Transcript Highlights:

• hearing testimony in the order of sign-ups and may take an elected official out of turn due to their schedule

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hybrid hearing focused on insurance and retirement-related bills. Representative Hendricks testified in support of H.2874, which would create a Medicare buy-in program for certain state retirees age 65 and older who are not currently Medicare eligible, with the Commonwealth paying Part A premiums and late penalties. He argued the bill would reduce retiree health costs for the state and municipalities while improving benefits for retirees. Don Buckley also testified in support of H.2874, describing his own situation as a long-serving state retiree without Medicare coverage and urging passage of the bill. Paul Jakes of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Michael Riley of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems testified in support of H.2999/S.1862, which would provide fair worker representation on joint purchasing group committees. Riley also supported H.2933/S.1816, which would add a seat on the PRIM Board for non-state teacher retirement systems, and H.2954/H.1813, which would change the criteria and duration for systems considered underperforming in the public employee retirement system funding rules. He said the changes would better reflect current conditions and limit forced participation in PRIT to five years rather than in perpetuity. Committee members asked no questions during the hearing. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that you're scheduled to leave sometime around noon, and we'll respect that time, but wanted you

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several ceremonial resolutions. Members adopted resolutions commending Anticoagulation Forum Incorporated for recognizing May 2025 as Hypertension Awareness Month, the New England Chapter of the National Kidney Foundation for recognizing March 2025 as Kidney Disease Awareness Month, and C.R. Lyons and Sons Funeral Direction on its 100th anniversary. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the South Boston Citizens Association for its observance of the 249th anniversary of Evacuation Day. Senator Collins spoke at length about the historical importance of Evacuation Day, Boston’s role in the American Revolution, and the South Boston Citizens Association’s long-running efforts to preserve and promote that history. Tom McGrath, president of the association, thanked the Senate and said the holiday should be restored as a state holiday. The Senate also welcomed Irish Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, who discussed Irish-American ties, Irish companies operating in Massachusetts and the U.S., and the importance of maintaining cultural and economic links. The Senate further recognized guests including Lieutenant Jeffrey Diyadh, newly appointed legislative liaison to the State Police, the Hamilton-Wenham girls’ cross-country team, 2024 MIAA Division III state champions, and visitors from the North Attleboro Council on Aging. No substantive legislation was debated; the session consisted of recognitions, guest introductions, and ceremonial actions. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They mentioned that it will become increasingly difficult to schedule routine maintenance and repairs

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The commission received updates on several Capitol projects. For the ADA chairlift study, the consultant recommended replacing lifts in the legislative library, House chamber, and Senate chamber because of compliance and functional issues, with preliminary replacement costs estimated at about $400,000 including related plaster and finish work. Members asked whether the work would fit into the broader capital master plan, and staff said the project would be coordinated with the master plan to avoid work that might later be removed. The updated capital master plan itself was discussed, with members noting they had already voted to proceed with an owner’s representative subject to appropriations. Staff said the Office of Administration has the RFQ prepared but will not release it until budget funds are available, and the commission expects to revisit the matter after the FY26 budget is finalized. The chair emphasized that delays will increase costs and urged readiness to move quickly once funding is approved. The Governor’s Council on Disability also provided an update on the Digital Wayfinding Project. The team is working on the technical architecture, content governance, and sign design, and at this stage is only seeking approval of the signs rather than funding. Members raised questions about long-term maintenance, software updates, and responsibility for ongoing costs, and staff said those details are still being worked out. The commission then adjourned by motion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• They mentioned that it will become increasingly difficult to schedule routine maintenance and repairs

Summary: The commission received updates on several Capitol accessibility and capital planning projects. The ADA chairlift study was reported complete, with the consultant recommending replacement of the lifts in the legislative library, House chamber, and Senate chamber because of compliance and functional issues. Staff said preliminary replacement costs are about $400,000, with design expected to take a few months and construction another month or two, and that a new project will be set up for full design and construction. A separate fall protection project is in preliminary design to provide safe access for maintenance work around the restored stained-glass laylight and roof ladders. Members also discussed the updated capital master plan and the timing of an owner’s representative contract. The commission had previously approved moving forward subject to appropriations, and staff said the RFQ is prepared but cannot be released until budget funds are available. Several members emphasized the need to move quickly once the FY26 budget is approved to avoid delays and added costs. The Governor’s Council on Disability digital wayfinding project was also reviewed. Staff said the project is focused on technical architecture, content creation, and governance, and that the commission’s role at this stage is mainly to approve signage rather than provide funding. Members asked about long-term software and upkeep costs, and staff said those responsibilities are still being worked out, including who will update content for House and Senate areas. Members also stressed the importance of involving House and Senate leadership and administrative staff so the signs and system are reviewed before implementation. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fairs operate on very fixed schedules; infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and operational

Summary: The committee opened with routine announcements, including hearing logistics, public comment instructions, and a brief “fun fact” about National Pecan Month and Ag Day. After establishing a quorum, the committee took up a consent calendar of four bills—AB 2423, AB 2743, AB 2778, and AB 2779—which were approved unanimously. The main item heard was AB 1711 by Assembly Member Conley, which would require more timely distribution of state funds for fairs and fairgrounds and expand allowable uses for those funds. The author and the Western Fairs Association argued that fairs are important for agricultural education, local economies, cultural events, and emergency response, and that delayed funding leads to deferred maintenance and higher costs. Several committee members spoke in strong support, noting the importance of county fairs in their districts and their role as community hubs and emergency shelters. There was no opposition testimony. The committee voted AB 1711 out on a due pass motion to the Appropriations Committee, and the bill ultimately passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fairs operate on very fixed schedules, and infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and operational

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agenda, so if you have a conflict with another committee, please get with me so we can rearrange our schedule

Summary: The House convened, took the roll, heard an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then recognized Dr. Rachel Franklin as Doctor of the Day. Members also held a special presentation honoring the Christian Heritage Academy varsity cheer team for winning national titles in two divisions and grand champion honors. On the floor, House Bill 3044 was presented by Leader West. The bill renews the tax checkoff allowing taxpayers to donate part of their refund to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs equipment and capital improvement program. The House advanced the bill from general order and passed it 95-0. House Resolution 1032, designating February 17, 2026, as Oklahoma Aggregates Day at the Capitol, was also presented and adopted without objection. The remainder of the session consisted largely of announcements and introductions, including recognition of visitors from the aggregates industry, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission Leadership Class, ALS advocates, and several constituent and guest groups. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, and the House adjourned until Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes the session-by-session mentor schedule and directs the Department of Education to establish

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 considered three bills. SB 1318, relating to the Florida tax credit scholarship program, made a technical clarification that any remaining funds in a closed scholarship account revert but do not revert to the state; it passed favorably without debate. The committee then took up CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, improves transparency and accountability, and clarifies rulemaking authority through an adopted amendment shifting rulemaking language to the State Board of Education. During discussion, Senator Berman raised a question about removing a parent-notification requirement related to leaving children in vehicles, and the sponsor agreed to follow up. The committee reported the bill favorably after the amendment was adopted. The committee also considered SB 182 on school teacher training and mentoring programs. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House companion and narrowed mentor placements to D- and F-rated schools, expanded participation to districts and charter schools, tightened mentor qualifications, authorized stipends up to $3,000, and allowed use of educational enrichment allocation funds. Two appearance forms were filed in support, and the bill was reported favorably after the amendment was adopted. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked staff and recognized Kathy Missouri for her last committee meeting, with members applauding her service. Senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on the bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a preliminary schedule for the planning of the SLC conference.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Legislative Research Commission was called to order, a roll call established a quorum, and the commission approved a motion to adopt the June 18, 2025 minutes with specified exceptions, approve new business items A through K, and accept and refer communications items 1 through 52. The motion was seconded, a roll call vote was taken, and it passed unanimously among those present. During new business, a member provided a brief update on planning for the upcoming SLC conference in Lexington, noting that the schedule is still preliminary and that contracts are being signed. The member said the host committee is still raising funds, with about $2.25 million remaining to be raised by next summer, and thanked President Stivers and Speaker Osborne for their efforts. No questions were raised about the conference update, no additional new business or communications were offered, and the commission then moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned without objection after a second was noted on the motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to thank our witnesses in advance for taking time out of their busy schedules to be with

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee held an informational hearing on four Tribal-State Gaming Compacts and amendments negotiated between Governor Newsom and federally recognized tribes. Chair Blanca Rubio emphasized that no formal vote would be taken because the Legislature cannot amend the compacts; the ratification bills are AB 1527 and SB 864. Matthew Lee, Senior Advisor for Tribal Negotiations, explained that the compacts were negotiated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and were structured to stay within the permissible subjects identified and clarified by the Ninth Circuit’s Chicken Ranch decision. Lee first described the Trinidad Rancheria compact, which would allow up to 1,200 gaming devices at up to three facilities and includes labor protections, minimum wage requirements, anti-harassment and anti-retaliation provisions, state regulatory cost recovery, and revenue-sharing terms for operations above 350 devices. He then discussed the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians amendment, which extends the existing compact while the tribe and state remain in federal court, preserving the status quo and adding the state’s standard off-track wagering appendix. For the Pinoleville-Pomo Nation amendment, Lee said the compact was updated to reflect current law and more recent state compacts by removing environmental review and family law provisions, narrowing tort protections, revising revenue-sharing and impact mitigation terms, and updating financial disclosure language. For the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Lee said the amendment similarly removed Chicken Ranch-related provisions, narrowed tort and facility definitions, added a commitment to bargain in good faith over any future new forms of class III gaming, and extended the compact through 2036. Sycuan Chairman Cody Martinez testified in support, noting the tribe’s long history in gaming, its employment of more than 3,000 people, and its desire to continue operating its casino resort. No opposition was voiced, and the committee took no vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, moving to announcements, session schedule is as follows.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• grace to and from in the district and the many meetings to come, and already being booked and the schedules

Bills: SJR27 , SB7 , SB27 , SB57 , SB66 , SB140 , SB293 , SB413 , SB437 , SB467 , SB506 , SB510 , SB512 , SB571 , SB710 , SB785 , SB800 , SB850 , SB863 , SB865 , SB904 , SB905 , SB973 , SB974 , SB1191 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1494 , SB1504 , SB1522 , SB1567 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1723 , SB1760 , SB1838 , SB1923 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1964 , SB2121 , SB2167 , SB2221 , SB2321 , SB2368 , SB2373 , SB2407 , SB2431 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2807 , SB2965 , SB2986 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB8 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB21 , SB30 , SB37 , SB260 , SB268 , SB331 , SB379 , SB441 , SB447 , SB457 , SB509 , SB568 , SB650 , SB763 , SB1198 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1540 , SB1566 , SB1610 , SB1637 , SB1660 , SB1833 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2155 , SB2217 , SB2308 , SB2337 , SB2601 , SB2753 , SB2778 , SB2878 , SB2900 , SB2972 , SB3059 , HB4 , HB145 , HB300 , HB493 , HB2011 , HB2067 , HB2516 , HB2525 , HB2885 , HB2974 , HB3071 , HB3372 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB5138 , HB5246 , HB40 , HB46 , HB 119 , HB705 , HB1545 , HB2017 , HB2963 , HB3642 , HB3909 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HB796 , HB1523 , HB5294 , HB748 , HB3395 , HB180 , HB3171 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB5694 , HB 1135 , HB3225 , HB186 , HB1449 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB3336 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB5663 , HB2399 , HB 111 , HB3483 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB632 , HB4730 , HB5690 , HB5689 , HB3385 , HB4359 , HB5381 , HB 123 , HB5606 , HB 1057 , HB3664 , HCR141 , HCR40 , HCR59 , SR695 , SCR54 , HCR153 , HCR166 , HCR168 , SJR27 , SB7 , SB57 , SB66 , SB140 , SB293 , SB413 , SB437 , SB467 , SB506 , SB510 , SB512 , SB571 , SB710 , SB785 , SB800 , SB850 , SB863 , SB865 , SB904 , SB905 , SB973 , SB974 , SB1191 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1504 , SB1522 , SB1567 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1723 , SB1760 , SB1838 , SB1923 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1964 , SB2167 , SB2221 , SB2321 , SB2368 , SB2407 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2807 , SB2965 , SB2986 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB3070 , HB40 , HB 119 , HB705 , HB1545 , HB2017 , HB2963 , HB3642 , HB3909 , SB17 , SB21 , SB509 , SB1198 , SB1506 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2601 , SB2778 , HB300 , HB2011

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, school safety, emergency operations plan, multihazard plan, mandatory drill, disaster preparedness, emergency response, students with disabilities, impairments, special education, Section 504

Transcript Highlights:

• need. a bandwidth in order to, or some kind of connection, in order to do something simple like scheduling

Committee: House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Session schedule is as follows, Friday, February 7th, no floor session, no check-in session.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Session schedule is as follows. Tuesday, January 7th is a check-in session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got an 11:00 hearing scheduled, so we've got about 20 minutes.
• so we got about 20 hearing scheduled so we got about 20 minutes<00:42:06.960><c> representative</c><
• c> table</c><01:28:02.239><c> that</c><01:28:02.360><c> attorney</c><01:28:02.679><c> OK</c> the scheduled
• table that attorney OK the scheduled table that attorney OK Conor<01:28:03.199><c> referenced</c><01
• hearing at the Labor Department, and the Labor Department can confirm this, they will routinely schedule

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• approval, but our internal and external experts all believe that while we're behind the initial schedule
• So the public comment that was solicited earlier this month is on schedule for our submission to the
• Earlier this month is on schedule for our submission to the Administration for Community Living.
• And given our schedule for the procurement, development, and implementation of the lowest project, this
• We're scheduled to release Version 1 in October 2026.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 131, the all-payers claims database fee schedule.
• And there the legislature directed MDH to establish a fee schedule and a process for making these data
• :25.280><c> language</c> Since that language has passed, we've been advised that we need the fee schedule
• in</c><00:40:02.160><c> statute</c><00:40:03.599><c> uh</c><00:40:03.839><c> and</c> need the fee schedule
• in statute uh and need the fee schedule in statute uh and the<00:40:04.400><c> authority</c><00:40:05.359

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 517 is the governor's proposal to establish a fee schedule for the all-payer claims database, and
• establish</c><00:18:40.400><c> an</c><00:18:41.040><c> uh</c><00:18:41.120><c> fee</c><00:18:41.360><c> schedule
• </c><00:18:41.800><c> for</c><00:18:41.960><c> the</c> to establish an uh fee schedule for the to establish
• an uh fee schedule for the um<00:18:44.000><c> all</c><00:18:44.240><c> payer</c><00:18:44.600><c> claims
• Sections 1 and 2 create a fee schedule for the Commissioner of Health to assess fees on individuals and

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I did schedule an executive session for next Thursday. I just thought we may not need it.
• certain window of time and at least give three days for a person to be able to manage their work schedule
• certain window of time and at least give three days for a person to be able to manage their work schedule
• c><01:30:51.920><c> to</c><01:30:52.159><c> get</c><01:30:52.320><c> in</c> to manage their work schedule
• to get in to manage their work schedule to get in to<01:30:52.880><c> to</c><01:30:53.440><c> file</

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all