Transcript Highlights:

• You want to keep the bridge open, so it's one lane open while you're working on the other part.
• quickly and to keep them open if they're structurally deficient.
• quickly and to keep them open if they're structurally deficient without that.
• So there's two buckets to the siting and two primary buckets, right?
• I wanted to give you the opening to talk about that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The hearing opened with welcomes from the co-chairs and local legislators, followed by remarks from UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes, who highlighted the university’s research, sustainability, transportation, and workforce contributions and thanked the administration and legislature for support of public higher education. MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, along with agency leaders, presented the administration’s transportation budget package. They described a combined funding plan through House 2, a Fair Share supplemental budget, and a Chapter 90 bill, emphasizing investments in MassDOT operations, snow and ice response, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, bridge and pavement repair, housing-related transportation improvements, sustainable aviation fuel, microtransit, and local road programs. Officials also highlighted record highway construction activity, safety initiatives such as work zone speed cameras and pedestrian protections, RMV service and equity improvements, airport and drone technology programs, and MBTA gains in reliability, accessibility, ridership, and service expansion. Committee members asked about Western Massachusetts priorities, especially Chapter 90 funding for rural road mileage, bridge repairs, and the Compass Rail/West-East Rail program. MassDOT officials said pending federal grants were moving forward, with some awards recently obligated and others expected as federal processes advance, and they said Palmer Station remains part of the long-term rail plan. Members also raised the Cape Cod bridges and the need for multi-year Chapter 90 funding. Officials said the Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, with construction targeted for 2027, and reiterated that transportation investments support jobs, local economies, and municipal infrastructure statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have any opening statements or questions, you’d like to ask. I wanted to open it up to you.
• If you have any opening statements or questions, you'd like to ask. I wanted to open it up to you.
• How do you use open-ended questions?
• I'm going to open up with a couple of questions, and then I'll open it up to my committee members here
• I'm going to open up with a couple of questions, and then I'll open it up to my committee members here

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the primary purpose.
• It's open to anybody. Anybody wants to come and lease trust lands.
• Same primary revisions that were made to...
• The same primary revisions that were made to 8504.07 were made to 8504.08.
• That is an open book examination.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• email, that this was something that was actually valid or mail, that this is something they should open
• email, that this was something that was actually value or mail, that this is something they should open
• And so this was modeled, like I said in my opening statement, after a very successful program, because
• This was modeled, like I said in my opening statement, after a very successful program, because we did
• Now, members of the committee, I open up for questions. Senator Grayson.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee heard several tax and revenue measures. SB 1277, by Senator Grove, proposed a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide direct relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, gas, energy, and general living costs. Supporters said it would help working families, farmworkers, teachers, and others; opponents, including the California Tax Reform Association and the California Teachers Association, argued California already has a progressive tax system, that refundable credits are costly and can be difficult to administer, and that the bill would reduce General Fund revenues and Proposition 98 funding. The bill was held on call after extensive debate and no motion was made at that time. The committee then heard SB 1287, which would create a targeted tax credit to encourage private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. The author and rail industry witnesses said the credit would support safety, bridge and track upgrades, emissions reductions, freight efficiency, and rural and agricultural supply chains, while opponents argued a direct grant program would be preferable to a tax credit. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call after a motion to move it forward. SB 1407 would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax, with the author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups arguing it would help retain veterans in California, support second careers, and keep federal retirement dollars in the state. The California Teachers Association and California Tax Reform Association opposed it as another tax expenditure that would reduce General Fund revenue. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, with several members voting aye and others not voting, and the bill was placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1349, which directs the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major tax expenditures and evaluate their costs, beneficiaries, and effectiveness. Supporters, including CTA, AFSCME, cities, counties, and many teachers, said the state needs more accountability for roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures and their impact on schools and the budget. The bill was moved with committee amendments and placed on call. Additional measures discussed included SB 1078, authorizing Santa Cruz County to seek voter approval for a temporary local sales tax increase to fund health care and safety-net services; SB 1120, extending the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and making it refundable for certain strategic industries; and SB 1275, which would convert the state sales tax on vehicle purchases into a deductible vehicle license fee to reduce Californians’ federal tax burden. SB 1120 and SB 1275 both received support from business and industry witnesses, with no opposition testimony noted, and were moved on call or with a due pass as amended vote as the committee continued through the file.

Transcript Highlights:

• The primary driver was the inability for us to get the federal authorization to transfer or to utilize
• The primary driver was the inability for us to get the federal authorization to transfer or to utilize
• If someone can get their foot in the door at Caltrans, I mean, the door is open to work for all, not
• In closing, this proposal is not vague and open-ended.
• Yeah, so like as I entered into my opening remarks, we're here to discuss any questions that you have

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She fell face-first into an open drainage ditch and struck a concrete drainage culvert with her face.
• My door is always open, and I certainly look forward to having more conversations with the cities and
• No, but most people live at their primary residence, do they not? Yes.
• We're talking about the primary residence, right? I hear what you're saying.
• I like that my cities demonstrate who they are and that they're open and that they support.

Summary: The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised. SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages. Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since opening our doors in want to go.
• And I will tell you, our doors will always be open.
• </c><01:12:29.600><c> for</c> think we're going to be opening for think we're going to be opening for
• I opened my beginning abruptly stopped.
• I opened my eyes and I could see my surroundings.

Keywords: 1. Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00 2. Approval of Minutes – 00:01:32 3. Getting to Know the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky – 00:02:26 4. Healthy Kids Clinic – 00:26:58 5. Pharmacy Payment Parity – 00:56:36 6. Ibogaine – 01:17:37 7. Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:53:05 8. Adjournment – 01:53:19, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized Eric Clark for his service, noting this may be his last meeting before he leaves state government. The main presentation was from Allison Adams, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who described the organization’s history, nonpartisan mission, and focus on health equity, prevention, and upstream policy solutions. She said Kentucky’s poor rankings in chronic disease, preventable hospitalizations, and life expectancy show the need to shift resources toward prevention and community-driven strategies rather than relying mainly on treatment after people become sick. Adams emphasized leading health indicators, arguing that lawmakers should track actionable measures such as quit attempts and smoke-free policies instead of only lagging indicators like disease rates and mortality. In response to questions, she said accountability should be shared across communities and systems, with possible incentives and disincentives tied to outcomes, and she supported creating a public data utility or dashboard, ideally with university partners, to help legislators and communities monitor progress. She also cited examples of accountable health community models and said Kentucky could adapt similar approaches. The committee then heard from Meade County Schools Superintendent Mark Martin and district health coordinator Karen Kotche about the Healthy Kids Clinic partnership with Cumberland Health. They described a seven-year effort that led to full implementation in the district, which now has a nurse in every school and a nurse practitioner, allowing services such as sports physicals and other clinic functions to be provided on campus. They said the program has been a strong investment for students and the community and began explaining how the district built the partnership after earlier efforts and delays, including the pandemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• . most of them primary purpose statutes. most of them have<00:15:52.320><c> a</c><00:15:52.560><c> primary
• I'm open to any and all questions.
• </c> I'm open to any and all questions. I'm open to any and all questions.
• </c><03:17:19.120><c> me</c> here that's going to open me here that's going to open me up<03:17:21.120
• I think the plan is to that's opening.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 185, which would add timelines to Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) investigations. Senator Howard Pearl said the bill was prompted by concerns from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors about delays at the Real Estate Commission, and he explained that the proposal would require OPLC staff to make an initial determination within 30 days and, if misconduct is found, complete an investigation within 60 days. He said the goal is to improve transparency and give consumers and licensees more timely information, while preserving the board’s adjudicatory role. He also noted that the bill had been amended to delay implementation to give OPLC time to work through its backlog. Committee members questioned how the bill would work when an investigation is incomplete and whether the board could send a case back to OPLC without a firm deadline. Pearl said the board would have discretion to continue the investigation or make a final determination, and that the bill was intended to streamline OPLC’s process rather than impose a hard cap on complex cases. OPLC Executive Director Deanna Durus and General Counsel Nicholas Fry then testified that the agency has already changed its procedures under prior legislation, including a facial review of complaints and monthly board review of dismissal memos. They said the bill would substantially alter the current structure, could conflict with existing limitation periods and board duties, and would be difficult to implement without additional staff and funding. Durus said the agency’s backlog is large, that new complaints are being triaged and prioritized, and that some urgent matters are moved ahead based on risk and statutory deadlines. She said OPLC had completed a review of about 500 backlog cases that would now be dismissed under current screening standards, and that those cases are being turned into memos for board review. Board of Medicine public member Nina Gardner testified in favor of the bill but said the backlog is significant and that the agency needs more resources to make the process work effectively. She said the board is seeing progress, but not fast enough, and suggested the bill may not go far enough without additional staffing and funding. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even then, in most states, there is a collaboration between the primary care physician for the patient
• So that's our primary concern, is that we have what, on one side, we do approve a rate increase, and
• So that's our primary concern, is that we have what, on one side, we do approve a rate increase, and
• </c><01:34:40.280><c> concern</c> So, um that that's our primary concern So, um that that's our primary
• to your comments, questions, or open to your comments, questions, or concerns.

Bills: HB1626 , HB1643 , HB1668 , HB1550 , HB1974 , HB1858 , HB1871 , HB1966 , HB1972 , HB1973

Committee: House Health

Keywords: youth penalties, juvenile justice, community service, fees and fines, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, reform, court costs, cultural connection, pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacy audit, audit reform, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, recoupment, extrapolation, claims audit, pharmacy reimbursement, dispensing fee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 847, which would create a Kauai pilot program allowing qualified psychologists limited authority to prescribe psychotropic medications. The Board of Psychology supported the bill’s intent but asked for amendments to delay the effective date or extend the pilot so rules could be written first, and to clarify the education/training language. Supporters, including the Hawaii Psychological Association, Hawaii Mental Health Coalition, and several psychologists, argued that prescribing psychologists have long safety records in other jurisdictions and that the pilot could improve access to care on Kauai, especially amid ongoing mental health needs and storm-related stress. They cited studies and examples from New Mexico, Louisiana, the Department of Defense, and other places. Opponents, including the Hawaii Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Queen’s Medical Center, and a Department of Health representative, said the bill needed substantial work, raised concerns about training, liability, and workforce impacts, and urged a team-based model with psychiatrist oversight rather than independent prescribing. Some testimony also referenced a GAO report, with witnesses disagreeing over its meaning and cost-effectiveness. No vote was taken during the discussion, and members asked questions about how the bill would address the workforce shortage and whether a psychiatrist on Kauai could already meet the need. The committee then moved to SB 2271 on hospital licensing and SB 2272 on home health care licensing. The Department of Health, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported both measures, which were described as streamlining and clarifying licensing oversight by relying on accreditation or certification reports. A member asked whether the bill language on hospital accreditation reports was duplicative, and the response was that the second provision was intended to strengthen enforcement by requiring hospitals to provide the actual report to DOH. The committee did not take final action in the portion of the hearing provided, and the chair noted that all bills on the agenda would later be considered for decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT IS ESSENTIAL TO DEPARTMENT STAFF BOTH IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN TALLAHASSEE THAT WE REMAIN OPEN, WORKING
• ABOUT 13 OF THAT GOES TO SURFACE WATER DISCHARGE IN THE REMAINDER OF WHICH IS IN OUR PRIMARY REMEDY TO
• NOT PRIMARY REMEDY IS SALTWATER INTRUSION BARRIER SYSTEM.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll open it from any state department.
• We'll open it up<00:07:51.199><c> for</c><00:07:51.440><c> public</c><00:07:51.759><c> testimony.
• Those are the primary changes. Oh, we did move back, and I'm not seeing it here.
• Oh, we we Those are the primary changes.
• We'll now open it up to public testimony. I think we will start with those in opposition.

Bills: HB0159

Committee: House Education

Keywords: student rights, free expression, K-12 education, speech protection, religious views, political speech, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll open up the Senate Education Committee executive session.
• 00:06:44.479><c> up</c><00:06:44.759><c> the</c><00:06:45.560><c> Senate</c> past 10 o'clock we'll open
• up the Senate past 10 o'clock we'll open up the Senate education<00:06:46.520><c> committee</c><00:06
• Ready, we'll open up the executive session of the Senate Education Committee.
• Which I believe is the primary intent of the bill.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is in regard to open captioning for movie theaters.
• captioning on a new movie at least four times in the movie's first two Have open captioning on a new
• Some of these bills open the door for more topics.
• And by the time I even got a chance to talk to anybody on this issue, open enrollment for both my primary
• job and for the House of Delegates had passed,... ...open enrollment for both my primary job and for

Keywords: Disability Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This drone threat, when I said before, we're just opening up the tent, we're just opening up just a little
• This drone threat, when I said before, we're just opening up the tent, we're just opening up just a little
• I said before, this is, we're just opening up the tent. We're just opening up just a little bit.
• Criminal street gangs, a primary activity of them, is trafficking in prostitutes.
• Criminal street gangs, a primary activity of them is trafficking in prostitutes.

Summary: The House Judiciary, Rules Committee approved the minutes from January 27, 2026 and then considered two RS introductions and two bill hearings. RS 3-3101, a minor change to a reckless driving proposal by Rep. Pohanka, added the word “active” to the school zone/construction zone language and was introduced. RS 33096, sponsored by Chairman Skog, would clarify disturbing-the-peace law to specifically cover willful and malicious disruption of worship services; it was also introduced after brief discussion about whether broader wording could have been used. The committee then heard House Bill 522, which would create penalties and authorize reasonable countermeasures against drones operating in restricted airspace around correctional facilities. Rep. Hill and witnesses from the Idaho Department of Correction and a counter-UAS company described drones as a growing security threat used to deliver contraband and aid escapes, citing thousands of detections and examples from other states. A member of the public raised First Amendment and press-access concerns, but the bill was still moved to the floor with a due pass recommendation in a unanimous roll-call vote. The committee also heard House Bill 518, which would allow the Attorney General’s office, at the request of local law enforcement, to take the lead on human trafficking prosecutions. Supporters from Nampa police, victim services, local government, and prosecutors described trafficking as a multi-jurisdictional crime that strains local resources and re-traumatizes victims through repeated interviews. The Attorney General’s office testified neutrally, saying it could take on the work but would need additional resources and that the bill’s current scope may be too narrow to be used often. Despite that caution, the committee unanimously sent HB 518 to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning; a scheduled budget presentation was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• All 16 remained open.
• Well, as I mentioned in my opening statement, I'm very project-driven.
• It is a school open for all. It is a school that was born of necessity.
• thing because it truly embodies what diversity is: openness towards all.
• Making sure that these credentials are credentials of value and being open.

Committee: Senate Nominations

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the primary recommendations that came out from this effort that was consistently echoed was the
• So with that we'll open it up for the public if we have anybody you'd like to speak on. on this.
• College Corps opens doors for students who want to serve, but lack the resources to do so.
• We recently just sent a joint letter to the committee asking that the CPPA budget remain open.
• In closing we respectfully request that the CPPA's budget remain open.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll make an opening statement and then the floor will be yours to make an opening statement. statement
• Ranking member Gallego, you are recognized for an opening statement.
• Massari, you actually talked a little bit about this in your opening statements.
• This is open technology, Senator, at the end of the day.
• We should treat them accordingly and let there be open competition.

Committee: Senate Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Digital Assets

Keywords: Digital Assets, Bitcoin, Stablecoins, Legislation, Bipartisan, Consumer Protection, Regulatory Framework, Financial Innovation, Testimony

Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Digital Assets Subcommittee brought a wave of excitement and anticipation regarding the future of digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins. Chair Lummis expressed gratitude towards Senator Scott for establishing the subcommittee, indicating a commitment to promote responsible innovation while safeguarding consumers. Members discussed the necessity for a bipartisan legislative framework to regulate digital asset markets effectively while outlining the potential benefits such legislation could have on enhancing financial inclusion and streamlining payments. The meeting featured expert testimonies from key figures in the digital asset industry, highlighting the importance of creating clear regulatory guidance for digital assets to foster innovation without compromising consumer protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an emergency response bill, and the window is open. With regard to the statute of... ...bill.
• It's an emergency response bill, and the window is open.
• That was our primary concern. Terrific, Chairman, thank you so much.
• That was our primary concern with that understanding.
• So I'm happy and open to answer any questions you all have.

Committee: Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> consultants, interactions with Open consultants, interactions with Open Records<00:03:22.360><c>
• The bill gives Kentucky primary oversight with the Energy and Environment Cabinet and aligns the state
• The bill<00:08:15.080><c> gives</c><00:08:15.480><c> Kentucky</c><00:08:16.120><c> primary</c><00:08:
• 16.600><c> oversight</c><00:08:17.880><c> um</c> bill gives Kentucky primary oversight um bill gives
• Kentucky primary oversight um with<00:08:18.960><c> the</c><00:08:19.160><c> Energy</c><00:08:19.520>

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:25 HB 667 Discussion 01:21 HB 667 Roll Call Vote 03:56 HB 677 Discussion 05:01 HB 677 Roll Call Vote 11:51 HB 535 Discussion 13:33 HB 535 Roll Call Vote 34:46 HJR 77 Discussion 38:33 HJR 77 Roll Call Vote 44:23, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> on</c><02:02:06.080><c> Senate</c> opening the public hearing on Senate opening the public hearing
• I'll open the of executive session.
• And I want to open my community.
• care provider community and our primary care provider community and our primary<02:35:49.120><c> care
• </c> trails in every part of the state open trails in every part of the state open until<04:01:45.040

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 185, which would amend RSA 3109 to add timelines for OPLC’s complaint review and investigation process. Members reviewed the existing five-year limitation period for misconduct complaints and noted that the bill would add a 30-day deadline for the office to make a recommendation to the board and a 90-day deadline to complete investigations. Some members raised concerns that the new deadlines could conflict with the existing statute of limitations, create pressure to dismiss cases too quickly, and potentially undermine the separation between OPLC’s investigative role and the boards’ adjudicatory role established by House Bill 655. Nicholas Fry, OPLC general counsel, testified that the agency’s fiscal note originally assumed it would need roughly double its staff to meet the proposed deadlines, though a later amendment reduced that estimate somewhat. He said OPLC would still need additional personnel, including investigatory paralegals and a physician investigator for the Board of Medicine, to meet the timeframes. He also explained OPLC’s current complaint and hearing procedures, including new consumer-friendly correspondence, website guidance, and efforts by the enforcement division to improve transparency and communication with complainants and licensees. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors testified in support of the bill’s basic goal of speeding up intake and investigation, saying the 30-day intake/review period was reasonable and that the bill would not change OPLC’s role in that first step. He argued, however, that the investigation step is where delays occur, especially for lower-priority complaints, and that some cases have remained unresolved for years. Committee members also questioned how the added staffing costs would be paid, with discussion of whether they would come from license fees or the general fund. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.