Transcript Highlights:

• In a phased implementation approach, by starting with allowing low-potency beverages only, Massachusetts
• would gain implementation experience before considering expansion into other hemp-derived intoxicating
• Twenty-four states have already implemented similar structures for regulating these adult beverages,
• And I'll close with one note that in the House budget, and this is not exactly in line with what I was
• saying, but in the House budget, we have outside section 28, which I'm sure you're very aware, which

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re implementing this partnership because Congress aligned the Every Student Succeeds Act, Carl D.
• And so just requiring that transparent budgeting process.
• ... ...administration, the actual way that you're implementing the program.
• So I know that they implement. I had worked on this with our state agency here.
• So I know that they implemented a lot and looked through that.

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, on efforts to better align workforce, education, and human services programs. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA were designed to function as an integrated talent system, but that federal and state bureaucracy has kept them siloed. He said the Department of Labor and OCTAE are working on more integrated state plan guidance, including a 2026 plan modification timeline, combined Perkins/WIOA plans, and greater use of labor market information to align training with in-demand jobs and Workforce Pell. Moore emphasized reducing overhead, cross-training staff, using common intake and integrated case management, and focusing on the “shadow labor force” of people facing benefit cliffs, child care barriers, or other obstacles to work. He repeatedly urged states to use waivers and flexibility where possible, to consolidate or streamline local workforce structures, and to hold programs accountable through measures such as labor force participation, training-related employment, retention, and cost per successful outcome. Members asked about the balance between flexibility and accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data systems such as Mississippi Spark and Arkansas Launch. Moore said states should use technology and integrated intake to co-enroll eligible participants in multiple programs and better match people to jobs. In response to questions, Moore said some federal rules cannot be waived, but many reporting and administrative requirements can be streamlined, and he encouraged Arkansas to propose ideas for waivers or state-level integration. He also discussed the need for enhanced wage records and state longitudinal data systems to improve workforce planning and economic development. After Moore’s presentation, DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill gave a brief update on reimbursement rates, saying the department had compiled more than 100 public comments, recommended holding the current rate, and was awaiting executive review; they estimated the process could take 30 to 60 days. The committee then adjourned, noting a later audit presentation scheduled for the afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• master's in order to continue as a counselor with us, but it's very important to us. 5,000 FTEs, our budget
• , we're requesting for this upcoming biennium a budget of about $5.5 billion. 86% is federal dollars.
• Workforce development, its annual budget is about $538 million in federal funds. and about 71, little
• So that's about half of our budget, of our total budget every year is for child care.
• We implemented a new system recently at the beginning of the year.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• primary focus on the implementation primary focus on the implementation updates<00:04:14.000>
• <01:13:41.760> Thank<01:13:41.920> you, effectively implement it.
• Thank you, effectively implement it.
• <01:14:39.199> One implementation of two key programs.
• One implementation of two key programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm glad to be here this morning to talk about House File 1937 and the implementation of PACE, the Program
• The bill provides the authorization and details for DHS to begin their implementation process so that
• <00:25:09.919> of<00:25:10.080> these implementation of these implementation of these pieces
• ...constitutes roughly 60% of our budget.
• to accomplish a difficult budget to accomplish a difficult budget together<01:48:35.119> I

Bills: HF1937, HF2407, HF1678, HF1477, HF2040, HF1840, HF257

Keywords: PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services, long-term care, community-based services, support person, healthcare, patient rights, assisted living, community support, caregiver respite, financial eligibility, Minnesota Statutes, HF1477, residential program licensing, community residential setting, small group home, licensed capacity six or fewer, rental licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the question is not so implement.
• cost of implementation. cost of implementation. our<00:39:53.200> initial<00:39:53.599>
• But I think at this point, you know, it's a requirement to implement this or implement something that
• But I think at this point, you know, it's a requirement to implement this or implement something that
• Implement this or implement something that would be acceptable because that's the law of the land as

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we're going to be hearing our omnibus budget bill, followed by our omnibus policy bill today.
• Um, and first of all, ...our omnibus budget bill, followed by our omnibus policy bill today.
• amendment that I would like to move to add to Senate File 2373. ...which is the chair's proposed budget
• So members, in your packets, you should have a spreadsheet titled chair's 2025 budget recommendations
• is the chair's 2025 budget is the chair's 2025 budget recommendations<00:05:37.759> for<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:40:04.000> appropriation the that was the budget appropriation the that was the budget
• <03:03:08.800> and to resources to fund School budgets and to resources to fund School budgets
• <03:03:19.520> in and we have other school budgets in and we have other school budgets in
• <03:03:39.640> others those have very strong budgets others those have very strong budgets
• Back four years ago, the education... we can increase the budget more when we can increase the budget

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The executive session focused primarily on HB 563, which revises the school funding formula, especially the adequate education grant amounts for special education students and the treatment of fiscal capacity disparity aid. Representative Ladd moved OTPA on Amendment 06508, explaining that FY 26 would largely hold the current formula steady, while FY 27 would increase several per-pupil amounts, including base cost, free and reduced-price meals, English language learner aid, and special education differentiated aid. He said the special education change was based on estimated case loads across disability categories and that the amendment also reinstates fiscal capacity disparity aid, using a formula intended to better assist property-poor communities. Several members supported the amendment as a step in the right direction, saying it better recognizes special education costs and separates property wealth from low-income student counts. Others raised concerns about the lack of time and the absence of a printed spreadsheet showing how the fiscal capacity disparity aid would affect each town. In response, sponsors said the spreadsheet existed, that the LBA had copies, and that the amendment would help about 40 target towns, while Manchester would be the main community receiving less under the new formula because of prior shifts in the extraordinary needs grant. Discussion also covered the broader impact of the bill, with members noting that about 200 of the state’s 245 cities and towns would see an increase and 45 a decrease under the proposed FY 27 changes. Supporters argued the bill was a compromise given limited revenues and that it should move forward so it can be considered by the full House and then Finance. No final vote on the amendment or bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee was still deciding whether it had enough information to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And starting in 2028, through the implementation of Virginia's paid family and medical leave insurance
• Everyone's focus is on making sure we implement paid family leave, as we implement paid sick days for
• So briefly, To implement new legislation when it's passed. So briefly, you've heard from Ms.
• That members of the public have with our implementation of this legislation.
• That's what's going to help us with our on-time launch and implementation.

Summary: The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave. Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting. Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.

Bills: HB1322, HB2015, HB2933, HB2941, HB2959, HB2977, HB2981, HB3040, HB3055, HB3062, HB3087, HB3115, HB3134, HB3244, HB3297, HB3298, HB3299, HB3304, HB3319, HB3321, HB3322, HB3323, HB3345, HB3407, HB3471, HB3497, HB3500, HB3505, HB3544, HB3581, HB3648, HB3755, HB3764, HB3765, HB3767, HB3906, HB3974, HB3982, HB4104, HB4105, HB4106, HB4107, HB4108, HB4126, HB4130, HB4139, HB4144, HB4170, HB4202, HB4226, HB4227, HB4236, HB4260, HB4343

Keywords: domestic violence, offenders registry, public safety, law enforcement, victim protection, conviction records, landlord, tenant rights, rental agreement, housing safety, tenant protections, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's um budget neutral. We funded. So that's um budget neutral.
• <01:46:45.920> an across the state to implement an across the state to implement an anonymous
• <02:07:05.920> uh implement evidence-based programs. uh implement evidence-based programs.
• <02:09:13.520> this resources for us to implement this resources for us to implement this
• It's not a budget year.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House began with a resolution recognizing May 15, 2026, as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16 as Police Week in Minnesota. Members read a series of “whereas” clauses honoring fallen peace officers, including three names added to the memorial this year, and thanking the thousands of officers serving across the state. The resolution was adopted without objection, and the chamber also received a Rules and Legislative Administration report placing several bills on the calendar for the day. The main floor action was on House File 4252, the higher education finance and policy conference committee report. Supporters said the bill includes funding for identification verification systems in the MNSCU system to combat enrollment fraud, money to cover a shortfall in Fostering Independence grants for foster youth, and a small appropriation for trees at Bemidji State University. Several members praised the public conference committee process and the bipartisan work behind the bill. Others criticized the bill for not addressing the larger state grant shortfall and raised concerns about how grant dollars are allocated. The House adopted the conference report and repassed the bill 101-33. The House then concurred in Senate amendments to House File 3825, a public safety vehicle bill that also carried a package of scope-of-practice and licensing changes. Members described provisions affecting acupuncture, athletic trainers, massage therapy, mortuary science, music therapy, social work title protection, pharmacist prescribing, physical therapy, and advanced practice nursing. Supporters argued the changes improve access, affordability, workforce flexibility, and patient care, while one member warned that some scope expansions were insufficiently scrutinized and could harm the health care system. After debate, the House agreed to the Senate amendments and moved the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm hearing that school board members are given just very generic chunks of money to vote on a budget
• They don't get line item budget items.
• They don't get to see RFPs that might be submitted before they take a vote on a budget.
• Currently, Florida statute only requires that districts post their budget in plain language.
• Secondly, line item budgets that cannot be understood cannot be audited by the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• Infrastructure and implementation around early learning.
• It's a matter of where the money is, how it's getting budgeted, and what's being forecasted.
• and implemented that curriculum, we've seen growth in those programs.
• In the training and implemented that curriculum, we've seen growth in those programs.
• And so it's going to be a give or take, as... ...based on our budget, right?

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and then shifted to an update from Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva and Deputy Commissioner Stacey Smith on early childhood education, especially the state-funded Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program. They said Arkansas had received a federal Preschool Development Grant and described ABC as a large state program with about 23,800 funded slots and roughly $114 million in annual appropriations. Department officials said they are reviewing slot allocations because about 1,000 seats are funded but unfilled, while more than 2,000 families are on waiting lists, and they plan to reduce or reallocate slots from providers that have not filled them over several years. They also said they are examining whether income thresholds, curriculum expectations, daily rates, and summer programming should be updated, and members raised concerns about access, local control, transportation, and whether the program should better align with K-12 choice and school readiness goals. The committee agreed to form an early childhood subcommittee and asked the Bureau of Legislative Research to help gather historical data and other information for future discussion. The committee then received a legal presentation from BLR attorney Taylor Lloyd on the constitutional and statutory framework for education adequacy in Arkansas. She reviewed the Dupree and Lake View cases, explaining that the state must maintain a general, suitable, and efficient system of free public schools, and that adequacy and equity are distinct but related concepts. She emphasized that the General Assembly is responsible for defining adequacy, studying whether the system meets that standard, and reacting to the evidence, while the courts ultimately decide constitutional compliance. Lloyd also explained the current adequacy definition, the role of the matrix as a funding tool rather than a spending mandate, and the distinction between unrestricted foundation funding and restricted categorical funding. BLR’s Elizabeth Bynum followed with a historical overview of how Arkansas responded to the court cases and developed the current adequacy process. She traced major legislative actions from the 1980s through the Lake View litigation, including the creation of funding formulas, categorical aid, isolated funding, declining enrollment funding, and the 2003-2004 adequacy study that led to the Continuing Adequacy Evaluation Act and the matrix used to set foundation funding. She also described later changes to the adequacy statute, the financial reporting requirements for districts, and the ongoing use of surveys, stakeholder testimony, and consultant studies in the biennial adequacy process. Members asked questions about whether private or homeschool programs could use public funds for expenses like utilities, whether stakeholders should include those groups, the difference between average daily membership and attendance, and whether school board members are surveyed; staff said those issues would need further research or were outside the scope of the presenters’ role.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will allow three cities designated as local health jurisdictions to implement homeless response
• This bill will allow three cities designated as local health jurisdictions to implement homeless response
• Electronic signatures can be implemented through that same verified phone number and an email address
• Electronic signatures can be implemented through that same verified phone number and an email address
• It is then subject to the regular budgeting rules, including reduction of the CalWORKs benefit.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard and advanced a series of bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to run homeless response multidisciplinary teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, while no opposition testified. SB 902 would permit electronic signatures for Child Care and Development Services Act paperwork, with supporters describing the burden of paper processes on working families and noting that paper would remain an option. Both bills were referred onward after committee action. The committee also approved SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability; SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule; and SB 1077, requiring CDSS to develop a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns. Testimony on these measures emphasized fragmented food assistance systems, the need to modernize outdated welfare rules, and the importance of preparing for future federal benefit interruptions. Each bill drew broad support from advocates, local governments, and social service organizations, with no opposition testimony, and each received a due-pass recommendation to the next committee. The committee further advanced SB 1194, which would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand access to immigration legal services in underserved regions, and SB 1201, which would seek federal waivers and other protections to help veterans affected by CalFresh changes and connect applicants with county veterans service officers. Supporters said both bills would fill critical service gaps and strengthen legal and food-security infrastructure. SB 1194 received a 6-1 vote, while SB 1201 passed unanimously. Earlier in the hearing, SB 557 and SB 1051 were approved on consent. The committee then adjourned after recording final roll calls for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Youth Services Coordinating Board will continue its work building on implementing the findings of
• of this Center design and implementation of this Center will<00:07:33.479> serve<00:07:33.720
• And finally, prioritizing the full implementation of the Consolidated Appropriations Act would direct
• And finally, prioritizing the full implementation of the Consolidated Appropriations Act would direct
• <00:24:55.480> and County's Behavioral Health budget and County's Behavioral Health budget

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• humanity Minnesota's long-term budget humanity Minnesota's long-term budget numbers<00:17:47.000
• I'm the budget director for the Department of Human Services.
• There would be more work to implement it.
• There would be more work to implement it.
• The challenge with this is, number one, it's no good plan yet to implement it.

Bills: HF10, HF27

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, permit to carry, concealed carry, handgun permit, firearm permit, pistol training, sheriff, application process, electronic filing, mail application, fax submission, certified mail, certified delivery, gun rights, Second Amendment, firearms regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• The Conference Committee on Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations and House Justice Budget
• I look forward to working with you, and thanks for bringing forth this budget proposal.
• I'm real optimistic that we'll be able to get a good budget passed by the House in this.
• A good budget passed by the House and the Senate and sent to the governor.
• In addition, the Senate is pleased to make the House an offer on the budget proviso and all.

Summary: The Conference Committee on Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations and House Justice Budget Subcommittee convened and was formally organized by unanimous consent, with Senator Garcia elected chair and Representative Maney elected vice chair. The members exchanged brief opening remarks emphasizing cooperation and a shared goal of producing a final justice budget agreement. The chair explained that the committee was working from the original conference documents covering the budget, proviso, back of the bill, implementing bill, and conforming bill, as adopted by each chamber. The Senate then presented an offer to the House on the budget proviso and back of the bill, with the chair noting that the Senate had moved closer to the House on several issues and aligned on many funding items in the spreadsheet. Representative Maney said the House would review the offer and return with a counteroffer soon, noting that the chambers were already in agreement on some matters and close on others. There was no public comment, and the committee was placed on one-hour notice for the next meeting. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:59:07.680> in million annually to the state budget in million annually to the state budget
• insurance is more than the budget insurance is more than the budget surplus<01:00:58.000> projected
• Minnesota projects a small budget surplus, followed by deficits since 2017.
• Minnesota projects a small budget surplus, followed by deficits since 2017.
• We are pleased that Governor Walz included an extension of the reinsurance in his budget.

Bills: HF837, HF1903, HF499, HF794

Keywords: health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, newborn safety, anonymity, healthcare provider, safe place, child welfare, HF499, nursing, nurse licensure, temporary permit, temporary nursing permit, Board of Nursing, endorsement licensure, reregistration, refresher course, health occupations

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal funding that we received was 5% of our budget, so $1.3 million.
• I think about 40% of their budget came from the CPB. So those stations...
• And it is going to happen, I predict, in the future less and less because of budget cuts.
• We immediately implemented the first two steps as soon as rescission passed.
• We implemented new techniques to reach our lapsed donors.

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• the EMS regions fall under the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Health would implement
• committee when we were in here and they were updating, for the very first time, after Teams was implemented
• But I do think you hit on a good point, and one thing that I'm personally doing as part of the budget
• We can redirect that money and free up money in the budget.
• Hit in our minds as we go through the budget process.

Bills: HB226, HB24, HB309, HB315, HB272, HB24, HB226, HB309, HB315, HB272

Keywords: HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax, property tax relief, widow, widower, unremarried spouse, surviving spouse, senior exemption, elderly, disabled, permanently and totally disabled, blind taxpayer, deed ownership, principal residence, school tax, county tax, municipal tax, Alabama Department of Revenue