Transcript Highlights:

• Seligman is a very small community in Legislative District 1.
• Let's support this kind of legislation and support rural Arizona.
• This This is not the way that criminal legislation should be done in our state.
• But this legislation doesn't. So I would ask, But this legislation doesn't.
• It ended up becoming a study committee.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and routine communications from the governor and Senate. Members then moved into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of Senate bills and later House bills on final reading. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others advanced with or without amendments. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous Senate amendments to House bills and later took up third-reading votes on a series of House bills. Among the main committee actions, SB 1049, SB 1315, SB 1401, SB 1418, and SB 1540 were amended and recommended do pass; SB 1332 and SB 1538 also advanced, while SB 1016, SB 1519, SB 1624, SB 1627, SB 1723, and SB 1725 were retained. Debate centered on school safety and interoperability equipment in SB 1315, housing and zoning issues in SB 1118, and school discipline/bullying transparency in SB 1684. Members also discussed SB 1074 on student discipline notifications, SB 1275 on diversion program wording, and SB 1684 on bullying reporting and school liability, with supporters emphasizing safety, accountability, and clarity and opponents warning about unfunded mandates, litigation, and impacts on public schools. On final reading, the House passed a long list of bills, including HB 2032, HB 2035, HB 2109, HB 2120, HB 2176, HB 2189, HB 2195, HB 2203, HB 2342, HB 2383, HB 2423, HB 2428, HB 2439, HB 2440, HB 2573, HB 2594, HB 2621, HB 2641, HB 2673, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2875, HB 2895, HB 2916, HB 2923, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous. HB 1118, dealing with municipal zoning and historic properties, failed on the floor after debate over housing policy and charter/public school issues, though a motion to reconsider was later made. The session ended with personal announcements, including recognition of Child Help, a memorial reading for Major General W. Bill Van Dyke, caucus meeting notices, a retirement reception reminder, an anniversary acknowledgment, and a Pride Month statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• In March of 2024, I met with Jordan and Cassidy Harstead in my legislative office.
• It's time for a legislative change to hold our schools more accountable.
• This legislative body can be the catalyst to hold our public schools accountable.
• A 2002 study found that young children who completed a week-long...
• Also, there are many studies that show that after-school...

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The TDI implementation study for this legislation found that only 4% of providers met the threshold for
• This legislation builds on efforts that were made during the 87th session to streamline the process of
• in the non-legislative council.
• I really thank Representative Hernandez for bringing this important legislation forward. issue.
• Two Texas studies recently found that an increase in PSA testing on the count...

Bills: HB712, HB722, HB946, HB1687, HB1809, HB1899, HB2528, HB2583, HB2741, HB2750, HB3021, HB3150, HB3265, HB3658, HB3812, HB3960, HB4392, HB4432

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is, uh, Representative Cortez's bill that calls on a PUC study.
• Interconnection that the PUC study interconnection between Texas and Mexico, uh.
• HB 1510 is the Texas Ethics Commission sunset review legislation.
• It is more important than ever to get this legislation across the finish line.
• So there are writings, and I haven't studied the Book of Mormon, but I think we are people that want

Bills: HB 346, HB 1360, HB 1510, HB 1606, HB 1804, HB 1805, HB 2156, HB 2391, HB 2767, HB 3022, HB 3044, HB 3272, HB 3293, HB 3493, HB 3809, HB 3824, HJR 110, HB 2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• And maybe a study needs to be done on this.
• If we want to conduct animal toxicity studies, NMSU has that expertise as well.
• One of my regrets in passing the legislation is that we should have changed the name.
• I know NMED has a lot of studies on PFAS compounds as well.
• Do you have peer-reviewed studies on this, and can it be replicated based on what you've seen?

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, we have a lot of legislative bills that come through that we look at each year.
• The last one is the legislative appropriations. We saw that come into us approximately 2018.
• So those are grants that have been appropriated through the legislative process.
• At this point in time, yes, we have not included any legislative budget requests.
• At this point in time, yes, we have not included any legislative budget requests.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of Financial Services and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, then returned to its ongoing budget workshop with the Department of Management Services. DFS’s Division of Risk Management described its role as the state self-insurance fund, covering about 200,000 employees and 27,000 vehicles, paying roughly $150 million in claims last year, and managing a pilot ETS treatment program for veterans and first responders that had 49 patients and 804 treatments as of the latest report. The Division of State Fire Marshal outlined its fire prevention, training, emergency response, and grant programs, including hurricane deployments, the Florida State Fire College, and several capital and grant requests for roof, courtyard, memorial, and equipment needs. The Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation explained how it handles insolvent insurers under Chapter 631, currently administering 14 estates with $1.2 billion in assets and $3.7 billion in liabilities, and said no new receiverships had been opened since February 2023. Members asked about grant backlogs, fire truck procurement delays, memorial repairs, and whether affiliate transfers were occurring in insurer liquidations. Secretary Griffin then updated the committee on DBPR’s implementation of House Bill 1021 on community associations. He said the department had used the new authority to expand education, complaint handling, and ombudsman services, including 10 free standardized courses, a new condo website, and a four-hour board certification course that had already drawn more than 12,000 attendees. He reported that outreach to condominium communities had increased by more than 60%, that complaint filings were up 39% while jurisdictional dismissals dropped to 11%, and that about 81% to 82% of the 65 new positions had been filled. Members pressed him on whether the department had enough authority and funding, how condominium counts are determined, how self-reported structural integrity reserve study data is verified, and whether more public-facing complaint tracking and better reporting from local governments or developers would improve the system. The committee then resumed questioning Secretary Allende of DMS about outstanding budget and operations issues. Members focused on the delayed People First contract extension required by statute, with the secretary saying the delay involved technical and contractual complexity in moving a legacy hard-coded system to the cloud. They also revisited the state data team and data catalog project, asking why a statutory 2022 deadline had not been met, how the four-person team and broader data staff were organized, how many applicants were considered for key positions, and what each role was doing. The secretary said the catalog work was being simplified into six metadata fields and supported by a broader community of practice, but no firm completion date was given during the exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• up boldly and just uh move interim study up boldly and just uh move interim study and<00:05:49.759
• >> I'm a second on interimm study. >> I'm a second on interimm study. >> Okay.
• interim study on Senate Bill 82? interim study on Senate Bill 82?
• So, uh I guess interim study. >> Yeah. So, uh I guess interim study.
• >> Yeah, let's do interum study. >> Yeah, let's do interum study.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not defined by statute or at the directive of any legislative proposal.
• It's not defined by statute or at the directive of any legislative proposal.
• Latz present his civil commitment legislation.
• She articulated how the legislation will make a difference. Sen.
• The legislators vote as their districts do as a whole.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's sort of going to play by ear, sort of Robert's Rules of Order or Mason's procedure of legislative
• And if you are in favor or in opposition of the legislation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• This legislation has been very... ...of land in this area.
• legislation stated to other private entities.
• In many ways, this legislation is personal for me.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining new attendance and public-testimony procedures, including that testimony would be recorded, livestreamed, and generally made public, with possible redactions for sensitive material. The chairs also noted that no committee rules were being formally adopted yet and that no votes would be taken during the hearing. Senator Collins briefly emphasized the committee’s oversight role on land takings and Article 97 issues, including concerns about proposed regulatory changes and the legislature’s constitutional role. The first major bill discussed was H. 3324, concerning the former Christos site on Crescent Street in Brockton and a proposed transfer of state-owned land from DCAM. Representative Michelle DuBois, Representative Rita Mendes, Mayor Sullivan, the Metro South Chamber’s Chris Cooney, Catholic Charities’ Larry Mayne, and Brockton planning director Rob May all supported the bill, describing the parcel as long vacant and arguing it should be reused for a mixed-use project with Catholic Charities, including affordable/workforce housing, an early education center, food pantry, workforce development, and language classes. Several speakers said the project would help retain Catholic Charities in Brockton and bring tax revenue and community services. DuBois outlined expected amendments, including moving one parcel into a municipal sale partnership and changing a “shall” to “may” regarding a right-turn lane. Some members raised questions about whether a deed transfer to a nonprofit was preferable to a long-term lease and about affordability definitions, but the bill was generally supported. Representative Connolly then testified on two Cambridge bills: H. 3308, relating to the Riverside Boat Club and a reconfigured DCR parcel boundary to support a lease with no loss of public space, and H. 3309, which would facilitate access to justice by preserving consideration of a vacant former probate court site for future court use. Senator DiDomenico supported the Riverside Boat Club measure and the broader goal of restoring court access in Cambridge. Members discussed accessibility, possible future court configurations, and the site’s prior use as an emergency shelter. The committee then heard testimony on S. 2217/H. 2108 concerning Columbia Point and access around the UMass/Bayside area. Harbor Point residents, including Orlando Perrella, Michael Corcoran, Richard Fulham, and Miles Byrne, described severe traffic congestion, emergency-access concerns, and frustration with the UMass Building Authority’s handling of the site and prior community commitments. Senator Collins said the committee should consider seeking an SJC opinion, and possibly an Attorney General opinion, on Article 97 and public-access rights. After the in-person testimony concluded, the committee attempted to reach remaining virtual witnesses on S. 2217 but did not receive testimony. With no further witnesses, the committee adjourned without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in terms of issues about... legislation for the legislator and the policymaker, when you're thinking
• Right now, some studies have been...
• When you talk to people that know about this legislation, as with the 2019 Texas legislation...
• Colorado did their study, created a model bill.
• Studies have been done by different organizations.

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation doesn't seek to create a new coverage mandate or service.
• And our survival rates can only increase with good legislation like this. So thank you.
• This is comprehensive legislation that makes historic investment in so many stakeholders.
• DEP to collaborate with our insurance agent and agency services, conducting a statewide feasibility study
• So basically, it provides a $250,000 feasibility study on coastal resiliency.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• She also doesn't participate in legislative caucus discussions.
• She also doesn't participate in legislative caucus discussions.
• For those of you who have studied our power-sharing agreement, there will be an election on the 28th,
• If you study the resolution that we passed, you will see that we end that temporary resolution with 34
• <00:14:13.720> the for president if you study the for president if you study the resolution

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The meeting centered on a motion to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell from the Minnesota Senate while her criminal case remains pending. Republican speakers argued that Mitchell’s trial delays and continued service were undermining the Senate’s integrity, distracting from legislative work, and denying her constituents full representation because she is not serving on committees or participating in caucus. They said the motion was intended to uphold accountability, justice for the alleged victim, and the institution’s standards of conduct. DFL leaders and other defenders of Mitchell argued that she has not been convicted, is entitled to due process, and remains the duly elected representative of Senate District 47. They said Senate rules, Mason’s Rules, and custom require ethics proceedings to be completed before expulsion, and that the Senate should not act on her criminal case. They also emphasized that the Senate’s priority should be passing a budget and continuing to work under the chamber’s power-sharing agreement. The expulsion effort did not succeed. After debate and a procedural vote, Senate Democrats voted to keep Mitchell in the Senate, and leaders said the matter would remain unresolved until her court and ethics proceedings move forward. Republicans indicated they may continue to raise the issue, while DFL leaders said they would focus on governing and expected the chamber to reorganize if control changes after the upcoming election.

Transcript Highlights:

• We took up a study in 2015 that looked at the child welfare workforce.
• Based on what we found from those study findings around the mental health and well-being of workers,
• their workload, and other issues that they're facing, we were able to work with our legislative partners
• This also stemmed from the FSPSF longitudinal study that only about 20% of workers were coming in from
• Having done the legislation to start this whole project, I'm just thrilled to see where it has grown

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:06.760> with legislation with legislation with um<00:35:09.800> line<00:35:10.200
• that asked me to file this legislation that asked me to file this legislation and<01:38:15.639><
• are you aware of any other legislation are you aware of any other legislation all<04:57:33.878><
• <05:32:09.000> by the 2023 restated the period study by the 2023 restated the period study
• committee, which seems to indicate that it is clearly looking for legislation out of the study committee

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee heard testimony on House Bill 71, which would bar public elementary and secondary schools and higher education facilities from being used as shelters for certain non-citizens, with a stated exception for short-term emergency sheltering of up to 72 hours and for community-wide emergency use. Prime sponsor Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia said the bill was modeled on federal and out-of-state proposals and was prompted by examples in New York and Massachusetts where schools or other facilities were used as shelters, causing disruption. She argued the bill does not truly “ban” anything, but instead places a condition on receipt of state funds, and said the fiscal note’s projected loss of federal funding was unsupported and should have been described as undeterminable. Committee members questioned the bill’s scope and practical effects, including whether it would apply to vacant school-owned buildings, schools used during summer, charter schools, and situations where other states send people without advance notice. Harvey-Bolia said vacant buildings not functioning as schools would not be covered, and that the bill would still allow short-term emergency sheltering and community-wide use during weather events. She also said the bill would not prevent remote learning, and that its purpose was to avoid displacing students. Several members pressed her on the fiscal note and whether any federal or state program would actually be at risk; she said she found no evidence that funding would be lost and that DHHS had not identified a real threat. A witness from the New Hampshire Association of School Administrators, Jerry FW, raised practical concerns about who would determine eligibility at a shelter site, how the 72-hour limit would be enforced, and whether the bill would apply to charter schools. He also noted that remote learning is no longer an option in New Hampshire, making one of the bill’s stated concerns less relevant. The discussion also included clarification of the terms “refugee” and “asylum seeker,” with members and the sponsor debating the distinction and whether refugees are vetted. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted to recognize my, um, legislative assistant Kentin Ye.
• Third reading of legislation.
• I can send you those studies. I've just quoted some of them.
• It was a feasibility study.
• that have already been studied.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been studying stress and the nervous system and mental health disorders for many decades.
• And, like it says, that takes 20... ...the people that are actually studied are normal people.
• So these are devastating effects that have been understudied, and I totally agree we need to study it
• more. ...have been understudied, and I totally agree we need to study it more, give better evidence
• , door-to-door, robust study.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:04.959> assistants committee legislative assistants committee legislative assistants
• Uh, I'm not going to reiterate the studies that are going to be conducted in here.
• Paul includes sitting in on the Legislative Audit Commission.
• Paul includes sitting in on the Legislative Audit Commission.
• about this sort of odd legislative about this sort of odd legislative session<00:17:47.280> we're

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The staff here was Instrumental in figuring out how to navigate this problem in a way of legislation,
• I am well aware of that study. I've looked through it.
• Just faith, we have to be very careful when we're putting legislation.
• That's why you have to come up with this legislation. I say, what would you say?
• I've either met with you or your legislative aides, who probably know us by...

Transcript Highlights:

• Terry is my new legislative director and will be a primary focus on supporting this commission.
• So we... ...we also check the work in the sense with recidivism studies.
• So we typically publish recidivism studies that are three years out or one year.
• They are one-year recidivism studies that focus on those core need areas.
• I've even talked to some legislators who have proposed, as far as legislation on it as well.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission approved the July 11 minutes and then received a detailed follow-up presentation from the Department of Correction on facility footprint, mission-driven housing, programming, and technology. Commissioner Jenkins and Deputy Commissioner Peterson explained recent and planned facility changes, including the closures of Walpole, MCI Cedar Junction, and MCI Concord, the transition of the Plymouth Section 35/Mass Act program to Health and Human Services, the return of Bay State to DOC control for possible future use, and the Shattuck Hospital move to East Newton Pavilion. Members asked about operational capacity, the exclusion of support beds from occupancy figures, and the status of mothballed or unused facilities. Framingham drew particular attention because of its historically low women’s population and planned renovations; members raised concerns about the cost and the need to consider the broader women’s correctional system. A major portion of the meeting focused on mission-driven units and evidence-based programming. DOC described specialized units for health services, nursing care, clinical stabilization, mental health, residential treatment, protective custody, reentry, emerging adults, education, and substance use recovery, and noted that security threat group support beds are not used. Staff explained the distinction between general population beds and support beds, and between programming and treatment. They said core recidivism-reduction programs are based on risk-need responsivity and COMPAS assessments, with Spectrum Health Systems as the current vendor, and presented recidivism data showing lower reoffending among participants who completed programs such as violence reduction, criminal thinking, and the Correctional Recovery Academy. For women, they highlighted the pathways model at MCI Framingham, which combines trauma-informed, gender-responsive services, and reported strong outcomes for those engaged for at least 26 weeks. Members asked about how needs are identified and counted, how declinations are handled, and how the department distinguishes completion from ongoing maintenance. DOC said participation is voluntary, individuals are re-recommended over time, and completion is recorded in the system when criteria are met. They also discussed educational supports for learning disabilities and trauma, including IEP/504 coordination, tutoring, and a new school psychologist for testing. Questions were raised about family reunification programming, and DOC pointed to family-focused services, mediation, Read to Me Mommy, and the Brave unit for young fathers. Sheriff Cabral and Sheriff Cochie praised the presentation and emphasized the importance of family reunification and the realities of trauma in incarcerated people’s lives. The final section highlighted the expanded use of tablets across all facilities. DOC said tablets now support free phone calls, emails, video visits, surveys, educational content, medical updates, sick-call requests, and an earned-good-time app, while also helping with communication during facility closures and with ongoing programming. Staff said the tablets are used both for learning and recreation, and that more than half of the incarcerated population uses them monthly for educational purposes. Members discussed whether user feedback or “reviews” of programs could help increase participation, and DOC said tablet-based surveys make that possible. The meeting ended with general agreement that the department has expanded programming and technology substantially and is using them to support reentry, communication, and facility operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• With respect to Senate Bill 18, this piece of legislation has the potential... Yes.
• We are in support of the legislation. We're not always inclined to... ...the legislation.
• But this legislation does not describe.
• Is that for the study to make the program work?
• So that basically would answer your question if this was to continue with the study.

Bills: SB47, SB110, SB122, SB143, SB168

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, bosque management, Rio Grande, environmental protection, water resources, fiscal appropriation, drinking water, well owners, water testing, water treatment, public health, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture