Transcript Highlights:

• C, which is combat veterans, still has a $500 limit in there.
• still has a $500 limit in there see<00:53:03.000> but<00:53:03.119> they<00:53:03.240>
• And if you know what the tax liability is for veterans' tax credit for the state...
• <01:31:27.159> on<01:31:28.040> processing seen with these low limits on processing
• seen with these low limits on processing of<01:31:28.800> absentee<01:31:29.320> balance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Excuse me, we've hit the time limit. Can you just make your last point?
• Um, uh, income eligibility limits, and this is sort of a point Representative Cornell was bringing up
• Your time limit, yeah, I'll wrap up. Um, it's a hard time for schools.
• <01:28:21.159> in total immunity from liability in total immunity from liability in handling
• are. ...limitations are.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Policy Committee opened a hearing on HB 748, which would establish a local education freedom account (EFA) program. The prime sponsor, Rep. Kevin Verville, described the bill as enabling legislation that would let local voters decide whether to create a local EFA program by petition and ballot vote, with a 60% threshold to approve or repeal it. He argued that public education is about funding rather than a specific school building, said the proposal would expand parental choice, and cited Deerfield’s move from a single high school option to multiple tuitioned options as an example of local flexibility. Verville said the local EFA would be funded at twice the state adequacy amount, with the district matching the state portion, while other aid categories such as free and reduced meals, English language learner, and special education aid would not be doubled. He said students using a local EFA would still count in average daily membership, that unspent EFA funds would revert to the district, and that the bill would prohibit double-dipping with other scholarship or EFA programs. He also said special education services would remain under district discretion and that local EFA participants would still take statewide assessments for accountability. Committee members pressed him on several issues, especially special education, transportation, and fairness. Rep. Woodcock and Rep. Murray asked whether districts would still have to provide special education and transportation services if a student used a local EFA; Verville responded that special education would remain in the local district at district discretion, while transportation would generally become the family’s responsibility unless already required in an IEP. Rep. Cornell raised an equity concern about no income eligibility cap, asking whether higher-income families should receive the same public support; Verville replied that New Hampshire does not means-test public education and that the local EFA is a public funding mechanism, not a tuition subsidy that would cover full private-school costs. No vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• as local governments, we ensured that the bill's expanded optional permit privileges for pouring a limited
• of this will be delayed permits, higher construction costs, and municipalities exposed to legal liability
• of this will be delayed permits, higher construction costs, and municipalities exposed to legal liability
• It may decrease municipal permit revenue and sales and use tax by limiting the ability to issue permits
• It may decrease municipal permit revenue and sales and use tax by limiting the ability to issue permits

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A class C limits it to 90 days of imprisonment and a $500 fine.
• Now, if they're intentionally harmed, liability is still there.
• they're intentionally harmed, liability they're intentionally harmed, liability is<02:13:43.840>
• I'll drink—I limit myself to one a week when we're not in session.
• now what we're doing is we're limiting now what we're doing is we're limiting we're<05:03:51.280

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think one of the limitations on the ability of whoever buys it to do what they wish to it, if, let's
• So we have not been at the fiscal liability, I think, for 12 plus years.
• I think for 12 uh the fiscal liability I think for 12 plus<03:51:12.800> years.
• > believe<03:56:17.520> at<03:56:17.760> the<03:56:17.920> federal be limited
• I believe at the federal be limited I believe at the federal level.<03:56:18.479> I<03:56:18.640

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 154 are minor and generally self-limiting.
• But there is a limitation there. It's not just unlimited revenue.
• And they exceeded the 10% limitation on it? Correct.
• A limited volume, again, presents limited risk to check valves.
• A limited volume, again, presents limited risk to check valves.

Summary: The House convened with Girl State participants presiding for part of the session, including introductions of the student leadership and a unanimous voice vote passing House Concurrent Resolution 152 honoring the young women participating in Delaware Girl State. The chamber also welcomed congressional interns and other guests, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and observed a moment of silence for Nathan Cynix and Kara Feeley before prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes for Representative Ron Gray, who was recognized for his 14 years of service and his work on issues such as bond bills, dredging, bike paths, small business, constituent service, and agriculture-related funding. Multiple members from both parties praised his humor, honesty, mentorship, and dedication to the House and his district. Gray responded with extended remarks reflecting on his family legacy, legislative service, and appreciation for colleagues and staff, and the chamber later sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at his request. The House then received communications, including Senate messages returning several bills and informing the chamber of Senate passage of additional measures. Members were also told that the FY27 bond bill, House Bill 500, had been placed on desks as a gift for review. The House read in Consent Agenda S, which included House Bill 476, House Joint Resolution 13, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 168, Senate Bill 297, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, and Senate Joint Resolution 21, and began a roll call vote on the consent agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's some limits to it and child.
• That's liability issues. Here's the problem, okay?
• >> That's<05:03:38.320> liability<05:03:38.798> issues.
• Here's the >> That's liability issues. Here's the problem,<05:03:40.320> okay?
• But yes, there was a limit to when we were going to let them have these devices, okay?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 584 is a piece of legislation that will limit information from sources that inform my practice and
• As a professional nurse who reviews the literature daily, I can recognize its strengths and limitations
• If I get stopped for speeding, can I say I didn't know that the speed limit was 60 and I was doing 80
• <02:24:27.399> was I didn't know that the speed limit was I didn't know that the speed limit
• So let's move to what I think is fairly limited.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on HB 584, which would bar New Hampshire and its political subdivisions from enforcing mandates, orders, or similar directives from the World Health Organization, United Nations, or World Economic Forum. Prime sponsor Representative Green described the bill as a sovereignty measure and offered an amendment to clarify language, including replacing a reference to entities that “create and enforce policies” with language covering enforcement of policies, mandates, orders, requirements, edicts, or directives. Supporters argued the bill was a preemptive safeguard against outside influence and cited concerns about pandemic-era public health measures and international organizations. Opponents, including the American Heart Association, warned it could chill local policymaking and limit the ability of communities to use outside research or guidance. The chair closed the hearing on HB 584 after testimony concluded. The committee then moved to HB 580-FN, relative to retaliatory defamation in domestic violence and sexual violence cases. Representative Anita Burroughs, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to protect people who report sexual assault, sexual harassment, abuse, or domestic violence from retaliatory defamation suits, so long as statements are made in good faith and without malice. She also said the bill preserves the ability of accused persons to defend their names. Burroughs explained that the proposal was prompted by a survivor’s experience and was meant to address the chilling effect of expensive litigation on reporting misconduct. Testimony on HB 580 was generally supportive. Witnesses said the bill would help survivors speak out without fear of meritless lawsuits and described retaliatory defamation as a tool used to silence or intimidate accusers. Burroughs noted the bill was informed by anti-SLAPP principles and referenced high-profile defamation cases as examples of the cost and pressure of litigation. No vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided; the hearing on HB 580 was opened and testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• that is limiting them. that is limiting them.
• open-ended liability. open-ended liability.
• We limit their screen time. They lives. We limit their screen time.
• I have a limit, $200. I have a limit, $200.
• That's<04:04:01.760> my<04:04:01.880> limit. That's my limit. That's my limit.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the cost to insure your business goes up for the state liability insurance, health care, I mean, we
• The key changes include increased disposal of value limits, with the threshold for disposing of obsolete
• regarding exactly that exemption for those who, pursuant to the Gun Control Act federally, have a limited
• But in my limited experience of 34 years in state and federal law enforcement, it's not an infinitesimal
• There's a limited exception, Madam Speaker, gentle lady, for those certified law enforcement officers

Transcript Highlights:

• In Indiana, there is a credit against state tax liability for expenses incurred in the manufacturing
• It is also important to identify the limitations of the Commission's authority and to start having the
• Our authority over electric cooperatives such as Basin Electric and Midco Power is generally limited
• The normal limit for their loans or investments is $3 million.
• So, you know, we are not limited to a geography or a location when we speak of community.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is about restoring a proven, limited tool to help families and first responders act quickly when
• This bill contains no such limitations.
• So this is a very limited in scope negotiation that's going to take place.
• Budget limitation. You're recognized, sir. Thank you. You're recognized to go back and forth.
• Aren't we trying to reduce taxpayers' liability?

Bills: S0042, S0688, S0762, S1168, S1296, S1298, S1300, S1318, S1332, S1376, S1548, S1570, S1574, S1632, S1634, S1750

Keywords: child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, criminal defense, legal representation, death penalty, indigent defense, regional counsel, conflict of interest, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 42 on specific medical diagnosis and child protective investigations. A late-file strike-all amendment was adopted that made only stylistic changes to align with the House version. Supporters said the bill would help DCF and child protective teams better identify rare medical conditions and give parents a chance to defend against mistaken abuse findings. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1570, which restores a prior program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices and CARD centers, with nonrecurring funding included. Members then advanced several education, disability, and public services measures. CS for CSSB 182 created a teacher training and mentoring program for high-performing current and retired teachers to mentor teachers in D- and F-rated schools, and CS for CSSB 794 required background screening for employees in residential and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities while directing APD to study support coordination quality, workforce issues, and service gaps. Testimony on SB 794 strongly supported better training, lower caseloads, and more consistent support coordination. The committee also favorably reported CS for CS SB 1168 on background screenings, CS for CS SB 214 to allow rural special districts to pay verified invoices directly, CS for SB 1376 to create grants for genetic counseling education, and SB 1574 (Maddie’s Law) to add newborn screening for biliary atresia; the latter drew emotional support and testimony that early screening could save lives and reduce transplant costs. The committee heard and passed a number of other policy bills, including CS for CS for SB 1510, the DEP agency package, after environmental groups warned that one provision could delay basin management protections and allow more septic systems in impaired watersheds; the bill still passed favorably. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 688 to license naturopathic doctors, SB 1318 on scholarship account reversion rules, CS for CS for SB 682 on domestic violence injunctions and penalties, SB 130 on workforce training for current and former inmates, and SB 1548, the latest Live Local affordable housing update. Several bills were briefly postponed or taken up later in the meeting. In the latter portion of the meeting, the committee approved CS for C.S. for SB 536 on criminal gang membership criteria, CS for C.S. SB 762 on assigning conflict capital cases across regional counsel offices, SB 1332 on career offender registration requirements, CS for CS for SB 1742 creating a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a child, and CS for SB 1750 increasing penalties for serious sex offenses and child sexual abuse material crimes. The committee also debated CS for SB 1226 on Public Employee Relations Commission procedures and union certification rules, including a late-file amendment setting a 60% threshold and 25% quorum for recertification; the discussion focused heavily on constitutional concerns, union rights, and differences between first responders and other public employees. The transcript ends while that bill’s debate is still underway, with the committee having already taken numerous favorable votes throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the uh statute of civil uh liability and the uh statute of<00:13:24.800> limitations<00:13
• think that discretion should be limited think that discretion should be limited based<02:35:36.800
• We are going to limit testimony to 3 minutes.
• Just a friendly reminder, everybody, we do have a three-minute time limit.
• <06:01:45.240> I'm do have a three minute time limit I'm do have a three minute time limit

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would, among other things, limit upfront cost of moving into a new unit by limiting what a
• This bill would, among other things, limit upfront cost of moving into a new unit by limiting what a
• And limiting rent increases is one of those essential policies to prevent displacement.
• Under current state law, there's no limit to how much a landlord can raise the rent.
• Under current state law, there is no limit on annual rent increases.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement. Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties. The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, very important: it is the practice of this committee to limit testimony to two minutes per person
• So really it's out of respect for everybody that we have to limit testimony.
• So we didn't want the liability of taking their phone and possibly damaging or losing it.
• So this is a practical bill using performance benchmarks to reverse excess tech and limit harm.
• It sets a ban on telephones and is based on a basic limit on screen time.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• like $8 to $10 million, and I don't need to tell you, after looking at the Maui situation, that liability
• is one of the main things that liability is one of the main things that drives<00:34:35.679> up
• time it's particularly for for a limited time it's particularly difficult<00:39:47.880> for<00
• These challenges are compounded by the limited access to comprehensive care and the stigma that often
• <04:00:47.279> the think are important just to limit the think are important just to limit

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And some with higher limits, some with lower limits.
• And some with higher limits, some with lower limits.
• c> limits.
• So, I think 15 some with lower limits.
• c> employers<00:14:53.880> means Limiting PFML to larger employers means Limiting PFML to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our investigation is ongoing, so it'll be limited about what I can discuss here.
• So let me—since I've limited time—talk about a few policy solutions people have talked about.
• to help limit ozone formation, which is another major component of what creates smog.
• We do relax those volatility limits... ...of what creates smog.
• We do relax those volatility limits in the winter, based on our regulations, to allow for additional

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To accommodate all who wish to testify there will be a time limit of two minutes per witness during the
• Cybercriminals do not limit themselves attacking within the state lines by expending their This threat
• Their limited flexibility and potential incompatibility. ability with modern AI driven solutions.
• So I think there's a bill to limit how many more they can add. Oh, wow. OK.
• This is the bill we heard previously by Representative Bell, adding a midterm limited sunset review of

Bills: HB150, HB869, HB876, HB 1043, HB1494, HB1522, HB150

Keywords: cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, information technology, classification officer, job descriptions, state positions, competency-based, information sharing, government efficiency, public sector, private sector, distributed ledger, title registry, real estate, property liens, pilot program, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• We are well above the licensure limits.
• As I'm sure you've limited resources.
• <02:36:23.120> on going to probably reach that limit on going to probably reach that limit
• So, do you think at some point we need to revisit the limited liability issue as far as what we impose
• liability issue as the um the limited liability issue as far<03:08:15.760> as<03:08:16.399>

Keywords: 910, house, all