Transcript Highlights:

• Looks good. to maintain a roster and be at a level to maintain a roster and be at a level where<00:25
• And those power four level schools.
• young women that are division one level. young women that are division one level.
• <01:11:16.239> and continue to compete at this level and continue to compete at this level
• lose at a much more frequent level. lose at a much more frequent level.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House-Senate higher education briefing focused on how the University of Hawaii athletics department plans to remain competitive in the NIL era, especially as the House settlement and related changes allow new forms of athlete compensation. Chair and Senator Kim opened by framing the issue as balancing competitiveness, sustainability, compliance, and UH’s educational mission. Coaches Laura Beeman and Timmy Chang described how NIL and the transfer portal are already affecting recruiting and retention, with Beeman saying women’s basketball has lost six to 10 recruits because UH cannot yet match offers, and Chang citing examples of players being courted with large sums and the need to retain proven local and out-of-state athletes. Both emphasized that student-athletes should still prioritize education, culture, and team values, while also receiving support that helps them stay at UH. Athletic Director Matt Elliott then outlined UH’s broader strategy. He said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the highest level of the Mountain West, and strengthen the bond with the community. He described NIL as having moved from a largely unregulated period to a new phase in which institutions can directly control some NIL payments, while outside deals still must be reviewed for fair market value. Elliott said UH wants to use NIL to help athletes cover basic needs and build financial stability, while also keeping them academically on track. He noted the department is pursuing fundraising, including a “Boost the Bose” account, corporate sponsorships, and licensing deals, to support NIL opportunities. In response to questions from Senator Kim, Elliott clarified that UH’s approach involves both institution-controlled payments and outside NIL deals: internal payments can be structured at the department’s discretion within the cap, while external sponsor deals must go through NIL Go and meet market-value standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are here to learn how to run for office at the local level or at the state level or maybe even beyond
• They are here to learn how to run for office at the local level or at the state level or maybe even beyond
• level then this is this is appropriate. level then this is this is appropriate.
• We don't have the at a national level.
• well a district does, um have that level well a district does, um have that level of<01:00:32.720

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh so federal grants to the local level.
• A lot of that goes to the local<00:25:56.159> level. local level. local level.
• Um, these products are dangerous and they're being looked at at the federal level.
• Um, these products are dangerous and they're being looked at at the federal level.
• Um, these products are dangerous and they're being looked at at the federal level.

Bills: SF0071, SF0088, SF0056

Keywords: homeland security, search and rescue, grants, emergency response, Wyoming, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, public safety, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, kratom, regulation, healthcare, age restrictions, manufacturing standards, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are responsible for, what level of funding is needed to achieve health and safety licensing, what level
• <00:10:25.519> of about program supports and level of about program supports and level of
• programs are responsible for, what level programs are responsible for, what level of<00:10:34.800
• <00:10:38.160> of and safety licensing, what level of and safety licensing, what level of
• <00:10:44.640> of support and advice on those levels of support and advice on those levels

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh see I I I come to that level. Uh see I I I come to that level.
• level.
• So, everything's on the same level. So, everything's on the same level.
• . mean some second levels. mean some second levels.
• and that's a level of facility and that's a level of facility and that's a level of technology they

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Could we please try just stopping letting students have cell phones at the middle level?
• Do you have staff and parent buy-in on this, or some level of resistance?
• elementary and secondary school levels elementary and secondary school levels having<00:52:56.760
• about that and the high school level about that and the high school level schools<01:04:08.640><
• Godfrey. make policy decisions at the local level make policy decisions at the local level is<01:16:50.320

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Education Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate File 508, a bill to restrict cell phone use in schools. Senator Mann said the proposal was based on roundtables with school districts across the state and on reports from other states, and argued that cell phones are harming student attention, mental health, classroom culture, and student-teacher relationships. She said K-8 restrictions are broadly supported, while high school policies should be more flexible, and emphasized that districts should control implementation. The bill also includes funding for education efforts around why the restrictions are being adopted and how students can use technology responsibly. Testifiers largely supported the bill or the general goal of limiting cell phone use. Dr. Anna Tyranny, a parent and licensed psychologist, said cell phones and social media can contribute to anxiety, poor concentration, cyberbullying, and inappropriate sharing, and urged a balanced approach that includes digital literacy education. St. Cloud Area Public Schools Superintendent Laori Pam and Tech High School staff member Molly Kenzie described their district’s policies, which keep phones away for the day in elementary and middle school and restrict them during class in high school. They cited U.S. Department of Education guidance, research on mental health and sleep disruption, and the need for age-appropriate, equitable, and consistently communicated policies. St. Cloud reported that its middle school policy, piloted and then expanded districtwide, led to a 50% reduction in cell phone discipline referrals and fewer classroom power struggles. The district said high school violations remain concentrated in certain grades, especially ninth and eleventh, and that it continues to address the issue through PBIS teams. No vote or final committee action on the bill was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Affordable housing programs remain level funded at $286.4 million.
• This includes $165.7 million... ...level funded at $286.4 million.
• That's handled at the full committee level and conference level. Representative Henson.
• and conference level.
• We are contributing at all levels. We are in the state, in the state house.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• senator continued, asking whether a community that absorbs the impact of a student who needs that level
• <00:16:17.279> of<00:16:17.839> Aid that um level of Aid that um level of Aid um<00
• So then are those 50% who are, um, considered, you know, below the level for free and reduced lunch?
• children but also will not have to level children but also will not have to remove<00:37:18.160>
• that we have on for the partisan level that we have on these<00:37:34.520> discussions<00:37:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As of now, there is no ongoing funding at the levels that were appropriated previously for CWDB.
• Yeah, so, I mean, I can give you just a high-level update about the...
• Yeah, so, I mean, I can give you just a high-level update about the...
• This needs to be addressed at the legislative policy level. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, ma'am.
• Over the past two years, we've seen labor rights at the federal level...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's not the same level of educational discussion. Thank you. Thank you.
• Herd immunity levels, that people make knowledgeable decisions.
• We're responsible for population-level outcomes.
• We're responsible for population-level outcomes.
• We're responsible for population-level outcomes.

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills. SB 1082 would let providers or insurers in state-regulated commercial plans opt into the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims, with a late-filed amendment clarifying access to the state program in certain circumstances. The bill sponsor and emergency physicians said the measure would reduce litigation and improve payment resolution; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168 would centralize background screening work for the care provider clearinghouse at the Agency for Health Care Administration and update related screening rules, including sealed and expunged records for qualified entities. The sponsor said the change would speed turnaround and reduce duplication; an amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1156 would move ambulatory surgical center regulation out of Chapter 395 into a standalone section of law, and it was reported favorably without amendment. SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designations change, allowing them to continue seeing current patients and potentially new patients in their existing area subject to board oversight. The committee heard support from health system representatives and reported the bill favorably. The final and most debated measure, SB 1756 on medical freedom, would require vaccine education materials and alternative schedules, expand school immunization exemptions to conscience-based objections, clarify limits on emergency vaccination orders, and allow pharmacists to dispense ivermectin behind the counter with written information. The sponsor and supporters framed it as parental choice and access, while physicians, public health advocates, cancer advocates, and parents of immunocompromised children warned it would lower vaccination rates and increase disease risk. The committee adopted a liability-related amendment, rejected a substitute amendment that would have required consultation for exemptions, and continued hearing public testimony opposing the bill; the transcript ends before final action on SB 1756.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our office has three high-level comments about the community college budget.
• So both of those are below generally recommended levels of reserves.
• We can't continue to grow at that same level.
• And that's the level of planning that we're doing.
• We are at near pre-COVID levels in our classroom.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By reducing taxes over years, we are giving local governments time to adjust to new revenue levels and
• So this is trying to right size government back to levels where they should be.
• On line 168 of the amendment it says 'funding below a specified level.' What is a specified level?
• Representative Miller: It is the 2026-2027 or 2025-26 level, whichever is higher.
• Representative Miller: This is a minimum level. Chair: Representative Eskamani.

Transcript Highlights:

• all about the liberty on this one, the freedom for the local government, getting down to the base level
• Much on the same concern that I have is, you know, at the state level, we should be asking ourselves
• So it does move that to the state level. So that is our primary opposition.
• So I'm... ...level, let the consumer decide.
• There is no law at the state level to preempt.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Commerce Committee reconvened to continue testimony on House Bill 2085, which would preempt local regulation of the sale of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products and establish a statewide standard. The bill sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the measure is intended to create uniform rules for retailers, protect small businesses from a patchwork of local ordinances, and preserve existing local zoning authority. Several members questioned whether the bill’s language was too broad or vague, especially as to whether it could affect zoning near schools or other sensitive locations, and the sponsor said zoning was not the intent and should remain local. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Missouri Vape and Alternative Products Association, Ware Brands, Warrant’s, the Missouri Grocers Association, Maverick Convenience Stores, and the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association. Supporters argued that local flavor bans or other restrictions would harm small businesses, create compliance problems, and push sales into neighboring jurisdictions. They also said federal Tobacco 21 rules already govern sales to minors, and that the bill should be read as a statewide sales standard rather than a public health measure. One supporter emphasized that retailers already comply with FDA enforcement and that inconsistent local rules create operational burdens. Opposition came from the Missouri Public Health Association and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, which said local tobacco regulations have helped prevent youth smoking and that the bill could invite litigation over existing ordinances and limit future local public health action. Committee members raised concerns about local control, public health, and the bill’s wording, while the sponsor clarified that the bill would preempt state and local standards on the sale of tobacco products where the state has already acted, but would not require every locality to adopt a 21-year-old purchase age. An informational witness from MOST Policy Initiative described health risks associated with vaping, flavored products, and youth nicotine use. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after taking all testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• That revenue certainly doesn't appear to be any at the federal level right now.
• You know, I too watch how people are hired at the local level, and Pizza Hut, for example.
• I don't want to depend on a 40-hour worker at that wage level.
• And so to speak, I would say the least skilled, entry-level type people.
• Increases, but not matching what we've seen at the national level.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we do see legislation signed into law at the federal level before this bill heads to the governor,
• If we do see legislation signed into law at the federal level before this bill heads to the governor,
• If our current protections were working, we wouldn't be seeing this level of harm.
• It sets a clear floor, not a ceiling, and levels the playing field for honest contractors and honest
• when we can't really rely on what's happening at the federal level.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear several bills focused on consumer and small business financial protections. SB 97, by Senator Grayson, would update and clarify California’s digital financial assets law; supporters from the blockchain industry and consumer groups said it would improve compliance clarity while preserving room to align with possible federal action. The committee passed SB 97 on a due-pass motion to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee also heard SB 362, which would strengthen disclosure rules for small business financing by requiring clearer pricing information throughout the marketing process. Supporters said the bill would help small businesses compare offers and avoid harmful financing, while some industry groups objected to the bill’s treatment of communications and APR disclosures during negotiations. After discussion, the committee passed SB 362 to the Judiciary Committee, with several members voting aye and the roll left open. SB 784, a bill addressing predatory home-improvement and solar financing practices, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters described scams targeting seniors, low-income homeowners, and non-English speakers, and said the bill would add safeguards such as confirmation calls, document access, fee transparency, and longer cancellation periods. Solar industry groups moved to neutral after amendments, while banks and other lenders raised concerns about overbreadth and impacts on legitimate lending. The committee passed SB 784 to Judiciary, with some members not voting or changing votes during the roll call. Finally, SB 825 sought to give the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation clearer authority to enforce existing consumer financial protection laws against its licensees, especially in light of reduced federal CFPB enforcement. Supporters argued California needs independent state enforcement tools, while banking and mortgage groups opposed the bill as duplicative and unnecessary, urging coordination with federal regulators and proposing narrower amendments. The committee passed SB 825 to Appropriations on a due-pass vote, and then adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even very low levels can impact children's health and development.
• And the levels that—I'd actually like to take this opportunity to clarify—the levels set in that Attorney
• So for baby food, they have used the EU levels in the absence of FDA levels while those are being set
• of arsenic that were just under the EU level, or almost twice the level for drinking water.
• I don't believe that there's a cadence to recreate that level of effort.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:12.800> and the reduction in the tax level and the reduction in the tax level and directed
• Try to keep it simple rather than having multiple levels.
• And so they get to do that next level review.
• so they get to do that next level so they get to do that next level review. review. review.
• <00:47:07.640> security pretty much the highest level security pretty much the highest level

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on May 29 and approved the draft minutes. DHHS Commissioner Weaver then opened the department update by asking Medicaid Director Henry Litman to brief members on federal and state Medicaid changes, and later turned to DHHS Chief Operating Officer David Weathers for an update on data governance. Members also asked that acronyms be spelled out in future materials and requested a follow-up on the federal Medicaid rule once it is published. Litman reviewed several federal Medicaid provisions tied to HR 1/"OBBA" and related state implementation issues. He said the first major change would be restrictions on certain non-citizens’ Medicaid coverage, affecting about 400 people in New Hampshire, with notices likely 30 to 60 days before the effective date. He also discussed new work requirements/community engagement rules, saying New Hampshire is on track to implement them and will likely need a state plan amendment rather than an 1115 waiver. Other changes included shorter retroactive coverage periods, a new state option for certain community-based services with an estimated $740,000 in implementation support, a freeze and phased-down reduction in the Medicaid enhancement tax beginning in state fiscal year 2029, and limits on directed payments to hospitals after a grandfathering period. He also noted that Medicaid enrollment has fallen from pandemic-era levels, with about 167,000 people covered as of May 1, and that the department is working with CMS on child premiums and other cost-sharing changes approved in HB 2. Committee members asked how the department could plan for the 2029 changes given the number of elections before then, and Litman said federal rules may be adjusted over time as states and stakeholders raise concerns. He emphasized planning for the worst while hoping for the best, and said rural health care transformation funding would help the state prepare. In the second presentation, Weathers explained that data governance is now embedded in DHHS operations to control access, manage reporting, and respond to risk. He defined it as managing what data is collected, how it is used, who can access it, and what laws apply, and said DHHS has moved from governance as a committee to governance as an operational process. He described privacy impact assessments for new systems going into production, monthly privacy and security training, and ongoing review of access controls and data-sharing rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Only up until a certain level, and this has also been recognized federally at the federal level that
• a level, unless it's near that level and you might fear going over, which is quite a bit, I don't know
• a level, unless it's near that level and you might fear going over, which is quite a bit, I don't know
• you're tracking the sugar level you're tracking the sugar level >> uh<00:33:42.000> you
• wines do reach that level. wines do reach that level.

Bills: HB1991, HB1776, HB1897, HB1900

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can help fill gaps when SNAP levels decrease.
• From 1997 to 2002, Massachusetts provided these benefits at the state level.
• , then adjust them yearly to maintain that level.
• Just 50% of the federal poverty level. This is not a luxury.
• An increase to cash assistance grant levels would help with food costs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House Committee on Children and Families held a hybrid hearing on a broad set of anti-hunger, family support, and basic-needs bills. Early testimony focused on SNAP and DTA operations: Rep. DeRosa and others urged passage of H. 196/S. 167 to require DTA to identify staffing, technology, funding, and operational needs to improve timeliness and customer service, warning that unanswered calls, delayed recertifications, and federal changes could sharply raise state costs through higher SNAP administrative burdens and payment-error penalties. Speakers from Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and Project Bread said DTA is under-resourced, caseloads have grown, and families are being denied or delayed due to phone and paperwork barriers. Another major SNAP-related bill, H. 254/S. 147, would require the Commonwealth to replace stolen EBT/SNAP benefits; testimony described more than $13 million stolen from about 27,000 households since June 2022 and argued families should not bear losses from organized theft rings. The committee also heard strong support for H. 207/S. 117, which would restore state-funded nutrition assistance for legally present immigrants excluded from federal SNAP under recent federal changes. Advocates from Project Bread, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, local immigrant services, and public health groups said the federal cuts would leave thousands of residents, including refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking survivors, and children, without food support, and argued Massachusetts has a history of filling this gap. Testimony also supported H. 222/S. 104 to make the Healthy Incentives Program permanent and year-round; supporters said HIP improves nutrition, boosts local farms and regional economies, and had already served more than 212,000 households in FY25. A related child-support bill, H. 201/S. 110, would increase the amount of child support passed through to TAFDC families and expand good-cause exemptions; witnesses said the change would put more money directly in families’ hands, reduce poverty, and better protect survivors of domestic violence and families with complicated co-parenting situations. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to deep-poverty and diaper-related legislation. Supporters of H. 214/S. 118 said cash assistance grants have lost value over time and should be raised annually until they reach half of the federal poverty level; advocates from Children’s HealthWatch, Hopewell, the Lift Our Kids Coalition, and parents described the links between deep poverty, poor child health, family stress, and child welfare involvement. They argued that higher grants would help families meet basic needs, reduce hospitalizations and neglect reports, and provide stability amid federal cuts. Finally, multiple witnesses backed diaper legislation, including H. 220/S. 151 and related bills, to create a diaper benefits pilot and/or diaper allowance commission. Testimony from the National Diaper Bank Network, MassCAP, Children’s HealthWatch, local diaper banks, and parents said diaper need is widespread, affects parental employment and mental health, and can cause health problems for infants; a federally funded pilot in Massachusetts was cited as showing improved employment, financial stability, reduced stress, and fewer diaper rashes. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and asked questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• In third grade, Brody was reading and writing at a kindergarten level.
• We've done everything that we can at the local level.
• We do not have it at the local level.
• We do not have it at the local level.
• Our FY26 budget is over $2 million below level services.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a hearing focused primarily on special education-related bills, with testimony centered on two major themes: transition planning for students aging out of school-based services at age 22, and the fiscal strain special education costs place on districts. Committee members explained hearing procedures, noted the House was in formal session, and periodically stepped out for votes while staff recorded testimony. A separate bill on special education due process was also taken up briefly, along with a bill on special education finance and another on equitable access/data reporting. On House Bill 752 and Senate Bill 313, witnesses from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, self-advocates, and Senator Comerford described the “Turning 22” transition as a crisis point that often leaves families without adult placements, services, or clear communication. Testimony emphasized earlier planning, more accountability, better data collection, and a commission to improve coordination and residential placement. Several parents and advocates shared personal accounts of traumatic transitions, delayed placements, and the need for plans to begin at least a year before age 22. The committee later closed testimony on these bills after hearing from all signed-up speakers. House Bill 4217, on special education due process, drew support from Representative Sullivan-Almeida, parents, and advocates who argued that the burden of proof should shift from families to school districts. Testimony described costly legal battles, delays, and parents having to become experts in reading instruction or hire advocates and attorneys to secure services. Brody Dwyer, a 10-year-old student with dyslexia, and his mother described how evidence-based instruction helped him after years of struggle. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 546/Senate Bill 317, which would require DESE to publish cross-tabulated data on race, disability, gender, income, and other factors; advocates said this would better expose disparities and help address the school-to-prison pipeline. Finally, on House Bill 691/Senate Bill 430, school leaders, educators, and union representatives testified that special education costs are outpacing district budgets and that increasing circuit breaker reimbursement and creating a commission to study long-term sustainability would help prevent staffing cuts and service reductions. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee repeatedly closed testimony on individual bills as speakers finished and moved through the agenda.