Transcript Highlights:

• My daughter last night looked on the screen and read a word. She's only three. They are also moms.
• We are national leaders in newborn screening.
• Minne- We I screen here in Minnesota.
• We are national leaders in newborn<01:30:43.080><c> screening.
• </c> newborn screening. newborn screening.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• late 80s and early 90s that are still late 80s and early 90s that are still green<00:37:23.400><c> screen
• F key and they have the green screen F key and they have the wheel<00:37:26.560><c> of</c><00:37:26.720
• go to any county and the poor folks using that, it takes 70% of their time because you have green-screen
• F</c><00:40:20.880><c> keys</c><00:40:21.200><c> and</c><00:40:21.359><c> the</c> you have green screen
• F keys and the wheel of death so screens F keys and the wheel of death so we're<01:38:18.080><c> going

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think where we see it most common would be in instances where somebody comes, they screen positive
• for depression in their visit, routine screening.
• </c> where somebody comes they screen where somebody comes they screen positive<00:26:35.000><c> for<
• if you have a primary routine screening if you have a primary care<00:26:38.000><c> provider</c><00:
• comes in high and there's screening comes in high and there's considerations<00:26:45.080><c> of</c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , I think generally it's better to take a question when it comes up, simply because I'll have the screen
• up if that's okay I'll have the screen up if that's okay with<00:15:56.319><c> you</c><00:15:56.480>
• I forgot about the screen. I apologize. The lobbying program also has the gift prohibition.
• Work or child protection or family services to sit in front of a screen.
• </c> services to sit in front of a screen services to sit in front of a screen they<01:27:47.560><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But we want their drug screens to show prescription drugs on their drug screen.
• So in drug court, we want nothing on your screen.
• On mental health court, we want to see drugs on your drug screen.
• </c><00:58:15.200><c> On</c> we want nothing on your screen. On we want nothing on your screen.
• The ones that drugs on your drug screen.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 24 minutes, and heard a briefing from representatives of three Kentucky drug task forces: Greater Hardin County, Bowling Green-Warren County, and Bluegrass Narcotics. The presenters described how multi-jurisdictional task forces operate, their partner agencies, and the kinds of drugs and trafficking patterns they are seeing, with fentanyl identified as the most dangerous and fastest-growing threat. They also described large seizures and investigations involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, tractor-trailer shipments, postal shipments, and a case tied to a pill press and undercover work with the DEA. Bluegrass Narcotics said it was formed in response to overdose deaths and has since seen major reductions in complaints and overdose deaths in Harrison and Bourbon counties. A major theme of the presentation was funding. The task forces said Byrne JAG funding has declined from about $2.1 million statewide in 2023-2024 to $1.4 million this year, while their costs for vehicles, fuel, technology, overtime, office space, and training have risen sharply. They said local support and asset forfeiture help, but the revenue is uneven and unpredictable, and they asked the legislature to consider adding about $1 million per year in state support, with oversight from the Justice Cabinet or Office of Drug Control Policy. They also emphasized that if meth labs return, many agencies would need new training and equipment because those capabilities have largely expired or been scaled back. Members asked about possible statutory barriers, coordination across counties and states, the source of drugs, and how seized cash is handled. The task forces said coordination with federal, state, and other local agencies is generally strong, but money remains the main obstacle to broader operations. They explained that seized cash is held as evidence and, after court proceedings, may be awarded back to task forces or split under statute, with 15% going to the Commonwealth’s attorney and 85% to law enforcement. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Governor's budget bill that requires the Commissioner of Human Services to conduct a study to assess
• backlogs and establishes a assessment backlogs and establishes a MnChoices<00:19:19.080><c> redesign
• the Governor's budget bill that requires the Commissioner of Human Services to conduct a study to assess
• </c><01:02:26.680><c> Uh</c> uh groups, counseling, assessments.
• Uh uh groups, counseling, assessments.

Bills: HF4207, HF4338

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review

Transcript Highlights:

• At my field site, I conduct cognitive screenings like the Mini-Cog, and while we can identify possible
• I do the physician workforce assessment, and as you know, our biggest shortage is primary care.
• I do the physician workforce assessment, and as you know, our biggest shortage is primary care.
• </c> are doing some sort of risk assessment are doing some sort of risk assessment with<01:12:52.040>
• Uh there's um time do more assessments.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections. The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript. The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , state-approved curriculum, but also teacher-created handouts, posters, visual aids, formative assessments
• upon major investments like universal transitional kindergarten, community schools, early literacy screening
• While proficiency rates on state assessments dropped to 20% for Black students, 26% for Hispanic students
• that is truly adapting and responding on an ongoing basis with true independence of evaluation and assessment

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on AB 2189, AB 2615, AB 2496, AB 1750, and AB 1644. AB 2189 would create an $800,000 grant program through the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to support a statewide parent network for special education advocacy and training. Supporters said families need stronger coordination and information to navigate special education, while an opponent argued the bill could duplicate existing family-led organizations. The bill passed 6-0 and was sent to Appropriations, held on call for add-on votes. AB 2615, a cleanup bill to AB 715 on antisemitism and instructional materials, drew the most controversy. The authors said it was intended to clarify prior commitments by removing references to professional responsibility standards, refining the “factually accurate” language, and clarifying how discriminatory materials are handled. Supporters said it would help protect students from discrimination, while many educators, civil rights groups, and other organizations opposed it unless amended, warning that the factual-accuracy language could chill teaching and be applied too broadly. The committee chair and members raised concerns about implementation but ultimately supported moving the bill forward; it passed 5-0 and was held on call. AB 2496 would streamline school accountability reporting by making the California School Dashboard the primary transparency tool, phasing out the School Accountability Report Card over time, and making mid-year LCAP reporting optional. Supporters said this would reduce duplication and administrative burden while preserving access to key data; opponents worried families could lose the simplicity and accessibility of the current SARC and that the mid-year update still serves an important purpose. The bill was approved 3-0 and held on call. AB 1750, which would extend full salary for an additional five months for school employees who exhaust sick leave due to illness or injury, was supported as a dignity and retention measure but opposed by administrators over staffing and cost concerns; it passed 4-0 and was held on call. AB 1644 would require a bell-to-bell smartphone ban in TK-8 and recommend it for high school, with exceptions for instructional and safety needs; supporters said phones are harming attention and learning, while opponents argued districts had just adopted local policies and needed more flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Miller, relative to blood pressure testing in schools and student-athlete cardiovascular pre-screening
• dusters who were worried that these cities or these airports were going to use this ADS-B data to assess
• crop dusters that were worried that the cities or these airports were going to use this ADSB data to assess
• I think we always want to make it look like, oh, they're going to go to jail, oh, we're going to assess

Bills: HR153, HR154, HR155, HR156, HR157, HR158, HCR57, HCR58, HCR59, HR133, HR134, HR135, HR136, HR137, HR138, HR139, HR140, HR141, HR142, HR144, HR145, HR146, HR147, HR148, HR149, HR150, HR151, HR152, SCR28, SB141, SB169, SB206, SB233, SB417, SB421, SB429, SB437, SB477, SB510, SB521, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HB55, HB385, HB394, HB396, HB406, HB608, HB622, HB676, HB772, HB897, HB902, HB943, HB1030, HB1035, HB1038, HB1045, HB1049, HB1056, HB1058, HB1059, HB1092, HB1100, HB1117, HB1160, HB1161, HB1162, HB1177, HB1180, HB1189, HB1216, HB1239, HB1240, SB127, HB284, HB1, HB2, HB3, HB312, HB313, HB383, HB314, HCR3, HB983, HB1126, HB21, HB24, HB29, HB31, HB39, HB45, HB77, HB136, HB150, HB263, HB273, HB299, HB315, HB376, HB377, HB431, HB444, HB450, HB519, HB533, HB538, HB559, HB562, HB663, HB664, HB715, HB717, HB805, HB822, HB823, HB834, HB864, HB867, HB1017, HB1018, HB1068, HB1134, HB1137, HB1234, HB1235, HB1236, HB211, HB27, HB71, HB214, HB225, HB241, HB244, HB306, HB345, HB366, HB446, HB511, HB514, HB655, HB730, HB743, HB1027, HB1037, HB1043, HB1082, HB1091, HB1096, HB1103, HB1167, HB1174, HB1175, HB1230, HB1237, HB1238, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, HB401, HB51, HB58, HB140, HB982, HB1010, HB132, HB193, HB635, HB690, HB1003, HB750, HB911, HB151, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB961, HB1146, HB977, HB181, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB9, HB393, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB615, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB996, HB1113

Keywords: commendation, robotics, high school, competition, education, Tomato Festival, community celebration, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, fundraising, local heritage, Holocaust, remembrance, Yom HaShoah, Jewish history, condolences, community service, law enforcement, legacy, Shreveport, D.A.R.E. Program

Transcript Highlights:

• related to the issues of reproductive health, health equity, vital records, disease prevention, screening
• H2499 offers practical solutions such as an awareness program, an assessment of provider education, and
• We could barely see him through the window screen.
• There is still not mandated screen for endometriosis in infertility care.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill. The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony. Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a wonderful buzzer that is on the screen behind us that will give you a little bit of indication
• I don't think it's projecting in here, but it's being picked up for the live screen. Great.
• I don't think it's projecting in here, but it's being picked up for the live screen, so you want to talk
• These visits include checking the baby's growth, tracking vital signs, screening for complications like

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on several workforce-related bills, with most of the hearing focused on ESOL and apprenticeship legislation, followed by testimony on a four-day workweek pilot and paid prenatal leave. On ESOL, witnesses including the Boston Foundation, Skillworks, MassINC, MIRA, JVS Boston, Eastern Bank, immigrant advocates, employers, and legislators supported H.2080/S.1326, arguing that Massachusetts has a large backlog of limited-English-proficiency residents waiting for classes, that ESOL is essential to economic mobility and immigrant integration, and that the state needs a coordinated, statewide strategy with more vocational and workplace-focused English instruction. Testifiers cited long waitlists, fragmented delivery across agencies, labor shortages, and examples of workplace English programs helping immigrants gain jobs, advance careers, and support businesses. Committee members asked questions about how vocational ESOL differs from standard classes, and witnesses explained that it focuses on job-specific language and workplace scenarios. The committee also heard strong support for H.2085/S.1303, which would require more use of registered apprentices on public construction projects over $1 million. Labor leaders from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and Massachusetts Building Trades, along with electricians and apprentices, said the bill would help apprentices complete training by ensuring enough job-site hours, expand access to good union careers, and strengthen the construction workforce for housing, infrastructure, and clean energy work. Several witnesses defended existing apprenticeship ratios and electrical licensing standards, warning against deregulation and emphasizing safety. Committee members asked about project thresholds and apprenticeship ratios, and witnesses said the bill’s phased apprentice-hour requirement was intended to cover most public projects under current cost conditions. The committee then heard testimony on S.1330, a four-day workweek pilot program. Senator Dillon Fernandez and Representative Shirley Arriaga described the proposal as a response to burnout, affordability pressures, and changing workplace norms, arguing that a pilot would let Massachusetts study whether shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, and worker well-being. Witnesses said the model could help families balance caregiving and commuting while maintaining or improving output. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.1361, establishing paid prenatal leave. Parents, health advocates, March of Dimes, and others said paid leave would help pregnant workers attend critical prenatal appointments, reduce missed care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Several speakers shared personal stories about high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the financial strain of taking unpaid time off. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked a limited number of questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• efficiently, protect what we deliver from fraud, and to make sure that we're no longer operating on green screens
• 50.640><c> green</c> that we're no longer operating on green that we're no longer operating on green screens
• 51.720><c> the</c><00:02:51.800><c> Oregon</c><00:02:52.080><c> Trail</c><00:02:52.959><c> for</c> screens
• and the Oregon Trail for screens and the Oregon Trail for important<00:02:53.480><c> critical</c><00

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the 2026 session ended with major accomplishments despite frustration over what did not pass. She highlighted a $1.2 billion bonding bill, housing and rental investments, property tax reductions, support for HCMC and distressed hospitals, public safety and crime victim funding, IT modernization, and fraud-prevention measures. She also said the Senate pushed a tab fee holiday, though she criticized Republicans for delaying its start until January, and described the session as focused on a “fair deal” for Minnesotans facing higher costs. Murphy said some of the most difficult work involved human services and fraud oversight. She said lawmakers created an independent inspector general office, funded the Attorney General’s Medicaid fraud unit, added training and electronic visit measures, and included payment-withholding language with due-process protections and continuity-of-care safeguards. She said the Senate tried to balance fraud enforcement with preserving access to Medicaid-funded services, and emphasized that legislators must continue oversight and follow audit recommendations. She also expressed deep disappointment that a comprehensive gun violence prevention package did not pass the House, saying it included prevention, intervention, harm reduction, school safety, and mental health provisions. She said the package was rejected by House Republicans and that she would keep fighting for it. On immigration enforcement, she said the Senate proposed protections against ICE actions but could not get them enacted. She also discussed campaign strategy, saying Democrats would defend frontline seats and emphasize health care, housing, jobs, and affordability, while continuing to support roads, bridges, and transit.

Transcript Highlights:

• for allocating funds to specifically establish a pre-market packaging and product review team to screen
• And product review team to screen new and existing products for compliance and attractiveness for children
• for allocating funds to specifically establish a pre-market packaging and product review team to screen
• new and existing products for compliance. and product review team to screen new and existing products

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on products that may be attractive to children. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on complaints rather than pre-market review. The audit found disagreements with DCC’s conclusions in 13 of 80 packaging reviews, and noted weaknesses in tracking repeat violators and escalating penalties. The auditor recommended clearer statutory standards, better internal review tools, stronger repeat-offender policies, and consideration of options such as plain packaging or pre-approval systems. Committee members and the audit requester emphasized rising cannabis poison-control calls involving children under five and cited examples of legal products with cartoon imagery, bright colors, candy-like names, and beverage packaging that resembled ordinary drinks. DCC representatives said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized review team, improved databases, enhanced technology tools, and new procedures to track compliance history and apply progressive discipline. They also stressed that illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp remain major sources of youth exposure and argued that some issues require both regulatory refinement and more legislative clarity. Public health witnesses argued that California has not done enough to protect children and urged plain packaging, limits on flavors and child-appealing design, and a pre-market review process. Industry representatives agreed that cannabis should not be marketed to children but said the current rules are too subjective and inconsistent, and asked for objective, bright-line standards rather than broader bans. Several members said the examples shown were plainly child-appealing and called for stronger statutory guardrails, while also acknowledging the need to keep pressure on the illicit market. No formal vote or action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll turn our attention then back to the screen for virtual testimony. Wendy Bingham.
• We’ll turn our attention to the screen for our virtual testifiers.
• We'll turn our attention to the screen for our virtual testimony, Chris Rhodes. Can you hear me?
• But in the meantime, we'll turn back to the screen. Margaret Rowe, you are next. Go right ahead.

Bills: SB5985, SB6019, SB6161, SB6183, SB6210, SB6194, SB6102, SB6103

Keywords: endometriosis, healthcare, reproductive health, patient education, awareness campaign, home care, home care services, home care agency, home care worker, caregiver, direct care, consumer directed employer, consumer-directed care, Medicaid, long-term care, aging services, disability services, personal care, respite care, vendor rate

Transcript Highlights:

• trying to do with fast-growing coral—here's an example where we've outplanted in the top left of the screen
• This screen will divide in two very subtly, and you will see on the right-hand side...
• This screen will divide in two very subtly, and you will see on the right-hand side a year later the
• This screen will divide in two very subtly, and you will see on the right-hand side a year later the

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard a series of presentations focused on coral reef restoration, artificial reefs, biosolids management, and a proposed biosolids processing facility. Mote Marine Laboratory described the severe decline of Florida’s coral reefs, its restoration methods using microfragmentation, genetic banking, selective breeding, nurseries, and outplanting, and asked for a long-term state commitment to help restore reef areas. The Keys Marine Laboratory and Florida Institute of Oceanography highlighted their role as a hub for coral rescue, holding, propagation, and research, including emergency response during the 2023 bleaching event. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed the scale of reef loss, the state’s coral rescue and propagation efforts, and the economic and habitat value of artificial reefs, while noting permitting delays and material-selection concerns for reef projects. The committee then received a DEP update on the Osborne Reef tire cleanup. DEP explained that the original tire reef was a failure, that nearly 500,000 tires had been removed by 2024, and that the current effort is funded at $5 million for the fiscal year, with cleanup now shifting from large tire clusters to more difficult individual tires and coral relocation. Members asked about the future of the site after cleanup; DEP said that phase two decisions, such as whether to restore or monitor the area, have not yet been made. DEP also presented on biosolids rules, explaining that the 2021 rule tightened nutrient management, groundwater, and surface water protections, reduced the number of active land-application sites, and contributed to a shift away from Class B land application toward Class AA, landfill, or out-of-state disposal. Senators raised concerns about PFAS, nutrient loading, and the loss of disposal options, and a public speaker warned of a statewide septage disposal crisis. Finally, Sedron Technologies presented its VARCOR system and a planned Indiantown facility that would process dewatered biosolids into clean water, ammonia, and a dry Class AA product or fuel, with the company saying the process can destroy PFAS and help relieve regional disposal pressure. Senators expressed support for the technology as a potential solution to Florida’s biosolids challenges. No formal votes were taken on the presentations themselves, and the only action at the end of the meeting was adjournment after Senator Polsky moved to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what I mean by that is that clinicians in medical settings can screen patients for food insecurity
• And the idea behind that is folks can go to their doctor, receive a very quick screening.
• Go to their doctor, receive a very quick screening.
• Oftentimes, it's a two- or three-question screening and a determination made about that person potentially

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:07:19.640><c> to</c> psychological uh testing screening to psychological uh testing screening
• </c> um uh they were getting screened um uh they were getting screened psychologically<01:08:00.160><
• </c><01:08:18.400><c> which</c><01:08:18.520><c> is</c> of the psychological screening which is of the
• psychological screening which is now<01:08:18.960><c> mandated</c><01:08:19.640><c> in</c><01:08:19.799
• We also want to make sure that new recruits are being screened for any kind of drug use.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 hearing took testimony from the director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training on the agency’s budget request and operations. He described the agency’s role in setting hiring, education, certification, and discipline standards for police, corrections, probation and parole, and court security officers, and noted that the agency runs the full-time, part-time, corrections, and court security training programs. He also outlined the agency’s staffing, facility, and budget request for FY 2026-27, including a request to keep funding level with the governor’s recommendation while shifting funds to support an IT manager position by defunding a vacant administrative slot. The agency requested several statutory changes in Chapter 106, including clarifying the definition of police misconduct, allowing a temporary member on the Conduct Review Committee, clarifying reporting requirements for misconduct allegations, and codifying the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The director also reviewed new responsibilities added in recent years, including crisis intervention training, statewide accreditation, the Conduct Review Committee, and increased annual in-service training requirements. He explained that crisis intervention funding is carried in a continuously appropriated, non-lapsing account and that some budget lines were reclassified, including software and janitorial services, to reflect actual spending needs. Members asked about national standards, the different academy tracks, crisis intervention funding, maintenance and contract changes, temporary positions, and the court security training program. The agency said it coordinates with national peers through IADLEST, that the part-time and corrections academies are longstanding programs, and that the new court security academy can be delivered either as a full academy or as in-service training depending on resources. The director also said the agency has been running extra full-time academies because of high vacancy rates, but expects to return to three full-time academies this year, with two corrections academies and one or possibly two part-time academies. He also explained the current approach to misconduct records and public disclosure, saying sustained findings under RSA 106-L are heard by the council and published, replacing the older, less standardized exculpatory list process.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when we send screens for drugs of abuse or 7-OH, it would not be included in that.
• It's not part of a standard drug screen and often it's not found until on autopsy or days later.
• It's not part of a standard drug screen and often it's not found until on autopsy or days later.
• It's not part of a standard drug screen and often it's not found until on autopsy or days later.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Like we all agree, I think that there is a problem with screens and kids, whether it's harmful content
• , AI chatbots, or just too much time on screens.
• I think that there is a problem like with screens and kids, whether it's harmful content, AI chatbots
• , or just too much time on screens.
• And so there do need to be some. just too much time on screens.

Summary: The committee met on April 7, 2026, and first handled several fire marshal-related bills. HB 917, a licensing and regulatory cleanup for life safety and property protection work, was amended with technical changes and reported favorably. HB 565 clarified that the State Fire Marshal, rather than local authorities, would handle fire safety inspections for early learning and child daycare centers; members adopted an amendment limiting the standards to state or federal codes and addressing ventilation and suppression requirements for small facilities, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. The committee then took up HB 937, which would shift amusement ride setup inspections back to the State Fire Marshal, require licensing and insurance for rides and inspectors, and repeal provisions related to inflatable amusement devices. The author and fire marshal cited a serious festival ride accident in Pointe Coupee Parish as the impetus, and members discussed inspection timing, insurance costs, and whether background checks or public inspection certificates should be required. After technical and agreed-upon amendments, the bill was reported favorably. HB 799, a boiler inspection consolidation bill, was presented as a cleanup measure that would centralize boiler regulation under the fire marshal and rely on licensed inspectors meeting national standards. Stakeholders from industry and the fire marshal’s office described it as an efficiency and safety measure, and the committee adopted a substantive amendment on shutdown procedures and licensing details before reporting the bill favorably. HB 461, which would have allowed parishes and municipalities to adopt fortified roof standards, drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters argued it could improve resilience and lower insurance costs, while opponents warned it would undermine Louisiana’s uniform building code, add cost, and create inconsistency. The author ultimately moved to voluntarily defer the bill. Finally, the committee began HB 977, a bill on minors’ use of applications that would require age verification, parental consent, and app store/developer safeguards. An amendment clarified definitions, consent rules, data-sharing limits, and a good-faith compliance defense. Members raised concerns about the 45-day cure period, the lack of a private right of action, and whether app stores would become gatekeepers, but the bill remained pending at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> So the specific steps are, it's, there's five listed on the screen here, but it's really three parts
• Um, and then hopefully if all goes smoothly, the provider passes the screening and unannounced visit
• /c><00:12:51.200><c> the</c> smoothly, the provider passes the smoothly, the provider passes the screening
• ><c> unannounced</c><00:12:52.480><c> visit</c><00:12:52.720><c> and</c><00:12:52.959><c> we</c> screening
• and unannounced visit and we screening and unannounced visit and we complete<00:12:53.440><c> the</c

Bills: HF729

Keywords: human services, provider enrollment, medical assistance, healthcare, housing stabilization, substance use disorder, vulnerable adults, fraud prevention, 1183, house