Transcript Highlights:

• majority of the states across the Northeast.
• to state.
• to state.
• This is something that’s already been done in 72% of the states across the United States, including all
• We are one of only 14 states and the only New England state without any type of flood disclosure law.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing with about 43 witnesses and a 1:00 p.m. hard stop, and the chair repeatedly asked speakers to keep testimony to three minutes. Much of the hearing focused on S. 747/H. 1336, which would extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Supporters included legislators, union leaders, graduate workers from MIT, Harvard, BU, WPI, UMass Lowell, and others, and legal advocates. They argued graduate workers perform full-time teaching and research work, pay taxes, and should not be excluded from basic safety-net benefits; several witnesses described personal hardships involving childbirth, serious illness, mental health crises, funding cuts, or fear of losing income. Testifiers also said the change would be revenue-neutral or revenue-generating and would not create major administrative burdens for universities, which already provide similar benefits to other employees. The committee also heard testimony on insurance-related bills. Christopher Stock of the Massachusetts Insurance Federation supported H. 1113 on public adjusters and H. 1345/S. 753 on flood-zone notifications for homebuyers, but opposed H. 4112, which would add a $2 surcharge on home insurance policies to fund fire cistern programs. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council strongly supported H. 1345, saying flood disclosure is needed because Massachusetts lacks statewide flood-notification requirements and flooding risks are increasing. Karen Alvarado supported H. 4352 on travel insurance, and John Fielding supported H. 1186 on pet insurance; both said the bills would create uniform regulatory frameworks and consumer protections. Rep. LeBoeuf testified for H. 4061 on workers’ compensation premium fraud, describing the bill as a transparency measure to combat fraud in construction by creating a public certificate-of-insurance database and QR-code verification system. Joe Bright of the carpenters’ union also supported H. 4061, citing fraud, misclassification, and the harm to injured workers. The hearing also included testimony on H. 4112, a bill to create a statewide fire suppression water resource fund and cistern program. Rep. Hogan and a Stowe fire chief described drought, brush fires, and the need for dedicated cisterns in communities without municipal water systems, saying the tanks provide reliable water for firefighting and are relatively low-tech once installed. Committee members asked questions about tank capacity, siting, maintenance, and funding. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• reps, and state senators.
• library trustees, fire engineers, state library trustees, fire engineers, state reps,<00:09:06.080
• <00:11:36.959> supports reason the secretary of state supports reason the secretary of state
• the secretary of state doesn't object. the secretary of state doesn't object.
• >> The DMV records, or because although the Secretary of State didn't say he wanted to use the SAVE database

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's a lot less revenue for the state of New Hampshire or the states, for that matter.
• Hampshire or the states for that matter. Hampshire or the states for that matter.
• getting a title from out of state. getting a title from out of state.
• They cross state lines. They come in from all surrounding states into New Hampshire.
• the laws when they're in this state. the laws when they're in this state.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, yeah, state partners... ...our state funding.
• And so, yeah, state partners. our state funding.
• So you, so the Continuum of Care is, that's not a state agency, right? Is it a state agency?
• It is, Chairman Davison, it is not a state agency. However, I am employed at a state agency.
• , the Department of State, All the programs and as well as the State, the Department of State offices

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Human Services Committee met in interim session and first approved the previous meeting minutes before receiving a series of presentations on homelessness and housing stability. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency updated members on the new Interagency Council on Homelessness, describing its executive-order mandate to review resources, gather input from stakeholders, identify gaps, and develop recommendations. She said the council’s first work is building a statewide program matrix of existing homeless services and funding sources, with attention to youth, tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. Members raised concerns about youth homelessness, homeless veterans, and how the council will stay focused on a practical framework rather than getting lost in details. The committee also discussed possible connections to the rural health transformation grant and agreed to continue the topic later in the spring. Beth Olson of Presentation Partners in Housing described the organization’s housing-first model in Cass County and Clay County, including homeless prevention/diversion, housing navigation, and Cooper House, a 42-unit permanent supportive housing building in Fargo. She said the organization focuses on people with long-term and chronic homelessness, many with mental health, addiction, health, domestic violence, and Indigenous identity-related barriers, and reported strong outcomes: 85 of 86 people housed in 2025, 91% still housed after one year, and major reductions in emergency room use, ambulance rides, jail stays, detox days, and shelter use. She also explained that state funding has grown from a small share of the budget to about $1.1 million in state-connected funding for fiscal 2026, largely through contracts tied to supportive services. Members asked about vouchers, rent contributions at Cooper House, length of stay, and whether similar projects could be expanded elsewhere. Andrea Olson of the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota outlined statewide homeless and housing-related services delivered through six community action agencies in all 53 counties. She explained the Community Services Block Grant structure, said housing was identified as the top need in the most recent statewide needs assessment, and described programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, North Dakota Homeless Grant services, and Home ARP supportive services. She emphasized that the end of North Dakota Rent Help has increased pressure on the system, that the current $2 million annual homeless grant is far smaller than prior rent-help assistance, and that community action is using case management and financial assistance to move households toward self-sufficiency. Members asked about funding formulas, rural service delivery, and coordination with Presentation Partners to avoid duplication. YouthWorks then began a presentation on youth homelessness, describing services for ages 12 to 24, the special needs of youth and former foster youth, and the organization’s use of federal and state funds to support transitional housing, emergency shelter, maternity housing, and diversion services.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:34.639> and existing statutes from other states and existing statutes from other states
• I'm aware that there are other states I'm aware that there are other states that<00:14:37.680>
• I'll leave it there, but I'm open to other states' approaches yet. Other states' approaches yet.
• <00:53:35.280> by know, the idea of doing it state by know, the idea of doing it state by
• So I and and states.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on House Bill 293, which would prevent minors from accessing obscenity on certain internet-connected electronic devices. Chair Pardell opened by noting the bill had been discussed several times and that the goal was to find language acceptable to the committee. Representative Coutab argued the bill is important for child safety, said parents vary in technical ability, and pointed to Apple as evidence that filtering tools can be implemented. He asked whether the other members saw a path forward and what it might look like. Representatives McFarland and Tur both said they support the underlying concern but questioned the bill’s structure and practicality. McFarland emphasized parental responsibility and individual liberty, said any final language should avoid infringing on rights or creating indirect pressure on corporations, and suggested looking at other states’ approaches and Apple’s closed ecosystem as a limited example. Tur said the bill may solve one problem while creating others, especially by placing the burden on device manufacturers and browsers rather than on the content providers; he cited the recent Texas Paxton decision as an example of a more targeted age-verification approach aimed at websites. Both expressed concern that a broad device-level mandate may be difficult to implement consistently across different platforms. Chair Pardell responded that the bill is intended to add protective measures rather than impose a blanket ban, and compared it to existing restrictions on minors accessing alcohol, tobacco, or pornographic magazines. She said the proposal is meant to ask for the user’s age during device setup, not to require identification or database checks, and stressed that parents would still be responsible for entering accurate information. Members also discussed whether Apple’s tools are generalizable to Android and other ecosystems, whether the market is already developing solutions, and whether a parent-facing filter or device-level controls would be the best route. Pardell said the committee had received public feedback and that another work session would likely be held in October; no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:56.039> Center state next we have Hawaii State Center state next we have Hawaii State
• State resources flowing into Hawaiian State resources flowing into Hawaiian Electric<00:27:38.240>
• I'm from the State Procurement Office.
• I'm from the State Procurement Office.
• <01:11:11.840> public director of the Hawaii state public director of the Hawaii state public

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and heard testimony on a series of education-related bills. HB 1200, which would codify teacher ratios in statute, drew support from the Department of Education, the Democratic Party of the Education Caucus, and 11 individuals; no opposition was noted and the committee moved on without questions. HB 1344, concerning mandatory FAFSA completion, received testimony from the Department of Education, Hawaii P20, and a University of Hawaiʻi student who cited unclaimed Pell Grant funds and low FAFSA completion rates as reasons to support the bill. Committee members asked about current outreach efforts, and DOE and P20 described FAFSA tracking data, hotlines, email support, school-based FAFSA nights, and coordination with counselors; members also raised concerns about federal education funding and Pell Grants. The committee then heard HB 1499, which would authorize staff and volunteers to administer certain medications. The Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing leadership, and the Hawaii State Center for Nursing all testified in support, along with several individuals and the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus. The next measure, HB 902 on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program, was supported by DOE, the Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric, but it prompted extensive questioning from the Vice Chair about whether taxpayers should fund a study to help schools remain open during shutoffs. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would help DOE assess impacts in wildfire-risk areas and noted its wildfire safety strategy, outreach efforts, and potential community resource centers, while the Vice Chair argued the utility should bear more of the cost. The committee also heard HB 961, a bill on school libraries and a CASS pilot program, with DOE offering comments and HSTA and the Hawaii Library Association strongly supporting it. HSTA argued certified librarians are important for literacy, research, and digital literacy, and said many schools lack them because of cost; the association and 14 individuals testified in support. HB 962, a related bill on DOE libraries and the system, also drew support from DOE, HSTA, and the Hawaii Library Association, with 15 individuals in support. Finally, HB 730, concerning the Civil Rights Compliance Branch, received support from DOE, White Children’s Action Network, AAW of Hawaiʻi, and many individuals. Testifiers said the branch needs more resources and training and handles more than Title IX, including Title VI, Title VII, and ADA matters. A student plaintiff in a Title IX lawsuit described unequal treatment in athletics and facilities, and another supporter said the bill would help ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• There’s CDBG funds to the states.
• There’s CDBG funds to the states.
• I mean, there's no regulation on THC cannabis drinks in many states, and many states are recognizing
• An overall enforcement overhead is around $6.3 million, in-state, out-of-state, direct ship, obviously
• if we could get that out of a database if we could get that out of a database to<04:07:24.119>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1, focusing on the legislative branch budget, especially the Senate and House lines. Members discussed that the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 adjusted authorized amount was higher than 2024 actual spending, largely due to personnel, benefits, and travel, and one member proposed a $500,000 annual cut. Staff explained that any reduction would need to be allocated across specific line items such as personnel, benefits, and travel, and noted that the Senate budget is entirely General Funds. After discussion of how the adjusted authorized figures were calculated and why the branch no longer staffs some joint committees as it once did, the committee moved on without taking a vote on that section. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from the New Hampshire Retirement System. NHRS officials described their statutory administrative budget, which is funded through the retirement trust rather than the General Fund, and said the FY 2026-2027 increase is driven by IT modernization, cybersecurity, a new strategic plan, and additional staff positions. They also reviewed the system’s funding progress, clean audit opinions, investment performance, and changes to asset allocation, while noting that several recent pension-related laws required major database changes. Members questioned the large increase in salaries and benefits, the need for new employees versus contractors, the purpose of training costs, and the source of the Group Two benefit funding. NHRS said the governor’s budget includes General Funds for Group Two benefit changes, with $5 million in FY 2026 and $27.9 million in FY 2027, and that the figures reflect the governor’s recommendation and related HB 2 provisions. Committee members also asked about employer and employee contribution rates for Group Two police and fire members, which NHRS said were not included in the budget document but were about 31.2% for police and 30.35% for fire, with employee shares around 11.55% and 11.8%. The committee did not make a decision on the NHRS budget during this exchange and indicated it would review the details further before returning to it later. The committee then heard from the Community Development Finance Authority on the State Treasury Department budget line for the required state match to administer the federal Community Development Block Grant program. CDFA explained that its $280,000 annual request for FY 2026 and FY 2027, totaling $560,000, supports administration, technical assistance, contracting, and monitoring of roughly $19 million in annual federal CDBG funds. Members asked about the leverage of the state match, oversight of projects, staffing, and grant prioritization. CDFA said it has 18 employees, uses public hearings and a scoring system to prioritize awards, and conducts both desk and on-site monitoring, with annual audits to ensure compliance. No vote was taken on the CDFA item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor Henry McMaster just gave the South Carolina State of the State address.
• McMaster just gave the South car State McMaster just gave the South car State of<02:03:59.639>
• under his leadership the pelmet state under his leadership the pelmet state has<02:04:03.760>
• a bill to require the unit United States a bill to require the unit United States governor<04:19
• Well-managed state, I'm sure.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• service that other parts of state service that other parts of state government<00:09:30.720>
• The bill was finances of the state.
• state of Vermont. state of Vermont.
• Many other states are doing it. We step. Many other states are doing it.
• . state. state.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these medications across state.
• We have patients being taken care of in our state and other rural states that have different levels of
• We looked at like states.
• With these small states, with a few cases, With these small states, with a few cases, it's hard to—you
• Most states don't... Oh.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard a detailed annual presentation from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and review findings. He explained the committee’s structure, the de-identified review process, and the distinction between pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths. He said national maternal mortality has declined from its 2021 peak, but mental health conditions, substance use, overdose, suicide, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, infection, and embolism remain major causes. He emphasized that many deaths are preventable, with especially high rates among non-Hispanic Black women and in the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and noted that a large share of deaths occur after 42 days postpartum. Committee members asked about suicide, domestic abuse, pregnancy testing in unexplained deaths, and the role of home births and midwife training. Dr. Arnold said the committee is adding a caseworker, exploring post-mortem pregnancy testing in suspicious cases, and working with coroners and forensic officials; he also said home births and untrained midwifery pose safety concerns and that better public education and facility-based care are important. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matt Clark on cigarette ignition propensity standards and fire prevention. He recommended updating North Dakota’s cigarette ignition legislation to the current national standard and also considering legislation requiring fast-breakaway oxygen tubing, citing fatal fires involving smoking around home oxygen. He explained that his office verifies manufacturer testing and maintains certification for cigarettes sold in the state, but does not itself conduct the testing. Members asked about implementation, cost, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Clark said he would follow up with cost information and additional details, and that he had not seen evidence of a major issue on tribal lands but would look further. Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services presented the North Dakota Stroke System of Care report. She described the statewide network of two comprehensive stroke centers, four primary stroke centers, and 30 acute stroke-ready hospitals, along with the stroke registry and quality-improvement efforts. She reported that most strokes are ischemic, that the median stroke patient age is 71.5, and that common risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. She highlighted improvements in door-to-CT, thrombolytic treatment times, dysphagia screening, EMS pre-notification, and interfacility transfer performance, and said new priorities include hemorrhagic stroke quality measures and standardized EMS stroke screening tools. Members asked about the VA hospital’s participation, and Greff said she would pursue outreach. After a break, the committee heard testimony from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals as part of the prior authorization study, focused on non-opioid pain treatment. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to acute pain treatment and may push patients toward opioids, especially in the critical 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window. He cited data showing that even short opioid exposure can increase the risk of long-term use and said prior authorization is often a barrier for physicians and patients. Khan recommended open access with a quantity limit rather than prior authorization, suggesting a 14-day limit supported by the product’s data and an episode-of-care approach. Members asked about dental use, payer discussions, and cost; he said the product’s wholesale acquisition cost is about $16.10 per tablet, with patient assistance available, and that he would follow up on payer and comparison-cost questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Veterans Services to establish and maintain, in consultation and collaboration with other state
• agencies, a searchable database of resources available in the state for veterans, members of the uniformed
• Available in the state for veterans, members of the uniformed services, and their families.
• An act to amend the Veterans Service Law in relation to establishing a New York State veterans and service

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee met on February 3 for its first meeting in the new committee room. The chair welcomed members and staff, including the ranking member, and the committee then took up a series of bills related to emergency management, veterans’ services, tax relief, and support programs for veterans and service members. The committee reported several measures favorably, including S-869A on local comprehensive emergency management plans, S-1188 requiring a 120-day warning period for certain violations at veterans’ organization facilities, and S-1788 concerning real property tax exemptions for veterans. Members also discussed and supported S-2070 establishing a veterans’ career assistance program within SUNY and CUNY, as well as a separate S-2070 proposal directing the Department of Veterans Services to create a searchable statewide resource database for veterans, service members, and their families; the career assistance bill was reported to the calendar, while the database bill was reported to finance. The committee also advanced S-7765, which would establish a New York State veterans and service member law, and S-8968, which would create a veteran suicide mortality review board. Most items were approved unanimously or without opposition, with brief supportive comments from members. After completing the agenda, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• state for this. state for this.
• states, all of our contiguous<00:20:40.159> states<00:20:40.799> have<00:20:41.039>
• Other states are taking the lead.
• Other states are taking the lead.
• Other states are taking the lead. big. Other states are taking the lead.

Keywords: 01:09 Roll Call 02:11 SB 7 12:42 SB 7 Vote 13:48 SB 30 17:26 SB 30 Vote 19:56 SB 28 46:35 SB 28 vote, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 regular session, welcomed new member Senator Gary Clemens and an intern, established a quorum, and took up several bills. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Senator Aaron Reid, would let counties voluntarily handle driver’s license renewals and duplicates locally through county clerks, circuit clerks, sheriffs, or county judge/executive offices, with a $25 convenience fee retained locally and interlocal agreements allowed. Reid said the bill was meant to address long travel distances, long lines, and delays, especially in rural areas, and emphasized it was not a mandate or an unfunded requirement. Senators asked about fraud, local interest, and stakeholder views; Reid said the bill would not directly change fraud but would increase local accountability, and he said most agencies were neutral or supportive. The committee reported SB 7 favorably with a “shall pass” recommendation on a roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 30, also sponsored by Senator Greg Elkins, a cleanup bill for the Motor Vehicle Commission that would allow restricted funds from license fees to carry forward from one fiscal year to the next instead of lapsing. Elkins said the change would let the commission use its own fee revenue for operations in future years, and the chair noted the commission’s work on dealer regulation and lemon law cases. Senator Burke asked what happened to the money under current law and whether there would be a cap on accumulation; Elkins said the bill would simply allow carryforward and did not set a cap. The committee approved SB 30 favorably with a “shall pass” recommendation. Finally, Vice Chair Douglas introduced Senate Bill 28, a hands-free/distracted driving bill sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon. Higdon said the measure was revised from prior versions to address concerns raised last year and would prohibit drivers from holding or supporting a mobile electronic device while driving, while still allowing hands-free use, navigation, emergency reporting, and certain device functions. He cited safety research, support from advocates, and the death of Kimberly Burns in a distracted-driving crash as motivation for the bill. The proposal also included enforcement limits, a $100 fine, no license points, signage at highway entry points, and distribution of fine revenue to trauma and veterans-related funds. The transcript cuts off during Higdon’s presentation before any committee questions or action on SB 28 are shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• roach uh again as I stated roach uh again as I stated earlier<00:16:14.279> my<00:16:14.519
• been a terroristic attack in the state been a terroristic attack in the state of<00:35:10.280>
• 00:35:54.920> exercise of our state be able to exercise of our state be able to exercise executive
• that the president of the United States that the president of the United States should<00:58:21.799
• fiscal note uh le clor as I had stated fiscal note uh le clor as I had stated when<01:00:05.319>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're grateful for their work for this great state, a beautiful state, an incredible state, and they
• state of New Hampshire. So, thank you. state of New Hampshire. So, thank you.
• and 44. to the flag of the United States of to the flag of the United States of America<00:17:34.880
• <00:19:50.240> of level two trauma center in the state of level two trauma center in the state
• state. It's unrelated. state. It's unrelated. Thank<00:52:40.160> you. Thank you.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida State. >> Okay.
• state priorities.
• out-of-state students.
• We're a value in state and we're a value out of state.
• charge their in state students more than we're charging them for out of state.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As stated, I'm Russell McMurray.
• states. programs.
• modernizing a 58-year-old bridge on State Road, State Route 9.
• a budget impact to one state or the other to try to do a bi-state crossing.
• So it varies geographically from state to state.

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So your request is to move $3.3 million out of HCBS into the state, the case management state-only line
• Fletcher, does the state-case management state-only line item have a shortfall this year, this fiscal
• more immediate on the state-only side.
• Do all states have a state-only plan before they're eligible for Medicaid? Mr.
• Is there anything that prevents DES from doing a six-month in-state waiting period on all of the state-only

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we look across the state. We have representatives from all over the state.
• All over the state with all various occupations.
• So we also got a new database this fall.
• some extent some of the state colleges.
• , which brings together states to share strategies for improving disability employment in state government

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group. The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office. Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines. Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• student to Unless you can prove that they’re removing an out-of-state student to give in-state tuition
• But as you stated, you know, this is something.
• for states who are like Virginia, who don't have it in our code, to incorporate into state law.
• for states who are like Virginia, who don't have it in our code, to incorporate into state law.
• When they don't find us in the State Corporation Commission database, then we have to answer... ...a

Keywords: Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gaetz: ALL IN FAVOR OF THE AMENDMENT STATE BACK. ALL OPPOSED SAY NAY.
• THOSE MAKE IT RIGHT FOR IDENTITY THEFT ACROSS THE STATE.
• THE FOLKS WHO HAD THE PETITION SOFTWARE, THE STATE DATABASE AND HOW IT INTERACTS THE CAPACITY FOR IT
• WOULD YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME? >> YES, SIR. CECILE. >> Sen.
• THE STATE THAT ARE FIGHTING THESE INITIATIVES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all