Transcript Highlights:

• , regulate a range of related occupations.
• , regulate a range of related occupations.
• , it shows the occupations that board regulates.
• , regulate a range of related occupations.
• , it shows the occupations that board regulates.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't necessarily reflect the fastest growing occupations, but they provide an idea of how occupations
• care practitioners and technical occupations.
• Occupations with the highest average annual wage in 2024 were management occupations.
• and math occupations, and food prep and serving related occupations. average annual wages rather than
• and math occupations, and food prep and serving related occupations.

Committee: Joint Employee Benefits Programs Committee

Summary: The Employee Benefits Committee met to hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave policies, labor market conditions, and prevailing wage issues, then later took up committee rules and bill-draft jurisdiction. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the state has paid the full family premium since 1979, described cost-control and benefit-enhancement changes over time, and explained current plan options, wellness incentives, employer wellness discounts, and the upcoming bid process for the 2027-29 contract. HRMS then presented compensation comparisons showing state classified pay generally trails private and regional markets, with larger gaps at higher-level jobs, and reviewed benefits and leave policies, including the new enhanced annual leave and new-hire leave, the state’s unpaid family leave structure, and varying tuition reimbursement practices. Job Service reported on labor force trends, low unemployment, high labor force participation, job openings, and wage growth, and OMB said there are no state prevailing-wage requirements beyond federal Davis-Bacon rules for federally funded projects. The committee then considered a proposed amendment to Joint Rule 211 to better align the health insurance mandate review process with recent statutory changes. Members discussed how the rule should reference both the committee’s required actuarial reports and the Legislative Council cost-benefit analysis, and the amendment was adopted on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed how its jurisdiction decisions affect whether a bill draft receives actuarial analysis, with staff explaining that a decision not to take jurisdiction means the bill is not treated as impacting the relevant retirement or health plans for purposes of that analysis. After that, the committee began reviewing bill drafts for jurisdiction. The first draft, bill draft 33, would automatically renew pre-tax elections for dental and vision coverage during open enrollment instead of requiring annual re-election. Members debated whether it had any actuarial impact, noting the state does not pay those premiums directly, and the discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the rules promulgated pursuant to that act following participation
• This legislation recognizes the physical demands and occupational realities of police and helps ensure
• officers... ...demands and occupational realities of police and helps ensure officers who are injured
• House Bill 132, as amended, creates a new statute in the Occupational Disease and Disablement Act in
• House Bill 132, as amended, creates a new statute in the Occupational Disease and Disablement Act in

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up its only bill, House Bill 132, which would create workers’ compensation presumptions for police officers for certain conditions, including noise-induced hearing loss/tinnitus, PTSD, and heart injury or stroke occurring within 24 hours of responding to or returning from a call or emergency. The sponsor described the bill as a bipartisan effort developed with input from workers’ compensation officials, PERA, and the Albuquerque Police Department, aimed at easing the burden on officers to prove causation while still allowing employers to rebut claims. An amendment was adopted first, refining definitions and adding language that preserves an officer’s ability to prove causation even when the presumption does not apply, and tying the heart/stroke presumption to the existence of a physical training program and medical screening requirements. Supporters included representatives of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, the Workers’ Compensation Administration, New Mexico State Police, AFSCME/NMFL, and a workers’ compensation attorney. They argued the bill recognizes the cumulative physical and psychological toll of law enforcement, could improve treatment and retention, and would reduce disputes over causation while remaining balanced. One supporter asked the sponsor to consider changing the 20-year requirement tied to PTSD coverage so officers in smaller departments could access benefits earlier. Committee discussion focused on the amendment’s physical training and medical screening condition for the heart/stroke presumption, with questions about whether all departments have such programs and whether the language could limit coverage. Workers’ compensation staff testified that, from 2016 through 2025, there were 75 statewide claims potentially covered by the bill’s provisions before amendment, including about 20 hearing-loss claims, 11 heart-related claims, and about 44 mental-injury claims. A medical witness said research supports a correlation between law enforcement work and these conditions, though no New Mexico-specific study was available yet. After discussion, the committee voted to give House Bill 132, as amended, a do-pass recommendation, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We update that... ...job demand by industry and by occupation.
• They don't necessarily reflect the fastest-growing occupations, but they provide an idea of how occupations
• care practitioners and technical occupations.
• by computer and math occupations, and food prep and serving-related occupations.
• and food prep and serving related occupations.

Committee: Joint Employee Benefits Programs Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically it amends and clarifies the definition of transient occupancy and on transit occupancy.
• location as one where the intention of the parties that the occupancy will not be a temporary.
• So now the question is gonna be wasn't a transient occupational dwelling or a non transient op occupational
• , whether the occupant gets mail there, whether they've enrolled their children to public school.
• Law enforcement may remove the occupant as if they were simply and and guest.

Transcript Highlights:

• Raising the occupational license tax is not something to take lightly.
• </c> enacted a 0.5% occupational license tax. enacted a 0.5% occupational license tax.
• </c> Lexington increased the occupational Lexington increased the occupational license<00:27:00.720><
• Raising the occupational license them.
• Thank you. the occupational license tax above the the occupational license tax above the base<00:28:40.399

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, that was written about a Russian.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, that was written about a Russian. Our man is our taxpayers.

Summary: The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 vote. Much of the early floor time was devoted to points of personal privilege, with members and the Speaker offering lengthy tributes to departing colleagues, House staff, law enforcement, veterans, and family members. Several members reflected on their service, discussed the challenges of the session, and thanked staff in the chamber and across the Capitol for their work. The chamber then took up Senate messages and committee reports, followed by several bills and resolutions. House Bill 2636, dealing with mortgage modification and related consumer protections, was adopted as amended and finally passed by votes of 142-1 on adoption and 144-1 on final passage. House Bill 2397, concerning water district dissolution procedures and related safeguards, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 129-16 and 127-17. House Bill 2576, a naming and designation bill adding observances and memorial highways/bridges, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 136-4 and 134-6. The House also debated Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a constitutional Show Me Prosperity Fund as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually replace state taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it was a forward-looking fiscal strategy based on compound interest and could reduce reliance on taxes over generations. Opponents warned that the state was facing near-term budget shortfalls and that locking money away could make it inaccessible during emergencies or when needed for current services. The transcript ends during continued debate on the resolution, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gabe is of Ukrainian descent and fluent in Russian.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored a retiring Senate staffer and a wounded veteran, then moved into returning House messages and special order bills. Several measures were taken up and either concurred in or sent back to the House, with multiple unanimous or near-unanimous votes on noncontroversial bills. Among the bills addressed were SB 118 on recreational vehicle park assessments, SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, and HB 991 on election integrity. SB 118 and SB 572 were amended to reflect House changes and passed 38-0. HB 991 drew extensive debate over voter registration and identification requirements, with opponents arguing it would burden students, seniors, disabled voters, and others, while supporters said it would strengthen election security and streamline verification; it passed 27-12. The chamber also approved bills on historic cemeteries, chickee regulation, habitual traffic offender designation, military affairs, and a Department of Health package. The Department of Health bill (SB 902/HB 733) was the subject of detailed amendment work, including changes to medical marijuana rules, NICU educational materials, Early Steps, dental loan repayment, and pediatric trauma center designation. The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment and then passed the bill 37-0. Other measures included a funeral services bill, which the Senate refused to concur in because the House strike-all would redefine cremation to include composting, and a veterans-related bill that was temporarily postponed. The Senate also recessed briefly, then returned to continue the calendar and additional recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gabe is of Ukrainian descent and fluent in Russian.

Transcript Highlights:

• It depends on the classroom: Russian, Swedish.

Bills: SB234 , SB210 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16 , HB8

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• YOU MIGHT THINK ABOUT LAW INTO A SPECIFIC OCCUPATION.
• IT PREPARES AN INDIVIDUAL FOR AN OCCUPATION BUT IT HAS AN AGREEMENT INTO AN AAS DEGREE.
• AND FINALLY WE ARE LOOKING TO SEE IF THE PROGRAMS THAT ARE TRAINING FOR THOSE OCCUPATIONS, THOSE OCCUPATIONS
• ARE IN DEMAND OCCUPATIONS.
• THE OCCUPATION OR TRAINING PROGRAM IS CONNECTED TO AN OCCUPATION AND AS WAGE THRESHOLDS.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> in</c> it required owner occupancy in it required owner occupancy in perpetuity<00:18:49.360><c>
• </c><00:27:04.080><c> requirement</c> that owner occupancy requirement that owner occupancy requirement
• </c> limit uh those owner occupancy limit uh those owner occupancy requirements<00:27:18.880><c> to</
• </c> occupant required unit. occupant required unit.
• </c> were um imposed on the owner occupant were um imposed on the owner occupant units,<00:29:56.640>

Bills: HB1604 , HB1713 , HB1722 , HB2270 , HB2401 , HB2515 , HB1979 , HB1593 , HB1743 , HB2122 , HB1756 , HB1837 , HB1729

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Professional and Occupational Licensing and and Occupational Licensing and and Occupational Licensing
• Licensing and Regulation Occupational Licensing and Regulation Occupational Licensing and Regulation
• licensing and regulation occupational licensing and regulation occupational licensing and regulation
• State A Professional and Occupational State A Professional and Occupational Licensing and Regulation
• Professional and Occupational Alabama A. Professional and Occupational Alabama A.

Bills: SJR 59 , SCR 30 , SCR 46 , SB 31 , SB 127 , SB 324 , SB 401 , SB 407 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 506 , SB 529 , SB 584 , SB 619 , SB 636 , SB 646 , SB 647 , SB 659 , SB 715 , SB 732 , SB 735 , SB 771 , SB 784 , SB 800 , SB 801 , SB 816 , SB 1013 , SB 1026 , SB 1049 , SB 1055 , SB 1065 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 1181 , SB 1383 , SB 1395 , SB 1410 , SB 1433 , SB 1524 , SB 1531 , SB 1568 , SB 1640 , SB 1666 , SB 1681 , SB 1718 , SB 1754 , SB 1757 , SB 1972 , SB 1980 , SB 2004 , SB 2007 , SB 2041 , SB 2046 , SB 2050 , SB 2075 , SB 2076 , SB 2154 , SB 2173 , SB 2206 , SB 2225 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2306 , SB 2308 , SB 2314 , SB 2322 , SB 2330 , SB 2351 , SB 2366 , SB 2371 , SB 2392 , SB 2398 , SB 2476 , SB 2533 , SB 2540 , SB 2544 , SB 2589 , SB 2610 , SB 2623 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 2693 , SB 2707 , SB 2717 , SB 2722 , SB 2742 , SB 2753 , SB 2779 , SB 2807 , SB 2843 , SB 2844 , SB 2858 , SB 2877 , SB 2880 , SB 2885 , SB 2920 , SB 2938 , SB 2986 , HJR 4 , HCR 35 , SJR 3 , SJR 18 , SB 5 , SB 260 , SB 1786 , SB 914 , SB 963 , SB 1197 , SB 1415 , SB 1437 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 46 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SCR 30 , SCR 3 , SB 2023 , SB 1433 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 407 , SB 1718 , SB 1395 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 529 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 2253 , SB 584 , SB 1085 , SB 2314 , SB 2046 , SB 1975 , SB 2717 , SB 1262 , SB 1524 , SB 1137 , SB 636 , SB 2056 , SB 884 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2681 , SB 2200 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 2458 , SB 2201 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2533 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 758 , SB 647 , SB 1721 , SB 2268 , SB 2366 , SB 1013 , SB 2797 , SB 2371 , SB 2383 , SB 646 , SB 1169 , SB 1754 , SB 2779 , SB 2004 , SB 2119 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 2392 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 2225 , SB 1540 , SB 2920 , SB 2929 , SB 1972 , SB 2540 , SB 2742 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 715 , SB 2330 , SB 1383 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2722 , SB 506 , SB 2514 , SB 2623 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 467 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 1531 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 31 , SB 2880 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 771 , SB 2844 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2807 , SB 2351 , SB 410 , SB 659 , SB 816 , SB 2776 , SB 2693 , SB 2580 , SB 1980 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 482 , SB 456 , SB 127 , SB 1666 , SB 2843 , SB 2801 , SB 800 , SB 2055 , SB 784 , SB 2986 , SB 735 , SB 1012 , SB 324 , SB 2926 , SB 2938 , SB 2007 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 2615 , SB 1049 , SB 2310 , SB 1224 , SB 2972 , SB 1568 , SB 2841 , SB 2885 , SB 3016 , SB 2858 , SB 2610 , SB 2139 , SB 1856 , SB 2035 , SB 2308 , SB 2306 , SB 2041 , SB 1528 , SB 1681 , SB 1141 , SB 2401 , SB 2530 , SB 2375 , SB 547 , SB 1266 , SB 1373 , SB 1467 , SB 2069 , SB 2269 , SB 2480 , SB 2544 , SB 672 , SB 904 , SB 2695 , SB 2891 , SB 2422 , SB 2543 , SB 1854 , SB 317 , SB 2539 , SB 2532 , SB 2925 , SB 1250 , SB 2082 , SB 2203 , SB 457 , SB 2357 , HJR 4 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , HCR 35 , HCR 64 , SB 2721 , SB 243 , SB 1285 , SB 2568 , SB 1959 , SB 1442 , SB 1454 , SB 2520 , SB 2541 , SB 1708 , SB 1237 , SB 1844 , SB 1586 , SB 1 , SB 260 , SB 31 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 647 , SB 732 , SB 816 , SB 1055 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 2004 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2314 , SB 2351 , SB 2371 , SB 2623 , SB 2722 , SB 2779 , SB 2920 , HJR 4 , SB 407 , SB 1395 , SB 1433 , SB 1718 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 619 , SB 646 , SB 1026 , SB 2742 , SB 2880 , SR 443 , SR 449 , SR 456 , SR 460 , SR 465 , SCR 46 , SB 260 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410

Transcript Highlights:

• Professional and Occupational Licensing and and Occupational Licensing and and Occupational Licensing
• Licensing and Regulation Occupational Licensing and Regulation Occupational Licensing and Regulation
• licensing and regulation occupational licensing and regulation occupational licensing and regulation
• State A Professional and Occupational State A Professional and Occupational Licensing and Regulation
• Professional and Occupational Alabama A. Professional and Occupational Alabama A.

Bills: SJR 59 , SCR 30 , SCR 46 , SB 31 , SB 127 , SB 324 , SB 401 , SB 407 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 506 , SB 529 , SB 584 , SB 619 , SB 636 , SB 646 , SB 647 , SB 659 , SB 715 , SB 732 , SB 735 , SB 771 , SB 784 , SB 800 , SB 801 , SB 816 , SB 1013 , SB 1026 , SB 1049 , SB 1055 , SB 1065 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 1181 , SB 1383 , SB 1395 , SB 1410 , SB 1433 , SB 1524 , SB 1531 , SB 1568 , SB 1640 , SB 1666 , SB 1681 , SB 1718 , SB 1754 , SB 1757 , SB 1972 , SB 1980 , SB 2004 , SB 2007 , SB 2041 , SB 2046 , SB 2050 , SB 2075 , SB 2076 , SB 2154 , SB 2173 , SB 2206 , SB 2225 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2306 , SB 2308 , SB 2314 , SB 2322 , SB 2330 , SB 2351 , SB 2366 , SB 2371 , SB 2392 , SB 2398 , SB 2476 , SB 2533 , SB 2540 , SB 2544 , SB 2589 , SB 2610 , SB 2623 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 2693 , SB 2707 , SB 2717 , SB 2722 , SB 2742 , SB 2753 , SB 2779 , SB 2807 , SB 2843 , SB 2844 , SB 2858 , SB 2877 , SB 2880 , SB 2885 , SB 2920 , SB 2938 , SB 2986 , HJR 4 , HCR 35 , SJR 3 , SJR 18 , SB 5 , SB 260 , SB 1786 , SB 914 , SB 963 , SB 1197 , SB 1415 , SB 1437 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 46 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SCR 30 , SCR 3 , SB 2023 , SB 1433 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 407 , SB 1718 , SB 1395 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 529 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 2253 , SB 584 , SB 1085 , SB 2314 , SB 2046 , SB 1975 , SB 2717 , SB 1262 , SB 1524 , SB 1137 , SB 636 , SB 2056 , SB 884 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2681 , SB 2200 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 2458 , SB 2201 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2533 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 758 , SB 647 , SB 1721 , SB 2268 , SB 2366 , SB 1013 , SB 2797 , SB 2371 , SB 2383 , SB 646 , SB 1169 , SB 1754 , SB 2779 , SB 2004 , SB 2119 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 2392 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 2225 , SB 1540 , SB 2920 , SB 2929 , SB 1972 , SB 2540 , SB 2742 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 715 , SB 2330 , SB 1383 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2722 , SB 506 , SB 2514 , SB 2623 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 467 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 1531 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 31 , SB 2880 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 771 , SB 2844 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2807 , SB 2351 , SB 410 , SB 659 , SB 816 , SB 2776 , SB 2693 , SB 2580 , SB 1980 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 482 , SB 456 , SB 127 , SB 1666 , SB 2843 , SB 2801 , SB 800 , SB 2055 , SB 784 , SB 2986 , SB 735 , SB 1012 , SB 324 , SB 2926 , SB 2938 , SB 2007 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 2615 , SB 1049 , SB 2310 , SB 1224 , SB 2972 , SB 1568 , SB 2841 , SB 2885 , SB 3016 , SB 2858 , SB 2610 , SB 2139 , SB 1856 , SB 2035 , SB 2308 , SB 2306 , SB 2041 , SB 1528 , SB 1681 , SB 1141 , SB 2401 , SB 2530 , SB 2375 , SB 547 , SB 1266 , SB 1373 , SB 1467 , SB 2069 , SB 2269 , SB 2480 , SB 2544 , SB 672 , SB 904 , SB 2695 , SB 2891 , SB 2422 , SB 2543 , SB 1854 , SB 317 , SB 2539 , SB 2532 , SB 2925 , SB 1250 , SB 2082 , SB 2203 , SB 457 , SB 2357 , HJR 4 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , HCR 35 , HCR 64 , SB 2721 , SB 243 , SB 1285 , SB 2568 , SB 1959 , SB 1442 , SB 1454 , SB 2520 , SB 2541 , SB 1708 , SB 1237 , SB 1844 , SB 1586 , SB 1 , SB 260 , SB 31 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 647 , SB 732 , SB 816 , SB 1055 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 2004 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2314 , SB 2351 , SB 2371 , SB 2623 , SB 2722 , SB 2779 , SB 2920 , HJR 4 , SB 407 , SB 1395 , SB 1433 , SB 1718 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 619 , SB 646 , SB 1026 , SB 2742 , SB 2880 , SR 443 , SR 449 , SR 456 , SR 460 , SR 465 , SCR 46 , SB 260 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410

Transcript Highlights:

• We update that...” “...job demand by industry and by occupation.
• They don't necessarily reflect the fastest growing occupations, but they provide an idea of how occupations
• are expected to...” “...occupations, but they provide an idea of how occupations are expected to grow
• care practitioners and technical occupations.
• and math occupations, and food prep and serving related occupations.”

Summary: The Employee Benefits Committee met to approve prior minutes, hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave, and related policy issues, and then recess for lunch. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the long-standing state-paid family coverage, cost-control measures, wellness incentives, the current grandfathered PPO and high-deductible options, and the effects of recent benefit mandates such as insulin caps, prosthetic coverage, medication management, prescription copay changes, and ambulance balance-billing limits. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact of adding benefits and the possible cost of moving to a non-grandfathered plan, while PERS and HRMS emphasized that health insurance remains the top-ranked employee benefit and that any major plan changes should be considered carefully. HRMS also presented compensation comparisons showing state pay generally below private-market benchmarks, discussed targeted market equity adjustments, identified ongoing recruitment and retention concerns in fields like nursing, IT, engineering, and attorneys, and reviewed leave policies, tuition reimbursement, and family leave comparisons with neighboring states. Job Service provided labor market data showing low unemployment, high labor force participation, and wage growth that still trails some neighboring markets, and OMB explained that prevailing wage requirements apply to federally funded projects under Davis-Bacon, not to ordinary state contracts. After lunch, the committee took up the required process for health insurance mandate bills and adopted an amendment to Joint Rule 211. The amendment clarified that the deadline for submitting mandate measures is intended to allow time for all required reports, including both the cost-benefit analysis and any Employee Benefits Committee actuarial report, while leaving the existing deadline unchanged. The amendment was adopted on a roll call vote, with several members voting yes and a few no votes recorded. The committee then moved into its jurisdiction review of bill drafts, beginning with a bill that would automatically renew pre-tax dental and vision elections; members debated whether it had any actuarial or administrative impact on PERS or the state, and the chair explained that the committee’s role was only to decide whether further analysis was needed before later testimony and recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what makes an occupation apprenticeable?
• , so it does depend on the occupation.
• So it does depend on the occupation.
• Eleven of those were in an identified youth occupation.
• However, that employer has to have that job. occupation.

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 198 would require political subdivisions to offer occupational cancer screenings for their
• had a record that a certificate of occupancy had been issued.
• For example, their records don't have the original certificate of occupancy.
• had a record that a certificate of occupancy had been issued.
• It's about a lost certificate of occupancy. All right.

Bills: HB198 , HB303 , HB1535 , HB2742 , HB3305 , HB3348 , HB3505 , HB3711 , HB4753 , HB2715 , HB21 , HB30 , HB21 , HB198 , HB303

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: HB 198, Wade Cannon Act, firefighter cancer screening, occupational cancer screening, fire protection personnel, local government, political subdivision, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, National Fire Protection Association, NFPA standards, occupational medical examination, public safety, firefighter health, cancer prevention, annual health screening, confidential medical exam, pulmonary function test, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, blood test

Summary: The Committee on Local Government heard and discussed a series of House bills dealing with municipal structure, tax payment timing, local provider participation funds, firefighter cancer screenings, sunset review of the Trinity River Authority, replacement certificates of occupancy, and open meetings enforcement. HB 303 would remove the 501-resident floor so very small type A and B municipalities can convert to type C cities; HB 2742 would give property owners a later first split-payment deadline when tax bills are mailed after November 30; HB 3305 and HB 3348 were local provider participation fund measures with committee substitutes; HB 198 would require political subdivisions to offer occupational cancer screenings for firefighters; HB 1535 was a sunset bill for the Trinity River Authority; HB 4753 would allow a municipality-issued proof of a certificate of occupancy to substitute for a lost original; and HB 3711 would treat certain Open Meetings Act violations as offenses against public administration and require public explanation when prosecutors decline to act. Testimony was generally supportive or limited, with several witnesses and senators emphasizing practical fixes, firefighter health and cost savings, local government transparency, and administrative cleanup. For HB 198, firefighter representatives gave emotional testimony about cancer deaths and the value of early screening. On HB 3711, a witness supported the bill but urged stronger enforcement and broader application. Several senators raised policy concerns on HB 2715 about routing removal proceedings through a regional presiding judge rather than the local county, arguing it could politicize the process. The committee took no public testimony on most bills and repeatedly left them pending subject to call of the chair before later voting them out. HB 21, HB 30, HB 1535, HB 1520, HB 198, HB 303, HB 2742, and HB 4753 were reported to the full Senate, generally by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, and several were also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. HB 30 passed on a 5-1 vote, while the other reported bills were approved unanimously or with no recorded opposition. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 227 concerns firefighters to limit the retirement qualifying period for certain occupational
• A few years ago, before I entered into this legislative body, the legislature created the occupational
• Occupational diseases are a little bit harder to understand and wrap your mind around in terms of how
• Those are the two areas in which we have occupational diseases.
• We understand that that was directly caused by your occupation.

Bills: HB227 , HB255 , HB465 , HB472 , HB482 , HB483 , HB526 , HB529 , HB484

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness

Transcript Highlights:

• We have programs all over the state with all various occupations.
• We have programs all over the state with all various occupations.
• So, like I said, we can make over a thousand occupations apprenticable.
• We have programs all over the state with all various occupations.
• All over the state with all various occupations.

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group. The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office. Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines. Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.