Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, all those in favor of Madam Chair—sorry to interrupt you—can we wait until we get the voting form
• Sorry to interrupt you. Can we wait until we get the voting form up on the screen? Oh, absolutely.

Bills: HB2228 , HB2273 , HB2381 , HB2418 , HB2388 , HB2183 , HB2224 , HB2267 , HB2174 , HB1529

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: building code, safety regulations, construction, scissor stairs, state standards, embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, environment, performance-based codes, building regulations, residential construction, energy efficiency, sustainable design, permit review, project permits, land use, zoning, development regulations, residential development

Transcript Highlights:

• Only an interruption of Beth's sleep, in my understanding. Thank you.
• Only an interruption of Beth's ability to sleep. Yes, I'm sorry. I get that part.

Summary: The committee reviewed four bill drafts for the Rural Health Transformation effort. The first required the presidential physical fitness test in PE classes; members asked about DPI and school support, then moved and approved the draft. The second required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and included legislative intent encouraging other health boards to consider nutrition-related CE; it was approved after brief discussion. The third bill adopted the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. Members discussed a separate issue involving occupational therapy compact background checks and whether that fix could be added now or would need to wait until later; the committee also discussed Board of Medicine input and the compact’s workforce benefits. The draft was moved forward to the full committee. The fourth bill expanded pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution. Legislative Council explained the draft, and Senator Roars proposed substantial amendments to narrow motion sickness, UTI, diabetes supply, and substitution provisions. Members debated whether to vote on amendments now or wait for the special session public hearing; concerns were raised about transparency, stakeholder input, and avoiding premature action. No amendment vote was taken, and the bill was left for later consideration. The committee then recessed until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry for the interruption, but we're back, Madam Chair.
• I'm sorry to interrupt. I just wanted the members to know there's enough. There's three total.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• That is any interruptions in schools.
• I don't interrupt. You can finish those. I just want to try to bring in for landings.

Transcript Highlights:

• As noted, um, I— >> Just interrupt you for one second, members, you also have that slide deck in your
• Sorry about the interruption. Superintendent, proceed. >> Thank you, Chair.
• Sorry about the interruption. Superintendent, proceed. >> Thank you, Chair.
• Sorry<00:13:55.360><c> about</c><00:13:55.440><c> the</c><00:13:55.600><c> interruption.
• </c> Sorry about the interruption. Sorry about the interruption.

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• about the child and adult care food program, Department of Education, and the Attorney General interrupts
• about the child and adult care food program, Department of Education, and the Attorney General interrupts
• about the child and adult care food program, Department of Education, and the Attorney General interrupts
• about the child and adult care food program, Department of Education, and the Attorney General interrupts
• him and says, "Wait a minute, interrupts him and says, "Wait a minute, what<01:42:01.119><c> is</c><

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Briggs, I'm sorry I have to interrupt<01:22:20.400><c> you.
• Thank you so much for interrupt you.
• I'm going to have to interrupt you. Frier, if you'd like to begin. Frier, if you'd like to begin.
• I'm going to have to interrupt you.
• Sorry to interrupt you. Thank you. Yep. Um, Miss Taylor, if you'd like to begin. Yes.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• you um but I sorry that I interrupted you um but I just<00:07:44.840><c> want</c><00:07:45.039><c> to
• Chair, can I interrupt for one second? I apologize. Absolutely, Senator Duckworth.
• Chair, can I interrupt for one second? I apologize. Absolutely, Senator Duckworth.
• Chair, can I interrupt for one second? I apologize. Absolutely, Senator Duckworth.
• Chair, can I interrupt for one second? I apologize. Absolutely, Senator Duckworth.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so now I'm going to suspend my rule of three minutes because, uh, I had to interrupt him last time
• or property damage or interruption or property damage or destruction. destruction. destruction.
• </c><02:01:58.880><c> ahead</c> &gt;&gt; I'm sorry for interrupting ahead &gt;&gt; I'm sorry for interrupting
• Sorry to interrupt. >> No, that's fine. >> Can I actually respond to that real quick if you don't mind
• Sorry to interrupt. interrupt. interrupt.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• But when you’re calling and interrupting that student during class, you’re interrupting 25 students.
• You’re interrupting the teacher.
• that student during class interrupting that student during class you're<04:21:13.640><c> interrupting
• 25 students you're you're interrupting 25 students you're interrupting<04:21:17.359><c> the</c><04:21
• the teacher the teacher is interrupting the teacher the teacher is getting<04:21:19.720><c> off</c><

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 362, which would give the Department of Education rulemaking authority over educator licensing and testing requirements, including professional education assessments. Representative Ladd argued the bill is meant to preserve New Hampshire’s higher standards for teacher preparation and to avoid lowering requirements for licensed educators, while also allowing flexibility for career and technical education (CTE) instructors who may have strong industry experience but not traditional classroom credentials. Members discussed whether the bill should preserve industry-recognized credentials and basic academic skills testing while exempting CTE teachers from content exams; DOE Director Steven Appy said an amendment would clarify that the bill applies to initial licenses, exempt CTE teachers from the content-testing requirement, and keep current administrative practice on basic skills and industry credentials in statute. The committee also noted that an executive session would be scheduled later, likely the following week, to act on the bills and amendment. The committee then took up House Bill 90, dealing with the definition of part-time teachers. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is intended to let university and community college faculty teach limited hours in high school concurrent enrollment settings, especially in subjects like math and STEM where some schools cannot find locally certified teachers with a master’s degree. He said the measure is designed to expand student access to college-level courses, not to replace fully certified teachers or reduce standards, and emphasized that the bill is limited to faculty employed or contracted by the University System of New Hampshire or the Community College System of New Hampshire, with criminal background checks and ethics/conduct rules still applying. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the discussion ended with the understanding that further action would come in executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nothing like being interrupted at an inopportune moment. So you see where I'm coming from, doctors.
• :53.199><c> at</c><01:23:53.360><c> an</c> nothing like being interrupted at an nothing like being interrupted
• Please do not interrupt when I am making a statement. I will call on you in due time.
• when I am making Please do not interrupt when I am making a<01:31:49.760><c> statement.
• I don't mean to interrupt you because everything you're saying is very important to me.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• They interrupt the impulsive suicide impulse, and they save lives.
• They interrupt the impulsive suicide impulse, and they save lives.
• they interrupt the impulsive the<00:13:32.680><c> suicide</c><00:13:33.160><c> impulse</c><00:13:33.560
• And, uh, Senator Dibble, if I could interrupt, I should have also thanked my co-authors, Senator Abler
• I should have dible if I could interrupt I should have also<00:30:03.799><c> thanked</c><00:30:04.120

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry to interrupt. Good morning. Good morning. I had that second cup of coffee. All right.
• It interrupts treatment regimens.
• It interrupts, undermines patient protection, and that's the antithesis of what we're about here in New
• costs it interrupts treatment regimens I've<00:44:47.200><c> seen</c><00:44:47.400><c> it</c><00:44:
• </c><00:44:57.280><c> undermines</c> arthritis it interrupts undermines arthritis it interrupts undermines

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry to interrupt, but there is language right now.
• Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Real quick, did you have further questions?
• Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Real quick, did you have further questions?
• So anyway, sorry I interrupted your question. Actually, that wasn't my...
• Anyway, sorry I interrupted your question. Actually, that wasn't my...

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development explained a prior transit-oriented development study that identified roughly 59,000 possible units and about 25,000 affordable units from known projects, and said the bill would help fill gaps by evaluating additional public lands for housing suitability and possible co-use with existing facilities. Members asked about the need for resources and staffing to do that work, and OPSD said it would need time and consultant support to carry it out. Testimony on the bill included support from state and county housing agencies and comments from planning and land use entities. On SB 66, SD 2, relating to housing and historic preservation review, SHPD and OHA both testified. SHPD said the bill would not override existing burial-site protections and that county staff with proper qualifications could make historic-property determinations locally, while OHA asked for clearer language requiring consultation when Native Hawaiian historic sites are involved and clearer procedures if an adverse effect is found. Committee members and SHPD discussed whether the bill should explicitly preserve existing Chapter 6E processes, whether counties have qualified staff, and how quickly a county would have to decide if it cannot complete the review itself and must use a third-party reviewer. Supporters said the measure could speed permitting and keep decisions local; one opponent argued it could rush approvals and strain infrastructure. The committee also heard support from housing, construction, business, and food-industry groups, and opposition from some preservation and community advocates. The committee then heard SB 332, SD 1, on foreclosure-related protections, with testimony focused on Lānaʻi and concerns about speculative real estate after the foreclosure moratorium ended. SB 414, SD 2, on restoring access to disaster-affected areas, drew support from HHFDC, DHS, and the Maui Chamber; HHFDC noted DOH plans for a temporary paved access road to the Kayola temporary housing site and said agencies were discussing which parcels would be needed. On SB 102, SD 2, relating to affordable housing and third-party historic review, SHPD said it would need to do more upfront screening and that the bill’s timelines and third-party provisions should be clearer; OHA said the measure should include a sunset and better staffing, and asked that the department fill positions to meet review demand. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And can I, sorry, can I interrupt you, do you recall when it became clear?
• Can I interrupt? Who would you have initiated the communications with at EEC? Ms. Nevas.
• I apologize for the interruption. Exhibit 19, page 18. That's correct. Thank you. Okay.
• Let me interrupt. Whose office? The endowment for the EEC. Okay, thank you.
• Let me interrupt. Whose office? The endowment for the EECC. Okay. Thank you.

Summary: The hearing opened in a Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings matter involving Legislative Ethics Board complaint 2025-5 against Representative Tara Simmons. The ALJ outlined the process, the issues on appeal, and the burden of proof, which centered on whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for others’ benefit and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her duties, and what sanction would be appropriate. Several exhibits were admitted by stipulation or without objection, while Exhibit 2 was initially held for later ruling but was ultimately admitted after testimony from the witness who prepared it. The board also granted a motion to sequester witnesses and took under advisement a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after the staff case-in-chief. In opening statements, board staff alleged Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070 by sponsoring a proviso that benefited her outside employer, Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), by using campaign surplus funds to help hire a friend, by intervening in a dispute over the proviso-funded work, and by sending text messages to influence others. Staff said it would seek penalties of up to $5,000 per violation plus costs. Defense counsel argued the allegations were technical ethics issues, denied Simmons profited personally, and contended the proviso funding her employer was permitted under prior board guidance; counsel also argued the campaign donation and later contract dispute were lawful and context-dependent. The first witness, Kimberly Gordon of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), testified that AEJG received state proviso funding and donations from Simmons, including $10,000 and later $40,000, which Gordon said were intended to fund the hiring of Antoine Coleman, Simmons’s romantic partner. Gordon said AEJG returned the donations and terminated Coleman after learning of the relationship and potential conflict of interest. She also testified about a later 2024 proviso involving EEC, a subcontract between AEJG and EEC, and a dispute over EEC’s performance under that subcontract. Gordon said AEJG raised concerns with the Administrative Office of the Courts, met with contract manager Chris Stanley, and ultimately rewrote the subcontract after Stanley, allegedly after speaking with Simmons, directed them to do so. The hearing then recessed for lunch, and cross-examination of Gordon was set to continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs, including Unapologetically Hers, whose Red Flag Guide teaches people how to prevent and interrupt
• programs, including Unapologetically Hers, whose Red Flag Guide teaches people how to prevent and interrupt
• restricted housing because, you know, that individual is not necessarily found guilty yet, that it interrupts
• restricted housing because, you know, that individual is not necessarily found guilty yet, that it interrupts
• My apologies, Chair, for interrupting. Go ahead.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ignition interlock devices, or IIDs, serve as a systemic technological intervention that physically interrupts
• I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you.
• Fan, I'll interrupt, but thank you. Thanks.
• Fanzlaw, I'll interrupt, but thank you. Thanks. Hello, everyone.
• Fan, I'll interrupt, but thank you. Thanks.

Summary: The joint Senate Public Safety and Transportation hearing focused on DUI, impaired driving, traffic violence, speed management, and how criminal and administrative systems interact. Chairs Jesse Arreguín and Dave Cortese said the hearing was intended to inform upcoming legislation and noted that no bills would be acted on that day. They emphasized the scale of roadway deaths and serious injuries, the need for a holistic Safe System approach, and the importance of hearing from law enforcement, researchers, victims’ advocates, judges, and DMV officials. The first panel reviewed current DUI law and research. Thomas Nozowitz of the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code outlined California’s DUI penalties, including escalating misdemeanor and felony consequences, ignition interlock device requirements, license suspensions, Watson advisories, and homicide-related offenses. Stephanie Doherty of the Office of Traffic Safety described statewide crash trends, the role of alcohol, drugs, speed, and vulnerable road users, and the state’s Safe System and safety corridor efforts. Dr. Julia Griswold of UC Berkeley presented research supporting systemic interventions such as self-explaining roads, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and treatment for chronic offenders; she also noted that many DUI fatalities involve first-time offenders and that punitive measures alone have limited effect on high-risk drivers. Members pressed witnesses on ignition interlocks, speed governors, DUI treatment, diversion, and whether current penalties are strong enough. Several senators, including Archuleta and Blakespear, argued for stronger immediate consequences and better use of in-car technology, while witnesses said chronic offenders often need treatment and that some existing programs may be underused or inconsistently effective. The discussion also touched on data gaps, the need to distinguish alcohol- from drug-involved crashes, and the possibility of allowing diversion for some first-time DUI cases while preserving consequences for repeat offenses. The second panel addressed DMV and court processes. DMV Director Steve Gordon said the department handles mandatory, court-ordered, and administrative actions, and that recent process changes have reduced DMV hearing delays from roughly 170 days to under 70 days in many cases. Judge Lisa Rodriguez explained that county-by-county court practices, case filing delays, sentencing timelines, and paper or mixed electronic systems can slow reporting to DMV, especially for misdemeanors and felonies. She said courts are reviewing reporting requirements, training, and case-management coding to improve transmission of DUI orders, while DMV said it is open to simplification and better coordination but is constrained by aging systems and the motor vehicle account’s financial limits. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So before—sorry, sorry to interrupt before you answer, I'm just going to ask both our committee members
• And I'm sorry to interrupt you, but, ma'am, we're talking about... ...privilege of it, a whopping 144
• And I'm sorry to interrupt you, but, ma'am, we're talking about the impacts of H.R. 1 on Medi-Cal enrollment
• And I'm sorry to interrupt you, but, ma'am, we're talking about. privilege of it, a whopping 144 million
• And I'm sorry to interrupt you, but, ma'am, we're talking about the impacts of HR1 on Medi-Cal enrollment

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry to interrupt you, sir. You need to make sure you... I'm sorry to interrupt you, sir.
• the penalties is dependent on the value of the property affected and whether the act causes an interruption
• And if it causes an interruption of services provided by any critical infrastructure, a person is guilty
• An interruption of services provided by any critical infrastructure.

Bills: AB6 , AB102 , AB131 , AB212 , AB213 , AB220 , AB259 , AB282 , AB376 , AB396 , AB479 , AB503 , AB570 , AB572 , AB574 , AB576 , AB593 , SB185 , SB207 , SB507 , AB6

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to ask for no interruptions of witnesses, no personal attacks, and very focused participation
• Assembly Member, I don't mean to interrupt you, but if you don't mind wrapping up, we're trying to keep
• We're going to ask for no interruptions, no personal attacks, and focused participation, particularly
• Assembly Member, if you can let staff finish without interrupting, please.
• And, ma'am, I'm so sorry to interrupt you.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.