Transcript Highlights:

• IS THERE ANY EXISTING STATE PROGRAM THIS BILL IS BASED ON?
• COMMITTEE, THERE WOULD BE AN ALLOCATION LINE ITEM TO THAT PROGRAM.
• EIGHT, $900 A MONTH ON AVERAGE FOR THESE TYPES OF PROGRAMS.
• YOU'RE TALKING VERY MUCH ABOUT THE GRANT PROGRAM.
• IS THERE AN APPROPRIATION RIGHT NOW FOR THE GRANT PROGRAM? >> Sen.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They help the state Medicaid program administer the Medicaid program itself.
• It's the Medicaid program and in HHS they have the Medicaid program but they also have the program of
• It's the Medicaid program and in HHS they have the Medicaid program but they also have the program of
• :21.280><c> unit</c><00:20:21.760><c> is</c> unit. program program integrity unit is unit. program program
• </c> the overall program. the overall program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee chair opened by explaining that the committee has expanded from a traditional audit-follow-up role into an oversight role focused on whether audit recommendations are implemented and whether controls are in place to detect fraud. He said the committee was concerned about fraud uncovered in social service programs in other states and wanted to understand New Hampshire’s safeguards, especially around major contracts and program performance. Charles Buchanan, director of the New Hampshire Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and investigator Tim Brackett described the unit’s structure and mission. Buchanan said the unit, housed in the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau, investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents in health care facilities. He outlined common Medicaid fraud schemes such as billing for services not rendered, upcoding, using unqualified staff, drug substitution, kickbacks, supplemental charges, and inflated customary charges. He also described resident abuse/neglect and drug diversion in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living settings. Brackett said his role is financial investigator/auditor and noted the unit is grant-funded and must include a prosecutor, investigator, and auditor. The witnesses then explained how cases reach the unit and how they are handled. Most referrals come from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ program integrity unit and from managed care organizations’ special investigations units, which look for fraud, waste, and abuse and refer credible allegations. Other sources include qui tam whistleblower actions, the national Medicaid Fraud Control Units association, citizen complaints, provider referrals, adult protective services law-enforcement referrals, local law enforcement, and federal agencies. Once a referral is received, the unit can accept or deny it; accepted matters may be investigated criminally or civilly, while nonviable matters can be referred back to HHS or other agencies for administrative action, including repayment demands and reimbursement offsets. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Donovan Scholars is a program.
• The Donovan Scholars is a program.
• The Donovan Scholars is a program.
• The Donovan Scholars is a program.
• </c><01:15:26.480><c> Uh</c> in this two issue waiver program. Uh in this two issue waiver program.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:24.800><c> and</c> that look at Equalization programs and that look at Equalization programs
• </c><00:15:35.880><c> so</c> in the funding for those programs so in the funding for those programs so
• </c> postsecondary enrollment options program postsecondary enrollment options program there's<00:24:
• , that are cost-based programs.
• , that are cost-based programs.

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> regarding that program. regarding that program.
• Uh, and how do we again develop programs, continue to support programs, enhance programs that will allow
• </c> continue to support programs, enhance continue to support programs, enhance programs<00:47:18.560
• programs and low performing<00:56:59.920><c> programs</c><00:57:00.319><c> or</c><00:57:00.559><c> programs
• of Nursing Practice program, and four certificate programs online.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a full quorum and approved the prior minutes. Members offered introductions of guests and family members, then heard a presentation from University of Louisville President Thomas Jared Bradley, who was sworn in before testifying. He described his background and outlined U of L’s strategic priorities: student success, access and affordability, workforce development, community engagement, and research. Bradley highlighted enrollment growth, increases in first-generation and Pell-eligible students, strong transfer pathways with KCTCS, and support programs such as the Cardinal Commitment Grant, 15-to-Finish, Comeback Cards, tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services. Bradley also emphasized U of L’s statewide and regional impact through UofL Health, rural outreach, the Bullitt County rural cancer education and research center, nursing expansion, and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. He noted major institutional distinctions, including R1 status, a new Carnegie Opportunity College and University designation, and community-engaged classification. He said the university is one of only 10 public universities nationwide with all three designations and reported record enrollment, improved retention, and strong research expenditures. He also thanked lawmakers for significant capital and operating support, including funding for the simulation center, health science center, asset preservation, and the MEP program. During questions, members praised the university’s public service role and asked about first-generation enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. Bradley said the university is working to improve completion by expanding academic support, early alerts, incentives for tutoring, and faculty/advisor mentoring, especially for first-generation and high-need students. He acknowledged that post-graduation employment data is difficult to collect but said the new Carnegie classification reflects positive outcomes. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and no formal actions were taken on legislation in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which inevitably will bring equity between the veteran workoff program and the senior workoff program
• to be equivalent with that of the Senior Tax Workoff Program.
• We just didn't make the same update to the veterans program, despite the fact that these two programs
• No, the scheduled programming. I believe Counselor-Lutki has just joined virtually.
• When I say numbers, I'm saying numbers of participants in the program.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 32 bills related to veterans and service members, with opening remarks from Chair Madaro and Senator Eldridge emphasizing the committee’s work on tax credits and property tax relief, including follow-up to the HERO Act of 2024. The chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted the August 23 reporting deadline for House-filed matters, and explained that testimony would focus on issues including voluntary contributions, sales tax, property tax, and economic development. No votes were taken during the hearing. Several bills drew testimony in support of expanding or simplifying veterans’ property tax benefits. Rep. Sylvia supported H. 3255 to raise the veterans’ property tax workoff cap from $1,500 to $2,000, matching the senior workoff program. Rep. Soder and Sen. Moore advocated for stronger property tax relief for disabled veterans, including H. 3245 and S. 2046, with Moore proposing a disability-based exemption and state reimbursement to municipalities. Rep. McGregor supported H. 3175, which would eliminate the need for veterans to refile annually for exemptions unless their status changes, arguing it would reduce burdens on veterans and assessors. Testimony also addressed line-of-duty death benefits and local implementation concerns. Mary Ann Cardi supported H. 3188 to clarify that surviving spouses of police and fire personnel who died in the line of duty qualify for a full real estate exemption. Chris Clark, Senator Sear, and Counselor Ludke all backed the veterans’ workoff bill, describing it as an equity fix that would align the veterans’ program with the senior program and help municipalities like Barnstable use the benefit more effectively. After hearing from all scheduled speakers and confirming no additional in-person testimony, the chairs adjourned the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, our program engages the...
• So that's been a success within the TA program.
• I had no idea that MassHealth had a Cares for Kids program, nor did I realize that this program existed
• And we definitely, like, you know, could grow a lot more in the program.
• I had no idea that DPH had this program.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Equity Committee meeting of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities began with roll call, approval of the prior minutes, and a presentation from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s CATER Center (Care Coordination, Assistance, Training, Education, and Resource Center). Staff described CATER’s role in providing training and technical assistance to MassHealth Cares for Kids providers serving children with medical complexity, including e-learning modules, coaching, case review support, and informal virtual drop-in sessions. They emphasized a family-centered, racially and culturally equitable approach, and noted that the program is funded through a MassHealth contract and has been operating for about two to three years. Committee members asked about which providers participate, how many families are served, how CATER coordinates with other regional or grassroots programs, and whether the model could be expanded beyond Boston-based hospitals. The presenters said they currently work with five providers, including Boston Children’s, BMC, Tufts, NeighborHealth, and Baystate, but do not track enrollment numbers because that is handled by providers and MassHealth. Members also raised concerns about workforce shortages, funding stability amid federal Medicaid cuts, and the need to share the curriculum and connect with other networks such as ACOs, DDS contacts, case management organizations, and the Health Equity Compact. The presenters said the work remains a priority and that they are open to growth and broader partnerships. After the presentation, the committee agreed to have the CATER slides and curriculum circulated to members. The only other agenda item was a lengthy NIH strategic plan for disability health research, which members had not yet reviewed; they agreed to defer discussion to a future meeting and add it to next month’s agenda. No votes beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after thanking the presenters and attendees.

Transcript Highlights:

• IF YOU ARE IN A PROGRAM THAT IS ONGOING AND THIS IS A LENGTHY PROGRAM, I THINK IT'S LIKE 20 WEEKS OR
• Harrell: JUST A FOLLOW-UP, SO THE PROGRAMS, THE ENTIRE PROGRAM MAY BE FAITH-BASED OR IT'S NOT LIKE ONE
• A PROGRAM IS MORE THAN MERE WORDS.
• THESE PROGRAMS MUST ADHERE TO THE PROGRAM RULES WHICH PROHIBITS THE INCLUSION OF FAITH-BASED IDEOLOGY
• THESE ARE SECULAR PROGRAMS OFFERED, NOT FAITH-BASED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're asking about the eligibility for recipients of the program?
• program? program?
• housing, and some other programs.
• , and some other programs.
• We would love to put ongoing funds into this program.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our main program is our Military Assistance Response Program, or MARP.
• </c><00:26:00.000><c> is</c> straightforward. our our main program is straightforward. our our main program
• </c> our military assistance response program our military assistance response program or<00:26:02.480
• </c> tremendously successful program. tremendously successful program.
• </c> Um and then we we have uh other programs Um and then we we have uh other programs such<00:26:47.440

Committee: House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> agriculture's Bio incentive program agriculture's Bio incentive program thank<00:03:06.920><c> you
• </c><00:03:55.720><c> was</c> fuel um when this program was fuel um when this program was established
• </c> applied to participate in the program applied to participate in the program but<00:04:17.320><c>
• program with fuel retailers.
• </c> biof Fu infrastructure grant program biof Fu infrastructure grant program alleviates<00:20:30.799

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> kindergarten literacy Readiness program kindergarten literacy Readiness program is<00:39:25.280>
• Yes, it's totally a voluntary program. It's a choice program.
• </c> nursing program shall complete a program nursing program shall complete a program within<01:30:26.560
• tax credit scholarship program.
• Just recently did a pilot program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first addressed House Bill 415, which would remove the requirement that schools provide menstrual products. Members supporting an ITL said the mandate was unfunded, had been in place since 2019, and was already working without complaints from districts. Other members opposed the bill, arguing menstrual products are essential and that the requirement helps students, especially those with fewer resources. The committee voted ITL on HB 415 by a roll call of 17 yeas, 0 nays. The committee then took up House Bill 388, concerning public reports on special education. Supporters of ITL said they agreed with the goal of transparency but were concerned about student privacy, especially in small districts, and thought the bill’s information requests went too far. They noted that related issues could potentially be addressed in another bill, HB 557. The committee voted ITL on HB 388, 17-0. House Bill 730, which would require schools and some colleges to provide information on adoption, was also moved ITL. The sponsor said adoption is personally important to him but that the bill was not the right vehicle and involved entities such as colleges and the Attorney General unnecessarily; he said related ideas might be folded into other bills later. The committee agreed and voted ITL, 17-0. The committee then discussed House Bill 671, a preschool/early literacy proposal involving a statewide nonprofit digital program, likely Waterford. Members raised questions about who would be covered, data privacy, prior use of federal ESSER funds, whether the program had measurable results, and whether the bill’s nonprofit requirement was too restrictive. Department of Education witness Melissa White said the state had spent $400,000 in FY22 and $600,000 in FY23 on a Waterford contract using ARP ESSER funds, but she did not have participant counts and said the department could not measure literacy gains for that population. She also said the bill’s funding level would likely require an RFP and that, if enacted as written, the program would probably still be Waterford-based. The discussion continued without a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> tax relief and and targeted uh programs tax relief and and targeted uh programs such<00:26:17.039
• </c> such as that rather than this program. such as that rather than this program.
• </c> program and taxes payable year 2024. program and taxes payable year 2024.
• </c> program has achieved its objective. program has achieved its objective.
• tax deferment programs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The uh that is fully tanniff program.
• And that turned out meals program ever.
• bridge program.
• </c><00:43:22.560><c> in</c> current budget for two new programs in current budget for two new programs
• </c> million for the county bridge program. million for the county bridge program.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:11 Executive Budget 00:00:50, 958, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a presentation from Dr. Hicks on the governor’s recommended budget for the next biennium. He reviewed the revenue outlook, noting modest general fund growth, a large rainy day fund balance, and the impact of recent income tax reductions. He said the budget was built around recurring reductions, lower debt service and retirement contribution rates, and the use of excess restricted funds, while protecting K-12 education, Medicaid, postsecondary education, public safety, and pension obligations. Dr. Hicks outlined several major spending and reserve proposals, including $350 million from the Department of Insurance’s excess restricted funds to support Medicaid in the first year, $150 million for the affordable housing trust fund, $125 million for rural hospitals, $100 million to offset lost federal ACA premium tax credits, $75 million for utility assistance, and $50 million for food assistance. In education, the proposal included a phased pre-K for all plan funded by sports wagering tax revenue, a 3% annual salary increase for full-time school personnel, continued full funding of teacher pensions, a 2.5% annual increase in SEEK base funding, and additional support for career and technical education and school facilities. He also discussed Medicaid cost pressures, including higher managed care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing facility costs, and explained the expected effects of federal HR1 changes on Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Those changes include work and community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion members, which the administration estimated would reduce enrollment by about 4,300 in the first year and 28,000 in the second year. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting, which was limited to the budget presentation and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• , such as SB 54 and the used oil recycling program; ensuring that the program covers collection; and
• We want these programs to work. But respectfully, retailers are already under 14 programs.
• product stewardship programs in the state.
• These program deficiencies require several statutory fixes to ensure the program meets environmental
• ultimate goals of the program.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• quality and provides resources and supports for these programs.
• quality and provides resources and supports for these programs.
• quality and provides resources and supports for these programs.
• </c><00:37:10.320><c> or</c> enrollment in a particular program or enrollment in a particular program
• </c><00:37:16.800><c> House</c> department, program, or major. House department, program, or major.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:26 Report of Committees 05:13 Orders of the Day/ HB 6 06:22 HB 480 14:13 HB 562 17:55 HB 136 25:53 HB 257 29:47 HB 490 35:54 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 52:44 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:49 ConC/Rules Report 57:12 Floor Amendments 58:49 Adjournment 58:59, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• New York's three-year program is $3 billion, or $149 per capita.
• New York's three-year program is $3 billion, or $149 per capita.
• be the highest program per capita in the nation.
• The programs that are run by public benefits like Mass Save are large programs.
• A decade later, that program has cost $6.2 billion.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters, including adopting a resolution recognizing the work of Ukraine Forward and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a number of petitions. The chamber also scheduled several bills for later consideration, including measures on unemployment insurance for fluctuating work schedules, the Medical Society mission statement, a youth training wage, bridge and intersection namings, handicapped parking fines, public-way safety, excavation restoration, motor vehicle safety, and a Newton police age requirement. Two engrossed local bills were passed to be enacted: one authorizing retired police officers as special police in Plainville and another allowing Orange to increase its Board of Selectmen membership. The main policy debate centered on House No. 5151, An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness. Supporters described it as a broad affordability and clean-energy package that would cut costs for ratepayers, reform Mass Save, speed clean-energy procurement and interconnection, return a portion of alternative compliance payments to customers, and address biomass and other energy issues. Opponents argued the bill relied too heavily on long-term programs and new administrative structures while offering little immediate relief, and raised concerns about costs being shifted to consumers, impacts on natural gas, and the pace of implementation. Several amendments were debated and rejected, including proposals to shift public benefit charges away from peak hours, pause public benefit charges for a year, require greater utility disclosure before rate increases, and add a forest-clearing penalty for solar development. One amendment to the energy bill was adopted: a consolidated amendment that included budget-billing consumer protections for gas customers, requiring notice and conservation recommendations when usage rises significantly. The House also adopted an amendment to a separate conservation-restriction bill for Hanson, changing a figure in the underlying law, and passed that bill to be engrossed as amended. The energy bill’s consolidated amendment passed by roll call, while several other amendments failed by roll call votes. The House observed multiple moments of silence honoring Jaden Booker, Thomas Skip Karam, former Freetown Police Chief Carlton Abbott, and former Representative and Senator William Q. “Biff” McLean, Jr.

Transcript Highlights:

• The KETFA STE program is one of the few incentive programs in California that encourages clean energy
• The program is one of the few incentive programs in California that encourages clean energy manufacturing
• My program is the answer to that.
• The STE program is popular.
• Since 2021, Ametis has utilized the KETFA STE program as a critical part of our capital expansion program

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused on transit funding, veterans’ tax relief, clean energy incentives, housing development costs, and tax conformity. SB 63 would authorize a Bay Area regional sales tax measure for transit agencies facing fiscal shortfalls; supporters said it was needed to avoid major service cuts, while the California Taxpayers Association opposed it on Proposition 13/218 concerns. SB 56 would exclude veterans’ disability compensation from income calculations for the disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, and SB 296 would expand property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses; both drew broad veterans’ support. SB 86 would extend and expand the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority sales and use tax exemption program, including fusion energy, and SB 302 would conform state tax law to federal clean energy credit monetization provisions; both were backed by industry, labor, and clean energy advocates. SB 328 would cap Department of Toxic Substances Control fees on contaminated-soil remediation for infill and master-planned housing projects, with housing groups arguing the current fee structure can make projects infeasible. SB 711 would update California’s tax conformity date to January 1, 2025 to reduce complexity and inconsistencies with federal law, and was supported by tax professionals and business groups. Several bills were held or sent to suspense, while others advanced with amendments. After quorum was established, SB 63 passed the committee 4-2 and SB 86, SB 302, SB 328, and SB 711 were referred to suspense, with SB 86 and SB 302 later approved out of suspense with amendments. SB 56 was held in committee, SB 296 was made a two-year bill, and SB 284 and SB 723 were held. The committee also approved a number of additional suspense-file bills, including SB 293, SB 359, SB 419, SB 587, SB 603, SB 663, SB 710, and SB 785, while SB 591 was approved with amendments and SB 353 was made a two-year bill. The hearing concluded with the committee adjournment after final roll calls and bill actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support of this program. support of this program.
• </c> your support for this critical program. your support for this critical program.
• It's the program who's it's the program?
• </c> the program. That's sure that's fine. the program. That's sure that's fine.
• </c> roadside landscape partnership program. roadside landscape partnership program.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Commerce, some housing programs, And that was a transfer of some programs from the Department of
• This program is phenomenal.
• We also received $9.85 million for homeless programs, and so far what we do with our homeless program
• The homeless prevention and rapid rehousing programs are actually the same program; it just depends on
• Same with the single-family program and the homeless programs.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met as the Regulatory Division of the budget section and received updates on several Industrial Commission-related agencies and programs. Legislative Council first reviewed base budget materials, then the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported on its current appropriation and staffing, noting that its new FTEs were being filled gradually and that it remained largely funded through special and federal funds. Agency leaders described homeownership lending, loan servicing, and housing incentive fund activity, including below-market mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and a growing servicing portfolio that has increased workload but not yet required additional FTEs. Housing Finance also detailed use of the Housing Incentive Fund and homeless grant dollars. Officials said the multifamily HIF round drew more than $73 million in requests and awarded $25 million, while the single-family program supported rural development and community land trusts. Homeless grant funding was split between emergency shelter, prevention, and rapid rehousing, with performance-based scoring used to renew or reallocate awards. Members discussed housing affordability, aging households, rental assistance, and the need to coordinate housing and site-preparation messaging with Commerce. The agency asked that HIF, single-family, and homeless funding be maintained or increased in the next session. The Department of Mineral Resources then presented its budget and operations update. Staff said the agency was on track financially, had filled most of its new reclamation FTEs, and was not expecting major litigation costs beyond normal late-biennium invoices. The director reviewed agency initiatives including Project North Star IT modernization, organizational restructuring, succession planning, rulemaking, and implementation of the development incentive well tax program and critical minerals rules. He also discussed oil and gas activity, explaining that longer laterals, especially three- and four-mile wells and the first five-mile spacing case, are helping keep production relatively flat even as rig counts ease. Members asked about gas capture, hedging, break-even prices, and the effects of Iran and Venezuela on oil markets. The committee also heard about enhanced oil recovery grants and the Pipeline Authority. The EOR program’s $25 million appropriation was fully allocated to six projects, with total awards reaching about $45.1 million when other fund balances were included, subject to a possible 5% reduction if federal DOE money does not materialize. Officials said the projects are public, reimbursement-based, and will produce results over the next several years. Finally, the Pipeline Authority outlined natural gas transmission projects, including the imminent Bakken Express line and the proposed Bakken East project, which WBI was selected to advance after an Industrial Commission RFI process. The project is moving through open season, survey permission, and regulatory work, with in-service dates projected for 2029 and 2030.