Transcript Highlights:

• would say, for violating the requirements of or refusing to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter
• comply with any of the provisions<01:07:21.920> of<01:07:22.040> this<01:07:22.280> chapter
• ><01:07:23.400> or<01:07:23.680> RSA<01:07:24.240> 149M64 provisions of this chapter
• or RSA 149M64 provisions of this chapter or RSA 149M64 not<01:07:27.320> identified<01:07:27.960
• of radiation, and this first section is for the scope, exemptions, and general provisions of that chapter

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the minutes and consent calendar, then moved to the regular calendar of administrative rules. Department of Energy rule 25-220 was postponed until June at the sponsor’s request so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules were then considered, including 25-240, 25-265, and 26-33, each of which drew staff comments mainly about expired rule provisions and the agencies’ reliance on federal law, the Medicaid state plan, or other manuals. The committee approved those rules after brief questions, with the agencies stating they were already operating under the relevant federal or state-plan authority and, in one case, that rulemaking was underway to update an expired citation. The most extended discussion was on HHS Bureau of Aging rule 25-304, which had an amended conditional approval request. Staff explained the amendments clarified how case management agencies accept or deny cases, how telehealth participation is evaluated, and that the department sets the timing for accepting or denying cases under its existing authority. Staff also noted a separate issue about whether reimbursement rates must be in rule, but said the agency had long interpreted the statute to allow its approach and that any change would likely require legislation rather than committee objection. A provider representative testified against parts of the rule, arguing the case management agencies should not be required to accept referrals before contacting the participant, that telehealth decisions for other providers should remain with those providers, and that the quality-management section was duplicative and burdensome. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language merely allowed case managers to say a service fit the client’s plan or instead gave them authority over another provider’s delivery method. The agency responded that case managers may determine what services an individual needs, but should not control how another licensed provider delivers those services. The discussion continued with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• name is Ariana Lee, and I'm the legislative and coalitions director for the Americans for Prosperity chapter
• 22.920> Americans<00:53:23.360> for<00:53:23.480> Prosperity<00:53:24.120> chapter
• the Americans for Prosperity chapter the Americans for Prosperity chapter here<00:53:24.800>
• regulations already reflect cost-benefit analysis is because it was originally in the statute in chapter

Bills: SF856, HF4482, HF3672, HF1234, HF4591, HF3554, HF936

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• and I'm not an attorney, but the way I read it is it says, notwithstanding the provisions in this chapter
• Uh, Chapter 236 says that the moment that you abandon or demolish a sign, the grandfathering is extinguished
• <02:13:41.920> uh<02:13:42.079> chapter >> Uh thank you Mr.
• Chairman. uh chapter >> Uh thank you Mr.
• Chairman. uh chapter 236<02:13:43.199> says<02:13:43.520> that<02:13:43.840> the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 497, a technical correction to last year’s capital budget. Shannon Reid of the Community College System of New Hampshire explained that the bill removes leftover state-agency boilerplate from a repurposed capital appropriation and replaces it with community college language, without changing any dollar amounts. She also described a requested amendment to rename a respiratory therapy renovation appropriation at Nashua Community College as an allied health instructional center, so the space can be used more flexibly for programs such as phlebotomy, radiologic technology, and LNA training. Terry Poff of the General Court then testified on the second part of the bill, which changes legislative space references to support the move of General Court offices from the second floor to the fourth floor of the annex as part of the legislative office building reconfiguration. Members asked whether the community college changes affected funding, and Reid confirmed the amounts do not change and that the bill simply speeds up a correction that otherwise would have been handled later in the lapse process. Poff said the annex space change is part of a permanent transition, though the work cannot proceed until the General Court has legal control of the space. The committee then entered executive session, adopted Amendment 1031H on a 12-0 vote, and voted ought to pass as amended on SB 497 by a 12-0 vote, with several members absent. The bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee next opened a hearing on Senate Bill 529FN, which would give preference to lumber sourced in the United States on state-funded building projects. Representative Davis, introducing the bill for Senator Roachford, argued that New Hampshire timber is disadvantaged by grading rules that treat U.S. lumber differently from Canadian SPF lumber, even when the wood is from similar species and climates. He said the bill is intended to support New Hampshire’s timber industry and that architects and engineers would still be able to specify stronger materials when needed. Committee members questioned whether the bill should instead refer specifically to New Hampshire lumber, how it would be enforced, and what the cost impact would be. Davis and later witness Mike Olette said the issue is tied to industry grading standards rather than a government code, that the bill is meant to create a preference rather than a mandate, and that price differences are hard to pin down because lumber is a commodity. Olette, who lives near the border, testified that New Hampshire logs are often sent to Canada for milling and then return under a different grade, which he said puts New Hampshire loggers and mills at an economic disadvantage.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the conservation issues chair for the McCabe chapter of the Isaac Walton League.
• And I feel we must do the same for the cumulative impacts of lead exposure. chapter of the Isaac Wolton
• My chapter of the Isaac Wolton league.
• I'm the chapter president of one of the Isaac Walton Leagues in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
• I'm the chapter president of one of the Isaac Walton Leagues in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• offenses themselves, uh, I did just want to point out a couple comments with respect to the revisions to chapter
• the<01:04:39.840> uh<01:04:39.960> revisions<01:04:40.480> to<01:04:40.520> chapter
• /c><01:04:40.800> 704<01:04:41.560> cuz<01:04:41.800> we the uh revisions to chapter
• 704 cuz we the uh revisions to chapter 704 cuz we really<01:04:42.160> believe<01:04:42.520><
• the Status of Women. >> Not present, Chair. >> In support, Sterling Morita for Hawaii Professional Chapter

Bills: SB2041

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in Massachusetts it was chapter 766 which drove the special education system. and I'm deeply uh committed
• And in Massachusetts it was chapter 766 which drove the special education system, and went from a system
• 22:07.360> Massachusetts<00:22:08.080> it<00:22:08.240> was<00:22:08.400> chapter
• <00:22:08.799> 766 And in Massachusetts it was chapter 766 And in Massachusetts it was chapter

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• we wish him and his wife Tracy and their two children, Michael and Anne, all the best in the next chapter
• ><00:07:01.759> next and Anne, all the best in the next and Anne, all the best in the next chapter
• chapter. I yield back. chapter. I yield back.
• discovery, and educational excellence during his term, and I wish him the very best as he enters a new chapter

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's basically two, three definitions of electioneering in the entire chapter 63 of RSA, which
• So there's basically two, three definitions of electioneering in the entire chapter 63 of RSA, which
• /c><00:30:41.600> the<00:30:41.760> entire<00:30:42.480> uh<00:30:42.720> chapter
• electioneering in the entire uh chapter electioneering in the entire uh chapter 63<00:30:43.679>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the executive director of the Washington County CDA and also the legislative chair of the Minnesota chapter
• the executive director of the Washington County CDA and also the legislative chair of the Minnesota chapter
• The executive director of the Washington County CDA and also the legislative chair of the Minnesota chapter
• We do have a whole chapter in state statute that has laws related to manufactured housing.
• We do have a whole chapter in state statute that has laws related to manufactured housing.

Bills: HF1143, HF1548, HF1340, HF2549, HF2559, HF1673, HF2740, HF2507, HF2461, HF2381, HF2695

Keywords: education funding, unemployment aid, special education, Minnesota statutes, appropriations, housing, redevelopment, local government, trust funds, community development, HF1340, housing infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, affordable housing, supportive housing, permanent housing, adaptive reuse, area median income, AMI

Transcript Highlights:

• that I think should be at the table: the Building Owners and Managers Association and the Minnesota chapter
• Patrick Hines said he is with the Community Associations Institute, Minnesota chapter, a trade organization
• community associations Institute community associations Institute Minnesota<00:34:33.440> chapter
• which<00:34:34.079> is<00:34:34.159> a<00:34:34.359> Trade Minnesota chapter
• which is a Trade Minnesota chapter which is a Trade Organization<00:34:35.960> um<00:34:36.159

Bills: HF2228, HF46, HF856, HF2149, HF2215

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• let's move on to HB 1141, House Draft 1, relating to updating public land leases issued pursuant to chapter
• leases issued updating public land leases issued pursuant<01:15:07.719> to<01:15:07.960> chapter
• of<01:15:09.639> the<01:15:09.920> HRS<01:15:10.920> and pursuant to chapter
• 171 of the HRS and pursuant to chapter 171 of the HRS and this<01:15:11.480> requires<01:15:12.080
• 08.280> the HB 1141, House Draft 1, relating to updating public land leases issued pursuant to chapter

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the way our statute, I cannot point you to chapter and verse, but my understanding is our current
• But the way our statute, I cannot point you to chapter and verse, but my understanding is our current
• But the way our statute, I cannot point you to chapter and verse, but my understanding is our current
• But the way our statute, I cannot point you to chapter and verse, but my understanding is our current
• But the way our statute, I cannot point you to chapter and verse, but my understanding is our current

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 43, a proposal tied to the Southern Regional Education Board’s crisis recovery network. Senator West and Dr. Puit explained that, for an additional $10,000 in dues, Kentucky would help create a network of 40 trained counselors in each of the 16 Southern states to provide post-crisis stabilization and psychological first aid after events such as the Marshall County shooting. They emphasized that the effort would be complementary to local and state response, would run through the school district, would not replace therapeutic services, and would allow districts to coordinate parent notifications and other protocols as usual. Members asked about parent involvement and whether pastoral counselors could participate; the presenters said local districts would remain in charge and that pastors could be included if properly credentialed. The committee then voted, and SCR 43 passed with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up Senate Bill 207, the School of Innovation Act, with a committee substitute. Senator West described the bill as creating an optional path for districts to contract with an outside education service provider for a three-year school-of-innovation model, aimed at turning around low-performing schools or supporting other schools that want to innovate. He said the model would preserve core district functions such as transportation, facilities, and SEEK funding, while allowing waivers from certain statutes and regulations inside the school building. The committee substitute also added a high-quality instructional materials component, creating a vendor-supported repository of vetted instructional materials that KDE would still control, with testing data used to evaluate whether the materials were improving outcomes. Members questioned how the proposal differed from existing district-of-innovation law and what safeguards would exist for students. Senator West said the bill would repeal the unused district-of-innovation framework and replace it with a clearer process and guardrails, including KDE oversight, attendance rules, and authority to shut down a school arrangement for financial malfeasance. He also said the model could work with local partners, including superintendents’ associations, and could be used by magnet or other schools, not only low-performing ones. The discussion also touched on whether the bill would allow more flexibility in choosing third-party providers and whether it could support longer-term recovery and even philanthropy in schools. The transcript ends during the discussion of SB 207, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Fire Code has a number of access requirements; it's Chapter 18.
• has a number of access<01:05:01.920> requirements<01:05:02.440> it's<01:05:02.599> chapter
• <01:05:03.160> 18<01:05:04.160> um access requirements it's chapter 18 um access requirements
• it's chapter 18 um essentially<01:05:04.880> the<01:05:05.039> road<01:05:05.319> has
• conflicts with RSA 483-B:3, II, which says, quote, when the standards and practices established in this chapter

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the last thing I'll say before we take questions is in Section 8, this creates a new section of KRS Chapter
• the last thing I'll say before we take questions is in Section 8, this creates a new section of KRS Chapter
• this creates a new section of<00:15:58.319> uh<00:15:58.480> Caris<00:15:59.079> chapter
• 205<00:16:00.240> to<00:16:00.480> require<00:16:00.959> the of uh Caris chapter
• 205 to require the of uh Caris chapter 205 to require the department<00:16:01.480> of<00:16:01.639

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:19 Discussion of 25RS HB 785 00:30:25 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 785 00:32:15 Discussion of 25RS HB 61 00:36:42 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 61 00:38:07 Discussion of 25RS HB 788 00:51:01 Discussion of 25RS SB 14 01:11:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 685 01:44:57 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language. Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions. Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm speaking, one, as a representative of the Hawaii chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and
• doing what they're saying, and that's why the American Academy of Pediatrics is doing, like other chapters
• doing what they're saying, and that's why the American Academy of Pediatrics is doing, like other chapters
• doing what they're saying, and that's why the American Academy of Pediatrics is doing, like other chapters
• doing what they're saying, and that's why the American Academy of Pediatrics is doing, like other chapters

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing of Senate and House committees focused on restricted use pesticides in Hawaiʻi, with opening remarks framing the issue as one of health, environmental impact, and state-level regulation. The briefing reviewed the history of pesticide disclosure efforts, including prior county actions, a 2016 court ruling that shifted responsibility to the state, and Act 45, which enabled disclosure of restricted use pesticide data. Speakers highlighted 2019 reporting data showing concentrated use in parts of Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, especially near schools and communities, and identified fumigants such as 1,3-dichloropropene and metam sodium as among the heaviest-used products. Concerns were raised about potential links to cancer, respiratory illness, reproductive harms, Parkinson’s disease, and developmental effects, as well as the lack of long-term mixture studies and the need for better buffer zones, reporting, and farmer transition support. The Department of Agriculture’s pesticides program manager described the state’s regulatory framework, explaining the distinction between general use and restricted use pesticides and the department’s role under FIFRA and Hawaiʻi law. He outlined the branch’s enforcement, education/certification, registration, and laboratory functions, including inspections, complaint response, market surveillance, applicator certification, product review, groundwater protection modeling, and special registrations. He also noted staffing and resource limitations, including the absence of an in-house toxicologist and long-term monitoring capacity, and compared Hawaiʻi’s resources to California’s much larger pesticide regulatory program. He said the department supports Act 231, which was passed the previous year and is moving forward this session. A pediatrician speaking for the Hawaiʻi chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasized concerns about chronic low-level pesticide exposure in children, citing AAP policy statements and technical reports that associate exposure with cancer, leukemia, birth defects, neurobehavioral issues, and asthma. Drawing on work with the Kauaʻi Joint Fact Finding Task Force, the speaker said the group found the west side of the island to be an unhealthy community but could not prove causation because of missing drift, geospatial, and biomarker data. The testimony pointed to elevated cancer mortality, pneumonia admissions, obesity, dialysis, and developmental delay indicators, and described concerns about pesticide drift near schools and homes, including reports of children becoming ill after nearby spraying and low levels of chlorpyrifos detected in dust samples. An environmental health scientist from the University of Hawaiʻi described a pilot project using restricted use pesticide data in a public health context. She said the project began after seeing maps of Central Oʻahu pesticide use and aimed to pair GIS data with health and ethnicity data, while also conducting community focus groups. Preliminary focus group themes included calls to action, voting and policymaker awareness, concern about pesticide use near homes and fields, lack of community consent, and a desire to stay engaged. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I always read the last chapter of the book first and then I read the book.
• :45:32.960> last to do the end I always read the last to do the end I always read the last chapter
• 45:34.079> first<00:45:34.800> and<00:45:34.960> then<00:45:35.119> I chapter
• of the book first and then I chapter of the book first and then I read<00:45:35.480> the<00:45
• language That this group addressed that language, but in fact it's usually a de novo review of the chapter

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we're removing that section and then making it broad for the entire chapter, so the same language
• It's simply being applied for any violation under the chapter, under, or the fine is under $1,000, so
• It says that the wealth tax would be imposed at the same time period as the income tax under chapter
• <00:33:11.279> income<00:33:11.679> tax<00:33:12.000> under<00:33:12.240> chapter
• c><00:33:12.799> 235<00:33:13.799> so<00:33:14.000> our The income tax under Chapter

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Veronica Adams, and I am the lead statewide organizer for the [AFSCME Texas Chapter 12](link
• My name is Veronica Adams, and I am the lead statewide organizer for the [AFSCME Texas Chapter 12](link
• Cyrus Reed: Yes, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.
• Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. Apologies for being a few minutes late.
• Cyrus Reed: Yes, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed amendments for HB 830 is to adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 to implement this
• with chapter 91 to implement<04:09:00.880> this<04:09:01.520> act<04:09:02.520> uh<
• This would cover proceedings arising out of chapter 560, which is like the probate and guardianship stuff
• would cover proceedings arising out this would cover proceedings arising out of<05:05:22.680> chapter
• 560 which is like the probate of chapter 560 which is like the probate U<05:05:25.840> the<05

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I would note that RSA 374-H, which is referenced in section three of the bill, is a chapter about
• Um, I would note that RSA 374-H, which is referenced in section three of the bill, is a chapter about
• Um, I would note that RSA 374-H, which is referenced in section three of the bill, is a chapter about
• Um, and so that seems to be the appropriate thing that is needed in the net metering chapter because
• <05:07:26.320> because in the net metering chapter because in the net metering chapter because

Keywords: 1189, house, all