Transcript Highlights:

• that are being made outside of the legislative branch that I'm not sure how much influence we have except
• 00:23:44.880> influence<00:23:45.440> we<00:23:45.760> have<00:23:46.000> except
• we have except we can make<00:23:47.520> noise<00:23:47.919> about<00:23:48.240> it
• So my intention was not to have you do work except for the point of saying, hey, here’s the audit, here
• <00:26:43.279> for was not to have you do work except for was not to have you do work except

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee organized itself by electing Representative Griffin as chair and a senator as vice chair, then approved the prior meeting minutes. Director Young then gave status updates on several ongoing performance audits. The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights audit was reported complete, with presentations already made to the fiscal committee and House Judiciary. The special education oversight audit is still in progress, with 17 observations already sent to the department, responses received on 14, partial concurrence on 12, and a full draft report expected in late summer or early fall. The education freedom accounts audit is also underway, with fieldwork focused on eligibility controls and expenses; staffing shortages at the department have slowed the work, and a draft report is hoped for in the fall. The Doorway program audit is in the planning phase, with a report targeted for the end of the year. Members then discussed whether the committee should do more follow-up on completed audits. Several members said audits often identify issues that remain unresolved for years, and suggested a more active review process, similar to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee, where agencies would return to report on what audit findings have been fixed and what remains outstanding. Staff noted that any such follow-up would take time away from new audit work, but said they were willing to consider the committee’s direction. Members also discussed using Transparency New Hampshire updates and agency self-reporting to help track progress, and there was general agreement to move toward a system of periodic follow-up on recent audits. The committee also reviewed suspended and potential audit topics. Two Department of Health and Human Services audits, involving the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services and out-of-date placements, remain suspended because of ongoing litigation. Two other DHS topics, contract management and the Bureau of Developmental Services, remain on the potential audit list. A member raised a possible Fish and Game topic based on constituent concerns, but agreed to wait after speaking with the new director. The committee concluded by agreeing that the audit division should compile a list of audits completed in the last 10 years, with members to identify which ones they want to revisit first.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are exceptions currently in statute where a civil arrest may take place in a court proceeding.
• These exceptions will also apply to the newly added locations.
• There<00:31:58.720> are<00:31:58.800> exceptions<00:31:59.480> currently<00
• :31:59.880> in There are exceptions currently in There are exceptions currently in statute<00:
• These exceptions will also apply to the newly<00:32:06.000> added<00:32:06.200> locations.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first passed H.953, an act approving an amendment to the charter of the town of Panton, on third reading by voice vote. It then took up S.325 on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction, where a Lowell member offered an amendment to redefine conserved land for purposes of the conserved land inventory and Vermont’s conservation goals. The Speaker ruled that amendment not germane, and the House sustained that ruling. A separate Williamstown amendment to expand interim housing exemptions was then debated; supporters said it would help housing growth in already developed areas, including rural towns, while opponents from the Environment Committee and Ways and Means said it remained unfavorable and could affect towns that rely on Act 250 review. The House rejected that amendment by voice vote. A Barre City member then offered a wetlands amendment to limit Class 2 wetland buffers in targeted housing areas, arguing it would support housing in designated growth areas while still protecting most wetlands; after discussion, the member withdrew the amendment. The House then passed S.325 in concurrence with proposal of amendment by voice vote. The House next postponed action on S.208, relating to standards for law enforcement identification, for two legislative days. It then considered S.209, prohibiting civil arrest in sensitive locations. The Judiciary Committee explained that the bill expands existing civil-arrest protections beyond court proceedings to include schools, government buildings, DMV offices, libraries, polling places, social service sites, places of worship, camps, and health care facilities, while preserving exceptions for judicial warrants, court orders, contempt, and court security. The committee also described changes to remedies and definitions, including exclusions for temporary custody during a mental health crisis. Testimony cited included representatives from medical, immigrant justice, legal, library, municipal, faith, education, and civil rights groups; the bill was reported favorably by Judiciary on a 6-5 vote. A Bennington member offered an amendment to S.209 that would remove the governor’s statutory exemption to authorize 287(g) agreements, arguing such agreements can undermine due process, public safety, and trust in law enforcement. The Judiciary Committee had already found the amendment not germane, and the member withdrew it. Debate then continued on the committee-recommended bill, with a Sheldon member speaking from a law-enforcement perspective to argue Vermont already does not conduct civil immigration arrests and warning the bill could create confusion and liability for officers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before final action on S.209 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Except temporary orders can go on for nine years, so they're disregarding the very thing that Mary and
• Garcia continued: "There are exceptions to the hearsay rule, so sometimes hearsay can come in if it's
• There are exceptions to the hearsay rule.
• One of those exceptions is the business records exception.
• So, for example, if you, if... ...of those exceptions is the business records exception.

Bills: HB2041, HB2144, HB2239, HB2321, HB2371, HB2594, HB2661, HB2662, HB2793, HB2968, HB2995

Keywords: child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, child support, preborn children, retroactive support, medical expenses, child welfare, child care, grant program, low-income, early learning, infrastructure, economic growth, security freeze, credit reporting, dependent children, parental notification

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2793, which would let cities and towns expedite annexations when 100% of the property owners request it, waive the 30-day waiting period and public hearing in those cases, and allow electronic newspaper notice and a single on-site posting for small single-parcel annexations. Buckeye testified in support, saying the bill would streamline uncontested annexations and reduce delay and cost, while a Tucson-area senator raised concerns that faster annexation can limit public awareness and input. The bill passed 4-3 for a due pass recommendation. HB 2041, which would prohibit a parent, guardian, or custodian from being treated as abusing or neglecting a child solely because poverty prevents them from providing supervision, clothing, food, shelter, or medical care, drew strong support from child welfare and anti-poverty advocates. Opponents argued the bill still leaves room for investigations based on poverty and should more fully remove poverty from the neglect definition. The committee also heard HB 2239, creating a child care grant program and infrastructure fund at DES; witnesses from northern Arizona and child care providers described shortages, workforce challenges, and the need for facilities and support. An amendment adding tax-credit language and opening eligibility to entities seeking to open child care facilities was adopted, and the amended bill passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee then approved HB 2321, requiring DCS to place a credit freeze on a child’s credit report when the child enters care, by a 7-0 vote. HB 2371, allowing consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration and adding a separate amendment on therapeutic interventions in parenting cases, prompted questions about whether AI arbitration is currently used and whether the amendment was germane; it passed 4-3. HB 2594, concerning the Address Confidentiality Program in family court and making attempts to obtain protected address information a felony, passed unanimously after testimony from a survivor and advocates. HB 2661, which requires DCS to inform parents under investigation that they may delegate temporary guardianship and seek court relief, passed 4-3 after amendment removed attestation and documentation requirements. Finally, HB 2995, a major domestic-violence custody bill, was heard with extensive testimony from survivors, attorneys, and legal aid advocates. The bill removes the “significant” domestic violence threshold, adds coercive control to the analysis, requires domestic violence to be treated as contrary to the child’s best interests, and mandates detailed court findings; supporters said it addresses cases where abuse was minimized in custody decisions, while members raised concerns about evidentiary standards, implementation, and the risk of false allegations. The committee adopted a 13-page amendment and then gave the amended bill a due pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill doesn't do anything to give them any special exception to athletic eligibility.
• We don't want to give any special exception to the Choose Act students or anything like that.
• And this bill doesn't do anything to give them any special exception to athletic eligibility.
• don't want to give any special exception don't want to give any special exception to<00:36:02.880
• <00:39:28.720> to change the bonafide move exception to change the bonafide move exception

Bills: SB342, HB379, HB326, HB233, HB388, SB342, HB379, HB326, HB233, HB388

Keywords: land bank, land bank authority, local land bank authority, Alabama Land Bank Authority, tax delinquent property, tax sale, tax lien, redemption period, quiet title, blight remediation, vacant property, foreclosure, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, intergovernmental agreement, county government, municipal government, redevelopment, brownfields, floodplain management

Transcript Highlights:

• I won't go into detail on it except to just let you know that we broke it down by program code and then
• There are certain exceptions if somebody is clearly unsheltered; they're not going to have their tax
• Also, I think there should be a carve-out exception similar to what this body did.
• They carved out an exception for law enforcement to return to work. That was a brilliant idea.
• But there could be a carve-out exception for retired state attorneys to return to work as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Except he could. He You would think. Except he could.
• exception, 2015. exception, 2015.
• was all dead except for the toddler. was all dead except for the toddler.
• exceptions are allowed. exceptions are allowed.
• :18.880> and It includes reasonable exceptions and It includes reasonable exceptions and allows

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a very crude metric, but there are some exceptions to what is counted.
• It's a very crude metric, but there are some exceptions to what is counted.
• It's a very crude metric, but there are some exceptions to what is counted.
• It's a very crude metric, but there are some exceptions to what is counted.
• It's a very crude metric, but there are some exceptions to what is counted.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it really is an exception and testimony to the dedication and to the resources that the General Assembly
• So, it really is an exception and testimony to the dedication and to the resources that the General Assembly
• So, it really is an exception and testimony to the dedication and to the resources that the General Assembly
• So, it really is an exception and testimony to the dedication and to the resources that the General Assembly
• So, it really is an exception and testimony to the dedication and to the resources that the General Assembly

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:07 Attendance Roll Call: 00:14 SB 68 Discussion 01:21 SB 68 Vote 04:40 SB 20 Discussion 05:34 SB 20 Vote 08:12 Adjournment: 09:15, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first took up Senate Bill 68, sponsored by Senator Maize Bledsoe. The bill would give the Kentucky Horse Park authority to bar or restrict participation by individuals sanctioned by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, with supporters saying it would help protect young athletes, adult athletes, and visitors at the multi-use state facility. Testimony from the Horse Park and the U.S. Equestrian Federation emphasized that the measure would have no fiscal impact and would be implemented through existing horse mounted police operations, without actively checking every visitor against the sanction list. The committee then considered Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Senator Maiden and presented with the Kentucky League of Cities. The bill would amend the city training incentive program statute to let cities set different incentive amounts for appointed and elected officials and remove the current statutory minimum and maximum amounts, giving local governments more discretion by ordinance. Senator Maiden said the measure is intended to encourage training for city officials and improve local government operations, and noted it had passed the Senate unanimously the previous year in similar form. Both bills were approved by the committee without opposition. Senate Bill 68 passed 10-0 with favorable expression, and Senate Bill 20 passed 9-0 with favorable expression. During the vote on Senate Bill 20, Senator Elkins explained his aye vote, saying he appreciated that the bill used permissive language and did not create an unfunded mandate. The committee then moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• regulation recognized that certain job duties would not be feasible with masks and allowed a very narrow exception
• That exception was noted in subsection F of the COVID regulation in one of the portions that's no longer
• regulation recognized that certain job duties would not be feasible with masks and allowed a very narrow exception
• and again, not for the whole job, but just for the moments you're doing the infeasible task, that exception
• That exception was noted.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its rules, and approved the consent calendar before hearing several bills. AB 538, by Assemblymember Berman, would require awarding bodies on public works projects to make a timely attempt to obtain certified payroll records from contractors when the public requests them, rather than simply saying they do not have the records. Supporters said it would clarify existing prevailing wage enforcement; county, city, special district, and housing groups opposed it over workload, privacy, and potential funding risks. The bill passed the committee on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 485, authored by Chair Ortega, which would direct state agencies to deny or renew business licenses for employers with outstanding wage theft judgments unless the judgments are satisfied or bonded. Supporters, including labor groups and a caregiver who described delayed recovery of unpaid wages, said the bill would give workers meaningful leverage to collect judgments. The California Hospital Association opposed it, warning that license action could threaten patient access to care. The bill passed on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 596, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would codify workers’ right to wear a face covering or respirator at work unless it creates a direct safety hazard. Supporters said the measure would protect workers from illness, wildfire smoke, and employer restrictions after prior Cal/OSHA protections expired; the Chamber of Commerce opposed it narrowly, asking for an exception where masks are infeasible for certain tasks. The committee supported the bill and sent it to Appropriations. The hearing concluded with the roll kept open for absent members and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then there are three states that prohibit it, with some exceptions; those exceptions are there.
• With some exceptions, those exceptions tend to be for police and firefighters.
• There are certain exceptions, and I could go on for 10 minutes. ...create units where that's an issue
• There are certain exceptions, and I could go on for 10 minutes, but I won't. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 2522 / H. 5909, which would amend state labor law to treat the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) as a public employer and allow its employees to seek collective bargaining rights. The chair explained the Article 48 initiative process, noted that no opponents or members of the public had signed up to testify, and said written testimony would be accepted through March 20. The hearing focused on whether CPCS staff should be brought within the public-sector bargaining framework and how that would interact with the agency’s statutory duties. Expert testimony began with an NCSL analyst, who gave a national overview of public employee bargaining rights and examples of public defender unions in other states and localities, including Colorado, New York City, Indianapolis, Cook County, Maryland, and Illinois. Department of Labor Relations officials then reviewed prior failed organizing efforts at CPCS and its predecessor, explaining that earlier petitions were dismissed because the agency was not considered a public employer under existing law. They said passage of the initiative would not automatically unionize employees, but would allow a union to petition for an election or written majority authorization, with normal unit-appropriateness and supervisory/confidential employee issues still to be resolved. CPCS Chief Counsel Anthony Benedetti testified that the agency supports providing information to the legislature but is not taking a position for or against unionization. He described CPCS’s statutory responsibilities, size, and current efforts to expand staffing after recent indigent-defense crises, and said any new bargaining framework would need to operate alongside the agency’s obligations to provide counsel. Proponents from SEIU Local 888 and allied labor groups argued that CPCS employees have long been denied the same collective bargaining rights as other public workers, and that a union would provide just-cause protections, a voice on staffing and working conditions, and better support for recruitment and retention. CPCS attorneys and staff testified in favor of the measure, citing heavy caseloads, rapid expansion, inadequate supervision and office support, and the need for representation in disciplinary and workplace disputes. Committee members asked about bargaining-unit composition, the role of the DLR, the effect of unionization on attorneys’ ethical duties, and the use and cost of paid signature gathering. The hearing ended with no votes taken and no opposition testimony presented.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so there's no expectation right now that there will be needed additional funding except, as they
• He was identified as a gifted, twice-exceptional student, and I've had...
• He was identified as a gifted, twice-exceptional student, and I've had my own school where my now my
• They have all of the statutes; we're not changing any of it, and their twice-exceptional students will
• We're not changing anything except we're pulling them out of this special ed act, which they didn't really

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this won't be affecting the school districts except to give them comfort that their products are protective
• So this won't be affecting the school districts except to give them comfort that their products are protective
• So this won't be affecting the school districts except to give. and the private right of action is against
• And so I said that in part because the opposition was talking about exceptions to deletions, and we can
• So with understanding the exception, understanding that the bill calls for a five-day processing, asking

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard two bills. AB 1159 by Assemblymember Addis would update California student data privacy law to extend protections to college students, limit how ed tech companies can collect and use student information, and add restrictions around sensitive data and generative AI use. Supporters, including Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, CFT, labor, civil rights, and education groups, said students and educators need stronger safeguards against invasive data collection and misuse. Opponents, including College Board, TechNet, CalChamber, and ACT Education, argued the bill was overly broad, could interfere with legitimate educational services and AI development, and raised concerns about a private right of action and impacts on adult students and recruitment opportunities. AB 883 by Assemblymember Lowenthal would expedite deletion of personal information for elected and appointed officials under California’s data broker deletion system by having state agencies provide official lists to the privacy agency and requiring brokers to delete the information within five days. Supporters said the measure responds to rising threats, harassment, and violence against public officials and would help reduce exposure of their personal data. TechNet and TechC.A. opposed unless amended, citing concerns about exemptions for lawful data sharing, the five-day timeline, and litigation risk, while the author emphasized the bill does not create a new right but streamlines access to an existing deletion process. Both bills were advanced after committee discussion and roll calls. AB 1159 passed 11-2 and was sent to the Judiciary Committee. AB 883 passed 14-0 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're eliminating those exceptions that come through.
• So you're eliminating those exceptions that come through.
• So you're eliminating those exceptions that come through.
• Um, there are already warrantless exceptions, right?
• Right. >> Right. >> And the reason that we carve up those exceptions is because there are already exceptions

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the entire Arcadia community, and whereas the student athletes, coaches, and staff demonstrated exceptional
• There are these exceptions where, or if you have a garage sale, there's these one-off moments where we
• community service, Lela Alston is a proud mother of a daughter and a son and grandmother of six exceptional
• Exceptional grandchildren.
• You've won every championship's award, except taxes and guns. Lela.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An exception to this general requirement of a search warrant is the open fields doctrine.
• And as a side note, West Virginia case law does recognize the open fields exception.
• It goes on to provide exceptions that permit law enforcement to use a camera where the camera is in a
• Of note, the committee substitute added the exception regarding missing persons.
• There's a pursuit exception, so they're in hot pursuit of a suspect.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Alabama, for example, it's illegal to wear a mask or hood in public places with a few exceptions,
• And Alabama, for example, it's illegal to wear a mask or hood in public places with a few exceptions,
• In Louisiana, it is prohibited to wear masks in public with the intent to conceal one's identity, except
• In your testimony on page six, you talked about Alabama having the exceptions for holiday costumes or
• I'm extremely proud of the task force, its extraordinary members, and exceptional leadership.

Bills: HCR3028

Keywords: human trafficking, victim services, re-entry programs, legislative study, public safety, mental health, law enforcement, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several measures related to human trafficking, criminal procedure, and child protection. It first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3028, which would direct a legislative study of human trafficking victim services and re-entry programs. The sponsor and supporters emphasized helping victims rebuild basic life and workforce skills and better understanding existing services; YouthWorks and the North Dakota Catholic Conference described current programs and the trauma victims face. The committee discussed overlap with other interim studies, then voted unanimously to give the resolution a due pass, with Senator Braunberger designated to carry it. The committee then considered House Bill 1263, concerning sealing criminal records, and moved it forward without changing the House version after members noted the House had removed presumption language and reduced the waiting period. That bill also received a due pass recommendation. Next, House Bill 1226, which revises the state’s mask law for public places, drew testimony from the sponsor and an expert witness who argued that masking to conceal identity during group criminal conduct undermines public safety and law enforcement. Members debated the House-added requirement that law enforcement request unmasking; the committee adopted an amendment to remove that language, then passed the bill as amended, with Senator Luick to carry it. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1410, a study resolution on criminal conduct against children, including child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and the use of artificial intelligence in exploitation crimes. Supporters from the Child Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force, YouthWorks, and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota said the study would help update outdated terminology, review AI-related issues, and improve investigation and prosecution tools. The committee approved the resolution with a due pass recommendation, and Senator Cory was assigned to carry it. The committee also received a brief report that, in a quick review, there were 82 active studies introduced, including 10 shall studies and 35 shall-consider studies, with limited overlap identified beyond the trafficking-related measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the Senate elected or appointed to serve in the first session of the 57th Legislature, except
• If there is no exception, it is so ordered. The Chair recognizes Senator Wirth.
• To the chamber, except for the purpose of a call.
• Until they return to the chamber, I can ask for it to leave off the part, except for the purpose of a

Transcript Highlights:

• So every single place that is referenced to that, except for like in the statement of purpose, it basically
• single place that is referenced to every single place that is referenced to that<00:19:11.440> except
• for like in the statement of that except for like in the statement of purpose<00:19:13.760> it
• Because it doesn't look like that; it just says except when.
• I understand that, but it does say “except,” and so that is where I'm questioning that the exception

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting covered two main items. First, the solid waste subcommittee reviewed draft language for HB 707, focusing on landfill siting and permitting standards. Members and the Department of Environmental Services discussed replacing repeated references to “aquifer” with “drinking water well,” clarifying that aquifer is a broad term, and considering whether a statutory definition was needed. They also debated the bill’s setback and time-of-travel provisions, including the 10^-5 standard, a 1,500-foot distance, and whether the bill should rely more on performance-based criteria than prescriptive distances. Another major topic was permit denial language tied to applicants with significant histories of repeated serious violations or landfill-related litigation; the department said it already has related authority in current rules, but noted some wording was still too vague and could be tightened. No vote was taken, and the chair closed the hearing with plans to continue work later. The second item was a work session on HB 424, which would direct the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food to create forms for businesses to request information about service animals and establish a study committee on fraudulent or untrained service animals. Several members said the problem raised by the bill was real but expressed concern that the legislature may be limited by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Others argued that a study committee would likely not produce a workable solution and might conflict with leadership’s direction to avoid unnecessary study committees. Members discussed whether the bill should be retained, amended, or instead replaced with a letter or resolution to the federal delegation. The committee appeared to lean toward ITL and possibly pursuing a letter to federal officials, but no final vote is reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unregulated, not subject to regulation, but there will be a few minor exceptions to that.
• I personally object to the entire bill because nobody asked for it except the OCA.
• I personally object to the entire bill because nobody asked for it except the OCA.
• I personally object to the entire bill because nobody asked for it except the OCA.
• <03:25:01.239> the because nobody asked for it except the because nobody asked for it except

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:23.080> for we suggest including an exception for we suggest including an exception
• We are encouraged by the inclusion of exceptions, and urge the committee to ensure that any exception
• We are encouraged by the inclusion of exceptions, and urge the committee to ensure that any exception
• removes the the exception language. removes the the exception language.
• except Glenn threw a pen at me one time. except Glenn threw a pen at me one time.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all