Video & Transcript : 'gasoline standards' :
Page 209 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- A little bit of context behind the comments of the bill sponsor: more or less, state standard is a 30
- </c> sponsor um more or less state standard sponsor um more or less state standard is<00:40:47.760><c
- And so I come today and support this bill in hopes for some standardization across the state to simply
- And so I come today and support this bill in hopes for some standardization across the state to simply
- There's no standardization at all. Every town has a different type of zoning and zoning ordinances.
Committee:
Senate Commerce
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- that some local governments already are using these, and so we're just requiring that they have standardized
- examiners from the governor to the Medical Examiners Commission, clarifies that the Criminal Justice Standards
- amends various sections of Chapter 943 to clarify that curriculum is approved by the Criminal Justice Standards
- examiners from the governor to the Medical Examiners Commission, clarifies that the Criminal Justice Standards
- amends various sections of Chapter 943 to clarify that curriculum is approved by the Criminal Justice Standards
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard and approved several bills. SB 504 and its related public records bill SB 506, both by Sen. Burgess, would allow local governments to authorize code enforcement officers to use body cameras under standardized policies and create a public records exemption for certain recordings; members raised questions about disclosure and when cameras may be used, and both bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 32 and SB 210 by Sen. Sharif, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and extending public records protections to petitions under that injunction category. Supporters included law enforcement, women’s advocacy groups, and justice organizations.
The committee then favorably reported SB 676 by Sen. Arrington, which creates a graduated penalty structure for adults who involve minors in certain animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties related to fighting or baiting animals. SB 432 by Sen. Yarbrough was also approved; it adds certain concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I, exempts FDA-approved veterinary xylazine products, creates penalties for candy-like xylazine products, and establishes trafficking penalties for xylazine. Sen. Osgood spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing the dangers of adulterated street drugs for people with substance use disorder.
Finally, the committee approved SB 524 by Sen. Simon, which makes a series of technical and administrative changes affecting the Medical Examiners Commission, district medical examiner appointments, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, and notice procedures for administrative complaints. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement appeared in support. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 04/17/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> compliance with system standards. compliance with system standards.
- requires a standardized statewide uh standardized<01:25:29.280><c> statewide</c><01:25:29.760><c> citation
- </c><01:25:30.320><c> format</c> standardized statewide citation format standardized statewide citation
- ><c> essential</c> The standardized framework is essential The standardized framework is essential to
- </c><02:33:32.560><c> for</c> this creates a higher standard for this creates a higher standard for defense
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- But that's our standard.
- So 120 days is our standard.
- Is it standard practice to do a disclosure?
- And is that pretty standard across the industry, or are you folks the exception?
- Yeah, Robin, I think it is standard.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence commission meeting focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with members and presenters discussing how the model works, consumer protections, and areas for future review. After member introductions, Jennifer Fuller summarized survey results showing the top priorities as financial viability and affordability, consumer protections and rights, and regulation/monitoring standards. The commission said those issues would guide its work plan, while also keeping staffing, definitions, and federal support on the radar.
Alyssa Sherman of LeadingAge Massachusetts and Jim Freiling of Brookhaven at Lexington gave a detailed overview of CCRCs, explaining that they combine housing with health-related services under long-term contracts and typically require entrance fees plus monthly fees. They described the three common contract types: Type A/life care, where costs stay relatively stable if residents need more care; Type B, which offers some included or discounted care with higher costs later; and Type C, fee-for-service, with lower entrance fees but higher costs if care needs increase. They also discussed nonprofit governance, resident involvement, and the role of state and Attorney General disclosure requirements. Several members raised concerns about affordability, refund timing, and the need to distinguish true CCRCs from other senior housing marketed similarly; presenters said refunds are often tied to reoccupancy and that their organizations are collecting data on refund timelines and contract terms.
The discussion also covered resident rights and governance, including whether residents should have seats on nonprofit boards. Christine Griffin said her community lacks resident board representation and urged the commission to consider a state requirement, while others said resident associations and direct engagement with boards can be more effective than mandatory board seats. Members also discussed transparency around monthly fee increases, financial screening before admission, and the importance of clear marketing so consumers understand what they are buying. No votes were taken. The meeting ended with logistical updates, including a tentative public hearing date of June 3, 2025, a note that the next meeting would focus on regulation and monitoring standards, and a reminder that the commission would continue refining its work plan based on survey feedback.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- CRNAs and physician anesthesiologists provide the same services at the same standard of care.
- CRNAs and physician anesthesiologists provide the same services at the same standard of care.
- In 1986, the federal omnibus budget conciliation, At the same standard of care.
- Additionally, we strongly support the establishment of standardization and rules to reduce or eliminate
- The outcomes are the same, as I referred to, and we're following the same standard of care.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on several health care access and insurance-related bills, with most testimony focused on H.1136 to improve the prior authorization process. The Massachusetts Medical Society, Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Health Care for All, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, physicians, and hospital representatives all supported the bill, arguing that prior authorization delays care, increases administrative burden, contributes to clinician burnout, and can worsen patient outcomes. Witnesses described examples involving delayed cancer treatment, diabetes care, COPD medication, shingles pain treatment, and hospital discharge delays. They said the bill would preserve prior authorization but add guardrails such as longer validity periods, continuity-of-care protections, faster responses for urgent care, clearer lists of services requiring authorization, and more transparency and standardization.
The committee also heard testimony on H.1142/S.783 regarding equitable reimbursement for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), with Senator Lovely and CRNA advocates supporting parity with physician anesthesiologists. They said CRNAs provide the same services at the same standard of care, but private insurers sometimes reimburse them at lower rates than physicians, which they argued is inconsistent with federal and state policy and harms access. Senator Keenan testified in support of a bill addressing claim denials and appeals, saying insurers should provide clearer explanations, time to resubmit claims, and timely appeal responses. Dr. Lorraine Schratz supported H.1126 to align state patient disclosure requirements with federal No Surprises Act rules, and Dr. Michael Trimbley supported H.1120 to recognize direct primary care as not being insurance and to encourage primary care participation.
The committee also heard testimony on H.1140/S.801 to remove barriers to patient care by updating insurance statutes to reflect nurse practitioners’ full practice authority, and on H.1168/S.A.18 to eliminate the PCP referral requirement for specialty gynecological care. Witnesses on those bills described delays and denials affecting autism diagnosis, nutrition coverage, and endometriosis care, and said the proposals would reduce unnecessary barriers and improve timely access. After testimony and a few member questions, the chair closed the hearing; no votes were taken during the session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- counties are required to provide vote centers and ballot drop-off locations with minimum access standards
- We're intending to codify those standards and then clarify them. Putting that into state law.
- We're intending to codify those standards and then clarify them.
- I mean, these are recognizable, pretty standard abbreviations that we'll be authorizing in this bill.
- Second, we support the California Voting Rights Act standard as the standard, which means 5% or 10,000
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding polling-place buffer zones, limiting certain law enforcement activity near polling sites, increasing ballot drop boxes and vote center access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline; supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult and costly. The bill was amended in committee to allow county supervisors discretion over expanding the buffer zone and to permit law enforcement entry for crimes against persons or property. It was ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote after members’ roll calls were completed later in the day. SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes would expand California voting-rights protections by codifying and broadening anti-dilution and anti-suppression rules, adding preclearance for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to favor voting access; it drew strong support from civil rights and voting-rights groups, while one city raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. The committee advanced the bill to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote after later roll call completion.
The committee also considered SB 900 by Senator McNerney, which would streamline political advertisement disclosures by shortening required disclaimer language, allowing standard abbreviations, and increasing the number of top funders disclosed on political mailers from three to five. Supporters from the outdoor advertising industry and campaign finance reform groups said the bill would preserve transparency while making disclosures more readable; it passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. In contrast, SB 1225 and its companion SCA 3 by Senator Niello would transfer responsibility for drafting ballot titles and summaries for initiatives and referenda from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Supporters argued this would improve neutrality and public trust, while opponents said the current elected Attorney General system is accountable and efficient; both measures were advanced on narrow votes after roll calls were completed later.
Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, would expand language-access requirements for election materials by lowering the threshold for coverage, adding a petition process, and extending protections beyond current federal language categories. Voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups strongly supported the bill, while county election officials opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the precinct-based determination model and implementation details. The committee passed SB 1360 to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote after the later roll call. The committee also approved a consent calendar of seven measures at the start of the hearing.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- attempting to prescribe voter qualifications contrary to state law, and A3 prohibits imposing rules, standards
- , or practices for conducting election and A3 prohibits imposing rules, standards, or practices for conducting
- , or practices for conducting election. and A3 prohibits imposing rules, standards, or practices for
- be able to get notice of something, something important, they should know about, this is kind of standard
- So on page 7, Section 5A, is this standard language that a member of the New Mexico State Police... .
Committees:
Senate Senate Rules , Senate House Rules & Order Of Business
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Any new facility built in Florida will be built to the industry's highest standards for emissions and
- Are there, would there be the potential for setting standards for release of ash?
- Would there be the potential for setting standards for release of ash that would be permissible in order
- And that's an industry standard across the nation that has been established by the EPA and by the DEP
- But as you move forward with it, conversations with the waste management folks and setting some standards
Committee:
Senate Environment and Natural Resources
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met and first took up CS/SB 1422, as amended, which focused on coral reef protection and surface waters. The strike-all amendment redesignated coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, emphasized their role in disaster mitigation and climate resilience, and was described as helping streamline permitting and access to federal restoration funding. Audubon Florida waived in support, and the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered SPB 7034, a rule ratification related to DEP’s minimum flows and levels recovery strategy for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and Priority Springs. Senators questioned the rule’s effects on consumptive use, funding, and whether utilities or taxpayers would bear costs. Several speakers from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates opposed the rule, arguing it delays restoration and relies too heavily on a single long-term wastewater reuse project, while DEP and utility representatives supported it. The committee approved the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
Next, the committee heard CS/SB 1510, which made changes to DEP-related programs including springs basin management action plans, septic system requirements, resilience cost-share eligibility, permitting procedures, and land acquisition governance. A late-filed strike-all removed biosolids provisions and other items, and the main public concern centered on a 60-day delay before B-MAP changes take effect, which opponents said could delay springs restoration and allow conventional septic systems to be installed before new restrictions apply. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 1196, which restricts new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, after debate over impacts on local waste disposal options and environmental protections; and CS/SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which creates a producer stewardship framework for battery collection and recycling, with support from industry and recycling groups citing battery fires and growing waste-stream concerns. Finally, the committee recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and then adjourned.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Recent Supreme Court decisions around caseload standards have pushed us closer to the breaking point.
- Without adequate funding, those standards cannot be meaningfully met.
- Without adequate funding, no standards cannot be meaningfully met.
- Standards without funding do not produce compliance. They produce a system of failure.
- We are particularly alarmed about the governor's proposal to change eligibility standards for people
Bills:
HB2289
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Recent Supreme Court decisions around caseload standards have pushed us closer to the breaking point.
- Without adequate funding, those standards cannot be meaningfully met.
- Without adequate funding, no standards cannot be meaningfully met.
- Standards without funding do not produce compliance. They produce a system of failure.
- We are particularly alarmed about the governor's proposal to change eligibility standards for people
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee continued its public hearing on House Bill 2289, the fiscal biennial supplemental operating budget appropriations bill. The chair and vice chair explained the hearing process, limited testimony to one minute per person, and then heard extensive public comment from a wide range of advocates, local officials, service providers, and residents. No committee vote was taken during the hearing.
Much of the testimony focused on opposition to proposed budget shifts involving Climate Commitment Act revenue, especially the proposed diversion of $569 million to other uses, including the Working Families Tax Credit. Environmental, public health, and local government witnesses argued those funds should remain dedicated to climate pollution reduction, wildfire resilience, clean transportation, natural climate solutions, and affordability programs. Several speakers also urged full funding for wildfire response and forest health, including the HB 1168 commitment, and opposed transfers from the Public Works Assistance Account.
Other major topics included Medicaid and long-term care rates, with nursing home and assisted living providers warning that freezing or delaying rate rebasing would worsen staffing shortages and threaten access to care. Public health and health care advocates opposed cuts to foundational public health services, Apple Health expansion, and pharmacy benefit changes, while oral health advocates asked to preserve Medicaid dental funding and support Dentist Link. Testimony also supported or opposed funding for K-12 programs such as special education, the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, and homeless student stability; early learning and child care subsidies; disability services; public defense; housing and homelessness prevention; food assistance; higher education; and immigrant legal services. The committee concluded the hearing and adjourned after public testimony ended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Being held to the same standard as the people you love.
- You know that that standard is unacceptable.
- The department is in line with modern policing standards and improves officer safety.
- The language that I provided is the standard: it would be relevant, evident, and material.
- Another amendment to authorize access for the Commission on Jail Standards would be needed.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to TEC statute, so again, that's on us, but it also says that The processes do not reflect some standard
- It's the standard review schedule. Can you talk about the processes?
- Under a preponderance of the evidence standard.
- whether to continue building the transmission network. lines in the plan using the current 345 KB standard
- Texas currently has no mandatory minimum standards related to transmission and distribution infrastructure
Committee:
House State Affairs
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 119 May 13th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think this again this standard.
- </c><02:51:32.960><c> So</c><02:51:33.200><c> when</c> standards of the Marine Corps.
- So when standards of the Marine Corps.
- And therefore, they should have the highest standards of scrutiny, which includes transparency.
- We changed the confidentiality of data standards so it references standard protections that's expected
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 1725 addresses these gaps by establishing clear and consistent standards for disclosure and methane
- Whatever WPATH publishes is now going to become automatically California's coverage standard.
- WPATH does not build its standards through systematic evidentiary review.
- AB 1881 addresses this gap in our laws by establishing a clear, enforceable standard.
- You made a change this year that added the recklessness standard into the bill.
Summary:
The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call.
The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call.
Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Compared to existing title 24 construction standards.
- The post guidelines focus on three key areas, use of force standards.
- This would essentially create that knowledge standard.
- We all want to keep our kids safer, but establishing the knowledge standard is critical.
- But establishing this knowledge standard is really critical for any types of regulation.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Basically provide comments through the committee's website and we have a standard statement that I need
- And I'm assuming that you're sticking to our nutrition standards while we're talking about healthier
- , you know, the federal, the basic sort of federal and California nutrition standards in terms of how
- We've asked and as we've seen this bill in past sessions for there to be some standards for trainers
- over the trainers if there's not going to be standards in terms of evaluating their experience and also
Committee:
House Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Establishing a standard training curriculum and training requirements that ensure that mandated reporting
- The recommendations ranged from monitoring disparities to reforming policies, developing standardized
- We suggested first the state could review policies and consider standardized trainings, particularly
- Like, what does that look like in a small county that may not have a CBO that has standards and checks
- Issue 1, support standard training as identified by SEIU.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, child support, and related prevention efforts. The chair opened by emphasizing mandated reporting reform, foster care system improvements, and community-based prevention, and noted that no votes would be taken. Public testimony focused first on mandated reporting, where a lived-experience advocate and several organizations argued that the current system overreports families, especially Black, Native, and Latino families, causes trauma, and should be reformed through standardized training, clearer thresholds, and stronger community supports rather than more hotline referrals. Casey Family Programs cited data showing nearly 90% of reports are unsubstantiated, while CDSS said it is already forming a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, updating training, and exploring community pathways and possible changes to the list of mandated reporters. CWDA and SEIU supported training and alternative response concepts but stressed child safety, county capacity, funding, and the need for careful implementation and accountability.
The committee then discussed a proposal to create a foster care multi-agency office within the California Health and Human Services Agency, led by a chief foster youth advocate with authority to coordinate across departments. Advocates said foster youth often need services from education, health, housing, and behavioral health systems that do not coordinate well, and argued that a central office with real authority could improve placement stability and access to services. CDSS responded that existing structures already provide coordination, including AB 2083 interagency teams, the Child Welfare Council, complex care steering committees, and the foster care ombudsperson, but said it was open to technical assistance. Members raised concerns about whether the new office would have enough authority and funding to avoid becoming another layer of bureaucracy, and the chair emphasized the need for real “teeth” and better interagency action.
The final major topic was the continuation and expansion of Promise Neighborhoods. A community leader described strong early results from the state-funded neighborhoods, including improved kindergarten readiness, reduced chronic absenteeism, higher graduation rates, food access, housing supports, and mental health services, but warned that current funding sunsets in June 2025 and that a fiscal cliff could jeopardize staff and services. CDSS said the four funded neighborhoods have reported positive outcomes and valuable flexibility, but also noted challenges with one-time funding, student mental health, and long-term planning. Assemblymember Mia Bonta urged continued investment, saying the place-based model is difficult to rebuild once lost, and the chair asked LAO to help identify the minimum funding needed to preserve the existing infrastructure while evaluation results are still pending.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> the</c><02:02:55.960><c> five-year</c> Standards Board extend the five-year Standards Board extend
- </c> Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. Not<02:06:07.000><c> here.
- ,</c><02:13:16.600><c> uh</c> lowers standards, uh lowers standards, uh but<02:13:17.560><c> in</c><02
- cuz in fact it it does lower standard cuz in fact it does<02:14:54.920><c> increase.
- training, continued progress, and do you believe this bill increases the standards?
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown.
A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> and this is what I found as the standard and this is what I found as the standard policy<02:30:52.640
- </c> standard is knowingly and recklessly. standard is knowingly and recklessly.
- So, I think that is the standard and the library should be held to the same standard. Yeah. Yeah.
- I think I was very recklessly standard.
- </c><02:44:09.200><c> not</c> I'm just thinking your standards not I'm just thinking your standards not
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm just wondering why that standard.
- I'm just wondering why that standard.
- That is the standard of care. The care is legal. The care is available.
- That is the standard of care. The care is legal. The care is available.
- That is the standard of care. The care is legal. The care is available.
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, a bill allowing classification by biological sex in limited settings such as multiple-use bathrooms, certain sports, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters said it was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for minors, and argued it was consistent with recent federal and state developments. Opponents said the bill was poorly defined, unnecessary, and could create discrimination or confusion, especially because it did not define “biological sex” in the text. The committee voted 10-8 ought to pass, and the chair said a minority report would be written.
The committee then considered HB 254, a bill concerning medical aid in dying. The chair moved ought to pass and described the bill as a matter of liberty for terminally ill patients within six months of death, arguing it should not be treated as suicide. Opponents raised religious, ethical, and policy concerns, including worries about a slippery slope, misuse by vulnerable people, and the effect on death records and public health data. The committee voted 11-7 ought to pass, and the chair said a majority report would be written with a minority report by Representative Perez.
Finally, the committee turned to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment dealing with recoupment of costs for appointed counsel. The chair explained the amendment would restore the law to its pre-2020 form, allowing the Office of Cost Containment to seek repayment from some recipients of appointed counsel services, including those found not guilty, if they had the ability to pay. Supporters said the prior change had sharply reduced collections and that the state should not treat indigent defendants differently from people who hire private counsel. Opponents argued the policy unfairly bills innocent people and children who were entitled to counsel. The transcript cuts off during debate on the amendment, before a vote is shown.