- 39.440>
or long after they've moved to Tennessee or long after they've moved to Tennessee or Texas - <00:14:42.079>
Um Texas or wherever they've moved to. - Um Texas or wherever they've moved to.
- So when we talk about how to catch fraudsters, we haven't utilized the best of technologies.
- We should be able to utilize technology.
Summary:
Senate Republican leaders held a press event to roll out a package of anti-fraud proposals focused on state welfare and human services programs. Mark Johnson opened by citing recent fraud scandals, including a shuttered housing program and reports of vulnerable adults being left without care while providers billed for full services, and said Republicans want top-down reform, stronger accountability, new technology, and tighter oversight of taxpayer dollars. Michael Kreun said Republicans support an independent Office of Inspector General and argued the Senate-passed bill should not be weakened in the House; he also said the Senate should restore its role in confirming agency commissioners, especially at DHS, which he described as central to the fraud problem.
Jordan Rasmusson outlined a plan to stop “blank checks” for DHS and DCYF services by requiring legislative audit review when a program exceeds budget by 5 percent and legislative approval for additional spending at 10 percent over budget. He also said DHS should adopt basic integrity tools such as electronic visit verification and client sign-off. Steve Drazkowski described two bills: a statewide “do-not-pay” list to block payments to ineligible people or entities, and an “I’m Not a Robot” proposal for Medicaid managed care that would require enrollee verification forms, with a 2 percent payment withhold used to encourage compliance and potentially fund county system upgrades. Mark Krueger said the state should improve technology and data use for eligibility determinations, citing other states’ rapid fraud-fighting systems, and proposed penalties for false reporting to the Legislative Auditor after a DHS audit found falsified site-visit records.
Steve Gruenhagen said his bill would require DHS and DCYF to resume annual fraud-prevention and oversight reports to the legislature, which he said had stopped after 2017 despite rising fraud cases. Michael Holmstrom proposed unannounced site visits for all DHS and DCYF providers before enrollment, reenrollment, and revalidation, funded through provider service fees, and cited a recent case involving a woman with autism who was billed for far more care than she received. In the Q&A, Kreun said House Democrats’ delete-everything amendment to the inspector general bill removed the law enforcement division and stripped the bill of its “teeth,” and he suggested the governor’s office may have been involved in efforts to replace the bill with a weaker coordination council model. No votes were taken in the press conference.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- In Texas, it's at the discretion of the residents. So why do we have this five-year thing?
- bill is where volunteer fire departments and rescue squads are exempted from the state procurement code
- targets they picked to bring about changes for nonprofits in Alabama, in order to bring us more up to code
- And so, I believe... ...to bring us more up to code, and so I believe that's what this bill is doing.
Keywords:
food trucks, mobile vendors, health inspection, fire safety, state law, regulation, food service, business license, subdivision, transfer of land, immediate family, exemption period, county regulations, Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Investment Act, tourism rebate, tax rebate, sales tax rebate, lodging tax rebate, transactional taxes, tourism development
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Finance Sub Committee Nov 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Then Texas sued New Mexico in 2013 in the U.S.
- PNM becoming Texas, New Mexico Energy or something.
- Senator to Texas.
- But at the end of the day, if Texas...
- And Texas said, "You only delivered 10,000."
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- The state of Texas is suing the NCAA to require examinations or chromosomal testing, and the same is
- There are more kids right now with measles in Texas than there are transgender athletes playing in the
- My question is: with respect to the CIF, is a CIF required to comply with Title IX and in our codes?
- It is in the education code that the CIF is to comply with both state and federal law.
- Education Code Section 221.5 F. is not just bad policy; it's also a flagrant violation of Title IX.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Health and Human Services Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll do this by reinforcing supervisory expectations, implementing regular supervisory audits, utilizing
- I just saw the Medicaid data in terms of utilization. And that is like the nation's solution.
- In terms of utilization, that is one of the nation's best solutions to our shortage of psychiatrists.
- We already have that in state code.
- funding supports three regions: Northeastern Counseling Center, Central Utah Counseling Center, and Texas
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The study includes all Minnesota state and local taxes that are part of the state tax code, chapters
- tax code. tax code.
- The result of this porous tax code is that we raise less revenue for each percentage point.
- And every newspaper that remains has a digital advertising page that they utilize.
- advertising page that they utilize. advertising page that they utilize.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- joined by Senator Creighton, who represents the Town of Lantoo, and we're here on behalf of House Code
- A developer will look at utilities. Money is, you know, are you prepared to deliver the service?
- As a developer, we'll look at utility prior to development. Thank you.
- Code, and Title V, but also lesser-known codes and minimum standards covering recreational camps, bathing
- Code, and Title V, but also lesser-known codes and minimum standards covering recreational camps, bathing
Summary:
The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination.
Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 14th, 2026 at 10:04 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- It's more so that this fund will be utilized first within the bounds we've set. Mr.
- It would also include representation from each of our investor-owned utilities in an advisory capacity
- They're all in Texas.
- Electric and natural gas utility rates.
- and costs that are passed on to the customers. costs that are borne by those utilities and costs that
Summary:
During the legislative meeting, House Bill 287 was discussed, which proposes the establishment of a permanent Health and Human Services Committee to oversee the state's $14.4 billion expenditure in this area. An amendment to the bill was adopted, which clarified funding and operational details. Public comments were solicited, but no one spoke in opposition. The committee ultimately voted, with some members expressing concerns about budget implications, but the motion to pass the bill as amended was made and seconded, with several members opposing it.
House Bill 371 was also addressed, which focuses on creating an Acequia Infrastructure Fund to support land grant and Acequia communities. The bill aims to provide a financial mechanism for these communities to access funds for infrastructure projects without relying on capital outlay requests. The committee discussed the bill's implications, potential funding sources, and the need for further amendments regarding representation and oversight. A motion to pass the bill was made, with some opposition noted, particularly regarding the lack of specificity in the bill's provisions.
Lastly, Senate Bill 143 was presented, which seeks to raise the caps on inspection fees under the Egg Grading Act, among other agricultural regulations. Supportive testimony was provided by representatives from agricultural organizations, emphasizing the need for updated fee structures. The committee engaged in discussions about the bill's implications for consumers and the agricultural sector, ultimately moving towards a vote to pass the bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/01/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas, um, passed theirs. It became effective, uh, September 1st. Nebraska, uh, October 1st.
- Texas, um, passed theirs. It became effective, uh, September 1st. Nebraska, uh, October 1st.
- seen states like uh I believe Texas seen states like uh I believe Texas initially<00:31:36.559><
- legislation that you have the QR code legislation that you have the QR code but<00:32:23.039>
- We are not advocating often utilized.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 12:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And now my prime code. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Madam Chair, members.
- Code 01145, Representative Lopez, you're recognized to explain this amendment.
- We have historic codes. We have a beautiful downtown, and this bill...
- Other places, you put up two feet of fence and you've got the code guy there.
- Small little rural capital of Texas.
Summary:
The committee heard five housing- and resilience-related bills. HB 793 would create an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support aerospace research, workforce development, and commercialization; it was amended with a clarifying change and passed unanimously. C.S. for HB 411 would extend an affordable housing property tax exemption to certain nonprofit projects on leased land through a housing finance authority, such as Habitat for Humanity projects; it also passed unanimously. HB 701 would require local housing assistance plans to allow mobile home owners on leased land to seek help with lot rent, and it passed unanimously after an amendment and testimony from mobile home advocates and AARP in support.
The committee also considered C.S. for HB 393, which expands the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to help eligible condominiums fund hurricane mitigation projects, including roof-related work, with added eligibility and inspection requirements. The bill drew support from condo and housing groups and passed unanimously with committee substitute. The final and most extensive measure, HB 943, would significantly revise state land-use and development rules to promote affordable housing by limiting local restrictions, changing zoning and approval standards, adjusting parking and impact fee rules, and expanding accessory dwelling unit and mixed-use provisions. It generated extensive testimony, with many local officials, city and county groups, and preservation advocates opposing it as overly broad and preemptive, while housing and business groups supported it.
HB 943 was amended several times during the meeting, including changes related to church-owned property, parking, historic landmarks, manufactured homes as accessory dwelling units, and fair housing language. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was a work in progress and that additional changes would be made. After debate from members emphasizing both the need for more housing and the need to preserve local control, the committee approved HB 943 on a 14-1 vote, with Rep. Casello voting no.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- this mic—several years ago, Senator Kavanagh and I instituted comprehensive reforms to our probate code
- Why does Rice play Texas? We choose to go to the moon.
- Kennedy in Houston, Texas, in September of 1962 still ring true today.
- Why does Rice play Texas? We choose to go to the moon.
- Kennedy in Houston, Texas in September of 1962, still rings true today.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Nov 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- With that, I ask my QR codes. So with that, you can scan it.
- Each of the school districts in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas have policies that make it permissible to
- I know everybody kind of sees those massive facilities over in Texas.
- So the way that Texas and Georgia have...
- So the way that Texas and Georgia have... Dr. Ramjack, thank you.
Summary:
The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football.
The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety.
At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Jul 11th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Utilize that area; that's all I wanted to mention as for a solar company. As a potential.
- Mexico mining rules promulgated in 1994, which is Title 19, Chapter 10 of the New Mexico Administrative Code
- And then a third A predominant law is the Water Law Code, administered by the Office of the State Engineer
- I believe Wyoming and Texas. Yeah, Mr.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- uh that's currently uh being utilized uh that's currently uh being utilized has<00:25:10.880>
- <00:25:31.880>
rate what would have been a utility rate what would have been a utility rate - utility company executive compensation. utility company executive compensation.
- officers of a public utility company? officers of a public utility company?
- Let's cut back their utility bills. Let's cut back their utility bills.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation by Reverend J.C. Austin of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, and journalized the prayer. Members also introduced several guests and interns, including a shadow from the 45th District, a Legislative Black Caucus fellow, a ninth-grade author from Annapolis High School, a World Autism Acceptance Day group in the gallery, and a student shadowing the Senator from District 30. The chamber then moved to House bills on second reading and Senate bills on third reading.
The Senate adopted favorable committee reports and passed several House bills without objection, including measures extending the Maryland Horse Industry Board sunset, requiring housing counseling information for certain first-time homebuyers, expanding the educator expense tax subtraction to full-time pre-K teachers, increasing funding for the State Library Resource Center, extending agricultural use assessment eligibility for community solar projects, allowing the Seat Pleasant Police Department to join the Law Enforcement Officers Pension System, authorizing changes to a tax sale legacy protection program, and granting special taxing authority for the Village of Drummond. The chamber also adopted seven amendments to Senate Bill 1007 on state debt authorizations and ordered it printed for third reading.
On final passage, Senate Bill 956 on Maryland Transportation Authority video toll collections passed with 44 affirmative votes. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 841, a major energy affordability and utility reform bill, with two committee amendments adopted. The bill was described as providing short-, medium-, and long-term rate relief, including changes to EmPOWER Maryland, utility cost recovery, data center tariffs, net metering, solar policy, transmission planning, battery storage, nuclear incentives, and low-income assistance. Debate began on the amended report, and a motion to lay the bill over was withdrawn while members discussed waiting on additional amendments.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Another speaker: Retirees are treated differently under our tax code.
- If that state, Texas, or wherever, had withholdings, then it sounds like I would have to file proving
- A gentleman, I can't do anything about the tax laws in the State of Texas or any of those.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (01/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We've switched that from a URL code, which is kind of a live link, to a QR code, again finding that people
- c><01:51:07.800>
that <01:51:08.360>uh a QR code um again finding that uh a QR code um - Code, Title 10, Section 1408, unquote.
- Code 1408, payment of retired or retainer pay in compliance with court orders.
- We moved to Texas, and I was lucky once again.
Summary:
The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1.
The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families.
Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.